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Step By Step Growing
This is just what i wanted as im concidering growing and i want to know everything before i start, just thought it might be usefull to others in my situation.
Obviously i didnt write it i found it on Plannetskunk.com lol
Q: How do I get help with growing Problems?
A: Post a question! BUT FIRST:
See if someone else has already posted this question by looking through the listed posts in the appropriate Forum.
Then- make sure you tell us:
What are you growing?
How old/big is it?
Soil grow or Hydro?
Indoor or outdoor?
What kind of lights?
What exactly is the problem (describe as best you can)
And use pictures if you have them!
Please read before posting plant problems, Marijuana Growing
Q: How do I grow it?
A: Read the tutorials, The Newbie Board Sticky Notes, and read the rest of the questions & answers here!
Here is a link to REAL BASIC info: EASY! STEP by STEP Plants!!!, Marijuana Growing but remember-- read the rest of the suggested materials too!
Q: Where should I grow??
A: That depends. If you live with someone who will not approve of your grow, indoors is not an option- as 'stealthy' indoor grows rarely work. There are lights, ventilation and space requirements, which make growing without roommates or spouses knowing near impossible. Outdoors, you have to consider whether it/you will be noticed by neighbors, roommates, spouses or worse,the authorities!
Also: If you are a Minor, and you're trying to hide a grow from parents-- don't!
There are specific legalities to consider. It is THEIR responsibility should you be caught. They could lose their property or go to jail should your grow be found by the authorities. Either get permission, grow elsewhere, or don't grow!
Q: Should I grow indoors??
A: Look around--do you have an empty closet, space under your stairs or dresser you could grow in?
Is it big enough (2.5 ft x 2.5 ft x 4 feet minimum) for a plant?
Can you afford the lights, electricity, start-up equipment?
You will need (bare basics) bags of potting soil, fertilizer, a 3-5 gallon planter for each plant, a small pot to start each one in (party cups w/holes in the bottom work!) Good water (city water=dead plant due to chlorine & fluoride!) enough/the right lights, and Viable seeds. PLUS: if you use HPS lights (best for MJ growing) you also need vents and fans. I will not get into Hydroponics /Bubblers etc... as I do not recommend 'em for beginners... BUT I will mention them later-on as there are some great/easy tutorials available!
If you have the space, the "stuff", and approval to do an indoor grow...Go for it! It is easier to control the environment and prevent diseases/pests indoors.
Indoor Grow questions? See if you can find it here: Indoor Growing, Marijuana Growing
Or post your own question at the beginners board!
Q: Should I grow outside?
A:If you have neighbors who know your every move, live in a high-profile/ high traffic area, have a short growing season (less than 4 Months of above 70F weather) or live where a 4-6 foot MJ plant would be easily seen & reported... Outdoors is not an option for you!
If you DO have a stealthy area for growing, it has at least 8 hours of direct sun a day, plus at least another 6 hours of indirect sun (NOT total shade!)-- have a water source (or can carry enough of it!) , Have 4+ months of warm weather, and either have good soil or can add potting soil & such to it... Plant outdoors! You'll have to check it often for pest damage & diseases-- but we'll get to that later.
When to put your plants outdoors? After the daytime temp in your area STAYS above 65F and the nightime temps above 50F-- unless you tent them-- Extend Your Growing Season & Deter Pests!, Marijuana Growing
Outdoor Grow Questions: Outdoor Growing, Marijuana Growing
Q: What soil should I use?
A: preferably a good quality potting soil mixed with pearlite or vermiculite (3 parts soil to 1 part pearlite or vermiculite). There are a lot of growers who use special blends with worm castings, guano, compost etcâ?¦ but unless you get their advice on how to mix it (must be mixed correctly, & is usually expensive), or unless you can get a specific pre-mixed brand --stick with basic potting soil mix. For sprouting pre-germinated seedsâ??try rockwool cubes or peat pellets (soak them 1st!) Then when the roots begin to barely show on the outside of them, plant the whole thing !
If you are growing outdoors, you can grow in Pots, or directly in the ground. For in-ground, you will need to get a Ph test kit and test the soil. You want the soil to be between 6.0-6.8ph. Higher or lower, you need to adjust it with sulphur (to make it more acid) or Lime (to lower the acidity)â?¦ doesnâ??t hurt to mix some potting soil or pearlite/vermiculite into the soil. Dig a hole 8-10 inches deep, 18inches across and crumble the soil real wellâ??removing weeds/roots/stones... then mix in other stuff! If the soil is very compacted, or has a lot of clayâ??these additions are a MUST! If you have very sandy soil, get a bag of commercial compostâ?¦ be sure to check the bag to make sure it says the ph level. Mix in a few handfuls so the soil can hold moisture better.Seed Germination & Mediums, Marijuana GrowingSoil Growers... please, your opinion!,
Q: What lights should I get?
A: What can you afford? Most people use HPS lights (High Pressure Sodium) which are composed of a ballast, reflector and special bulb. You can get kits to build your own, pre-builts, even self-contained lights with their own cooling systems. These start around $60 (US) for kits (plus a few additional parts sometimes) up to over $300 for the self-contained units. You need good ventilation, as these lights do give-off heat.
HPS lights are â??red/orangeâ? spectrum thoughâ??best for during flowering stage.
You should have a source of â??blueâ? light for the vegging stage (from sprout until beginning of flowering)
Many people swear by MH lights (Metal Halide) This light also needs it own special fixture (ballast) and can also be expensive. It gives off a lot of heat, so good ventilation is necessary.
Another option is the use of Fluorescent (fluoroâ??s) either alone or in combination with HPS for the vegging stage.
You need a lot of flouroâ??s to get anywhere near the amount of light from one HPSâ??and compact fluorescents (light-bulb type) give even less light. But depending on the number of plants you have and the amount if space you are growing in, flouroâ??s can workâ?¦ and a couple added to your grow room with an HPS will add the necessary blue light you need for vegging.
lighting information guide, Marijuana Growing
WHY HID OVER CF's :: PRIME EXAMPLE, Marijuana Growing
Make a CFL reflector cheap and get lit up at the same time!, Marijuana Growing
Q: How do I set-up my indoor grow area?
A: Depends on the space. Is it enclosed like a closet or bureau, or open to the room?
Most important: Lights (above) Ventilation (such as windows, fans, or installed vent-fan comboâ??s)
Temperature, Humidity control, and Reflectivity.
Control your temps to stay (preferably) between 70F & 85F and the humidity to between 35 & 60 IF POSSIBLE!
High humidity can cause fungus/mold problems. There are products on the market to keep basements dry, and dehumidifiers that work quite well to lower the humidity. Using Neem oil sprays also control mold/fungiâ??more on that later.
Too low of a humidity is not good either. You can raise it with a cheap drugstore vaporizer, a jug of water on a windowsill, or of course- a humidifier.
For Grow room Set-up info: Growroom Setup & Design, Marijuana Growing
Q: How do I start my seeds?
A: There are several ways- and everyone has their preferred method. Some folks simply drop them into a shot glass full of good (no chlorine/fluoride) water and set it in a warm place till they sprout, then carefully plant the sprout in a pot of soil, peat pellet or rock wool cube.
Others place the seeds between several layers damp paper towels on a glass plate; wrap it in plastic wrap and again in foil (or invert a 2nd plate over the top) and again- set in a warm place. Some folks like to plant in the soil before they sprout so they donâ??t have to handle the delicate new shoots, so they soak them for a few hours or carefully â??nickâ? the edge of the seed with a razor and plant each seed in its own pot, peat pellet or rockwool cube.
Q: What Nutes (Fertilizers) do I use, how much, and when?
A: Depends on who you ask! Every grower has a brand or blend they prefer.
Most (but not all) prefer Organics. Fish emulsion, seaweed/kelp, guano, compost, worm castings, bone meal, blood meal, wood ashâ?¦and moreâ?¦ are organics. With these, follow the directions on the package as recommended for indoor potted plants- whether you are indoor or outdoor planting.
Some growers swear by water-soluble â??completeâ? fertilizers such as Schultz or Miracle Grow since they also contain some minerals. Many growers will tell you that these will kill your plantâ??others swear by it. Your choiceâ??just remember- when using inorganic ferts, or organics that are high in nitrogenâ??use ?½ or less of the recommended amount when mixing, or you could burn your plant.
Remember!! Do not over-feed your plants! It can cause what is referred to as â??lock-outâ?â?¦ where the plant cannot take-up nutrients from the soil because it is too concentrated. If this happens- you will have to â??flushâ? your plant.
When to start? Again, opinions vary- but no matter what- when you first start, mix the ferts as a very diluted solution. They are babies and are easily overfed. You can start feeding after they have their 4th set of leaves, or are 2-3 weeks old, depending on what they are growing in. Some studies now say that early fertilizing & foliar feeding (next!) can increase the chances of producing females by up to 40%.
For Foliar feeding, many growers use the same ferts as used to water, but mix the watering solution 2/3 solution to 1/3 plain water so as not to burn the plants.
Organic Nutes list: Organic Nutrient List, Marijuana Growing
Q: When and how much do I water my Plants?
A: Check your soil! If you can feel moisture when you stick your finger in about 2 inchesâ??do not water yet!
You should always let at least the top inch to 2 inches dry before watering again. There is no set amount of time or #of daysâ?? and no set amount of water per-plantâ?¦ it varies according to temps and humidity.
When you do water- do it slowly!
Donâ??t just â??Dump and runâ? or you may be either drowning it, or not watering enough!
For potted plants, add a cup of water and wait until it all soaks in. if none of the water comes out the bottom of the potâ??add a little moreâ??and wait. Continue to do this until only a few drops come out the bottom. Thatâ??s enough!
Wait and see how much comes outâ??and dump your drip plate if necessary.
For in-ground plants- remember, you are dealing with more soil than just that around your plant. It goes deep- and a lot of the surrounding soil can & will wick some of the water away if it is dry outside.
Water slowlyâ?¦ wait until it is all absorbed before adding more. Once it begins to puddle, yet still slowly absorbsâ?¦ stop.
Q: What kind should I grow/where should I buy my seeds?
A: Go to the seed bank here at Planet skunk and read about the different breeds/strains. Donâ??t try right off the bat to grow fancy, hard-to-grow breeds. The seed bank has seeds sorted by indoor/outdoor, indica/sativa. Read all you can find both here and on the web on whatever strain you are interested in. Go for those recommended for beginners. Buy from the seed bank here at Planet skunk! They use stealth packaging, and often you get bonuses with your purchase (when available).
PlanetSkunk [ Superior Genetics - Worldwide Delivery ]
Q: When will they start to bud?
A: your plants will need to go through a growth period (vegging) until they are about 1/3 the size you want your finished plant to be. During this period they need longer periods of light and less darkness.
For indoor plants, most people â??Vegâ? their plants under 24hr a day lightsâ??or they simulate outdoor light cycles with 18 hours of light and 6 of dark. When the plant is 1/3 of the size you want it to be (suggested at least 12-18 inches!) Switch the lights to 12 hours on- and 12 hours of COMPLETE darkness. This means a closed area with absolutely NO light leaksâ?¦ not even an indicator light on a dehumidifier! After a week or two, your plants will â??showâ?â?¦ either developing hairs or balls.
Outdoors this cycle is different. Vegging takes place during late spring/summer sunlightâ?¦ approximately 17 hours of light to 7 hours of dark. AS the seasons go on, and the daylight shortens, the plant will start to flower so as to produce seeds (if it is Female & gets pollinated) before the cold weather begins.
Q: How do I tell a male from a Female?
A: Girls have pistles (hairs) boys have pollen sacks (balls)
And yesâ??this is the only way to tellâ??and yes you have to wait until they start to bud to tell.
If your plant has both- it is a hermaphrodite (Hermie) both Male and Female- and will pollinate itself if you let it grow.
How do ya tell the difference between a male and a female??, Marijuana Growing
Male- Female & Hermie Reference Pictures,
Q: What do I do if it is a Male/Hermie?
A: That is up to you. Most people pull them up and start over in hopes of getting a female.
Some people (who want to produce their own seeds) will let hermies grow, since about 40%-50% of the time the seeds will be feminized (all female) but the other 50%-60% of the time they are more hermiesâ??
which is ok if you want to save seeds, and donâ??t mind seeds in your bud!
Males are different. Most (but not all) People agree that you really canâ??t smoke it. And since most people are growing for the buds (without seeds in it) they kill them as soon as they â??showâ?.
If in a potâ??you could move it elsewhere and let it growâ?¦ then harvest it for â??trimâ? to make hash, butter or sweets. IF you have a male with a lot of crystals on it (rare) you can probably smoke it, and you can save the pollen in a zippy bag to give to someone for breeding. Put the bag in a plastic container & stored in the freezer, can remain viable for up-to a year.
Q: What if my plant has bugs/mold??
A: try to prevent it before it starts! Mold can be controlled with good air-flow and lower humidityâ??but spraying is still a good idea.
Neem oil products (under many names & companies) and garlic-pepper spray are your best preventatives, as they are organic and do not leave any pesticides or residue behind. As with all sprays, stop using 3 weeks before harvest.
Garlic Spray Tutorial: Trippas Never Fail Organic Garlic Spray for Garden pests....Check it out!!!, Marijuana Growing
Q: How can I control the size of my plant, or create more colas (bud sites)
A: Tying, topping and pinching your plants.
Tying: DUBMAN'S guide to low stress training (LST), Marijuana Growing
101 tying plants, Marijuana Growing
Topping/pinching: topping, Marijuana Growing
Tying older plants: Just a "Tip"... Tying older plants w/out breaking, Marijuana Growing
Q: When is it ready to harvest?
A: Some people will still say that it is when most of the hairs on the buds have turned an orangey-brown color.
But because many other factors such as nutrient deficiencies, high temps, low humidity, etc.. can make the hairs turn before the plant is ready for harvestâ??you need to check the trichomes.
Trichomes are the THC crystals produced by the plant on the buds and some of the smaller â??bud leavesâ?.
Use either a good magnifying glass (30x or better), a jewlers loop, or a hand held microscope to look at the crystals.
get microscope at RadioShack- Audio/Video Electronics, MP3, LCD TVs, GPS, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, Accessories
Trichomes start out clearâ?¦ as they mature, they turn milkyâ??then amber.
If you want an â??upâ? spacey, sativa-like highâ?¦ then harvest when most-to-all of the trichomes are milky.
If you want a deep relaxation, narcotic buzzâ?¦ harvest when 1/3-1/2 the trichomes have turned amber.
Good times to harvest, Marijuana Growing
Q: How do I harvest/Dry and cure my plant?
A: There are as many answers to this as there are growers. Basically, you need to cut the plant (or individual branches) and hang them in a cool dark place to dry... then â??manicureâ? your dried buds from the big leaves and stems and store them in an airtight container. Open the container for an hour each day to let out the â??stale airâ?. Do this for 2 or more weeks until the bud is â??curedâ? to your liking.
There are other methods of Harvesting, drying and curing. Here are a few links for other methodsâ??there are even more both on the forum board and on the net.
Water Curing: Easy water-cure, Marijuana Growing
Q: Is there anything I can do with the leaves and â??trimâ??
A: Absolutely! Drying, Grinding, and using it in baked goods is the old fashioned wayâ?¦
But there is homemade hash, canno butter (for use in or on goodies!) home made sweets, and more!
Hash from buds: How to Make Hashish, Marijuana Growing
Hash from Trim (water method): Home Made Hash, Marijuana Growing
Hash from Trim (alcohol method): Home Made Hash, Marijuana Growing
Canna Butter: Deadvets Tute for CanoButter Cookies, Marijuana Growing
THC Truffles: Easy, Kick-Ass THC Truffles!, Marijuana Growing
Other relevant Growing Info :
Cloning Your Plant: Cloning marijuana plants with rockwool, Marijuana Growing
Dubman's Bubble Cloner Tutorial, Marijuana Growing
Easy Bubbler: Bubbler Hydro System, Marijuana Growing
Fixing bent/broken stems: How to repair broken branches or stems, Marijuana Growing
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Step By Step Growing
Awsome! This should be stickied!
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Step By Step Growing
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Step By Step Growing
Hi all,
Please help or send me to the appropiate officials :)
I have three plants that I have started to bud early;
Ive cut the light to get my buds going but it seems that
my buds are not getting 'full'. I started w a great strain,
great soil, greenhouse conditions, etc. I have cut the
light to 10 1/2 hours. Also I have enhanced them w a
flowering supplement. Why are my little buds staying
little? Any advice is appriciated.
Thanx,
the Sweetman
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Step By Step Growing
This post covers many basics... should be stickied :) Thanks :)
