NEWBIE - we all were once

Im a newbie who is ready to start - Ive purchased a 400W halide and Na light. I read that pH is important. Is it the water I use to water the plant what i shoul be testing? Do the ferts change the pH? If I use a ferts in the water I use to water the plants, do I test after adding them and adjust? Im confused, but eager to learn. HELP a newbie also what ferts should I use (after 2 weeks) that are easily purchased? There are so many things mentioned here Ive never heard of.

OK 1st thing you need to do is read all the FAQs if you havent already. Try to get a book its very helpful. OK the ph is tested in the soil if your growing soil, and tested in the water if your growing Hydro. Buy a PH tester the FAQs i think has the certain PH level chart during the different stages in growing the plant because it changes. Ferts can raise or lower PH levels but just test it and then go from there. Theres all different types of Ferts I use Sunleaves bat guano and Fox farm poducts like tiger bloom and big bloom.

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Originally Posted by boogietyme

I read that pH is important. Is it the water I use to water the plant what i shoul be testing? .

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First test your soil, before you plant anything in it. Around 6.5 is good. If it's higher than 7. add pH down. If it's lower than 6.5, add lime. Moisten the soil, mix well, wait a little while. Test again. Repeat until you like where it is.

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Originally Posted by boogietyme

Do the ferts change the pH? .

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They can and most likely will lower it. So starting with a soil that's just above where you want to be is better.

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Originally Posted by boogietyme

If I use a ferts in the water I use to water the plants, do I test after adding them and adjust? .

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To mix your ferts, add all the water to the watering can first. Then put in what you need. Then test the mixture for pH. Adjust if necessary.

If you see a plant that is suffering from some general malaise that you can't quite identify, drench it with distilled water and test the runoff out of the drain holes to check if pH is a problem.

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Originally Posted by boogietyme

what ferts should I use (after 2 weeks) that are easily purchased? .

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You can stand to wait a little longer than 2 weeks even. It's the # of adult leaves. You should see 3 or 4 sets, then start with a very weak fertilizer.
After that, any of the special ferts like fox farms, pureblend pro, power plant, etc are good.

Or you can read up on your organics.

Read read read.
Start off with good soil. Don't overwater or overfertilize. Be patient. Read.

Happy growing