Ok what im attempting to do is to break down the whole growing process of how i do things from start to finish. Nothing on here is set in stone considering there's probably a hundred different ways to grow. This is just how I do things.
First off we will be popping some seeds using the paper towel method. For this process i use 2 Styrofoam plates, a paper towel, spray bottle with water, and of course the seeds. The main thing i consider with this process is temp control. I usually keep the temps around 80-85 degrees. If this is being done in a cooler part of the house, a heat mat will come in handy.
Step 1) I will usually fold a paper towel and mist it with water. I normally will use distilled water at this time. Then place your seeds onto the paper towel. If you are growing multiple strains its better to have each strain on different plates and properly label them. Trust me on this one. [attachment=o279406]
Step 2) I then fold the moist paper towel over the seeds then remist. I try to have it real moist, not dripping wet. Now it's time to place the second plate on top. The reason i do this is cause it acts just like a dome. After this is completed, I place them in a warm dark place. Now its a waiting game. Usually they will take anywhere from 24hrs to a week. Most of the time im looking at around 1-3 days. DO NOT LET THE PAPER TOWEL DRY OUT. If you are using a heat mat make sure you check them on a more regular basis. [attachment=o279407]
Now that the seeds have popped, it's time to transplant. [attachment=o279408]
For this process i use tweezers, sharpie pen, party cup, phd tap water (6-6.3), seed starter medium, digital ph pen, and a single small T5 light.
Step 1) First thing i do is mix up the seed starter while it is in the bag. It seems by doing this it will uptake water better. I then use a thumb tack to pop a bunch of holes in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Fill the cup with the seed starter mix and water with 6ish phd water. I personally use Fox Farm Light Warrior but MG seed starter works just as good IMO.
Step 2) After the medium is all wet I will then use my sharpie pen to make a shallow hole in the middle of the cup. Usually just deep enough so that the seed is barely covered. [attachment=o279409]
Step 3) While using the tweezers, I gently grab the seed and place it into the hole with the taproot pointed down. Never touch the taproot just the shell of the seed. After that is completed its time to gently fill in the hole. I also use my tweezers for this. After the seed is covered, I slowly water. The reason i go slow is cause if you just pour water onto the cup you have a good chance of pushing the seed further down into to soil. Or you might just wash away the medium on top of the seed. Either way its better to water slowly or mist.
Step 4) Now that everything is completed they are placed under the T5. I still personally like the temp to be around 80 degrees. Once again its now time for the waiting game. You should see the little ones pop up within a weeks time. Sometimes sooner, sometimes longer. I usually average around 2-3 days for this to happen.[attachment=o279402]
I will usually keep them under the T5 til i start seeing a little stretch to them then i will place them under some 6500k cfls. I run the lights 24/7 while they are in the party cups. This will be their home for the next week to two weeks until they are ready to be transplanted into 1gal pots. From here on out i will use Fox Farm Ocean Forrest. By far the best soil that i have used to date. All i use is 6.5 phd water til about 3 or 4 weeks into flower. No nutes.
I will add a pic tutorial to this thread involving transplanting, topping, cloning, and harvesting/curing later down the road. If anyone has questions or if you see something i missed, feel free to speak up.
