Need help, don't smoke but attempting to grow!

Thanks low rdr- My two plants are still growing...slowly but surely lol..I put them on a feeding schedule and played with the lighting, putting the bulbs within an inch of the plants and they def look better. The new growth isn't light green so that's a good sign. Also, the brown tips haven't spread so that's good too. As far as lighting I get so lost lol I think that part of my problem may be not enough lights in there so I'm going to be fixing my setup. The only other thing I can think of is Ph. I went to get a kit and can't find one. Going to be ordering one but as of right now I've been using bottled spring water and they seem to like that. I have to say tho' I have really enjoyed my growing experience so far..who would of thought! Yeah, the MG is weird..I used it for my sweet pea and morning glories last year and my morning glories were 40 ft+!
Ghost, my set up is "ghetto fab" simply a box painted flat white with the lights hung into it..apparently I cannot post pic's yet or I def would..I'm thinking of upgrading somehow, but with 4 kids I don't have hundreds of dollars to put into this :( like I would like to!
Thanks guys!!

GM,

I love your enthusiasm, and with CFL's you can definately put together a great setup on a budget. If you give me a budget, I can help you build a box to suit your needs, you just tell me how many plants you want to do, what you can afford to spend on materials, and I'll help. My first cabinet I had just over 400 into, my 2nd, of course I got a great cabinet on sale, but total cost of the 2nd box was $100, and it'll work for flower/veg, but not both at the same time (but a $10 modification can split the cabinet with sealed lighting on both sides, but ventilation will be a pain)

I'm more than happy to assist!

GM,

I understand that you have concerns that your not giving your seedlings enough light to grow - So I wanted to share with you my seedling veg stage, now my plant veg stage is just about the same, only with vertical lights instead of horizontal lights - So This is just a pic to show you that you have plenty of light for your seedlings - Now you can see that this small area is setup to be expanded for vegging, right now I'm ONLY using it for seedlings, but soon it will be pretty much for clones, have 3 additional 6500 lights, and be about 6" taller, keep in mind the plants will still be JUST AS CLOSE TO THE LIGHTS as they are now.

Hope this helps ease some of your doubts. (also included the stretched plant so you can see it)

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Low rdr, Going to shoot you some info/set up questions tomorrow but had a question. My plants are in peat pots and I noticed that the roots are sticking out the bottom drainage hole about 1/4 inch (if that)..I keep seeing people say not to pot the peat pot when transplanting so I'm not sure what to do cause I don't want to damage the root thats coming through!! Ugh, just when I thought things were chillen out a bit lol..any input??

In the future don't use the peat moss pots, I know why you did, I did the same thing (or attempted to) on my very first grow, it seems logical so everything has room to expand, if your not comfortable using a razor and quartering the peatmoss so you can gently pull it off without damaging the roots, go ahead and plant it. It WILL STUNT YOUR GROWTH, but the roots will eventually get through, honestly, you'd be adding 2-3 weeks to your grow if you can't get it off.

Be gentle, use a very sharp razor, and try not to nick any roots, you should be just fine. - Most of all, don't be afraid to make a mistake, that's half the fun is figuring out how to do it better!

Thanks again low rdr, got them out of the peat pots without injuring the roots (I think any ways) and I transplanted them into a 1 gallon planter..now I just have to wait and see..:)

Nice Job growmamma and great info low_rdr! I too am not a toker and started about a month ago. These forums are a wealth of information. Ive been reading hard almost every day for hours. Just signed up yesterday my self.

There is so many books written here; I can't read it all. So; I will give you my .02 worth. No offense to anyone else. Try this diea.

1st thing you need to do mama; Buy a PH pen. You can find an in expensive one on ebay. Many will say buying a cheap PH pen is a joke, but at least it will get you started. Later on, you can invest in a better pen or meter.

Although many folks believe that you need to ph water from the start...this is not true. PH does not effect plants until they are big enough to have a healthy set of roots. 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

If you are going to grow plants in soil; Start them in jiffy pellets. Buy a tray and clear cover with peat pellets included. Just use what you need. Follow the directions. It will work. You can start plants in these Jiffy pellets, and not transplant until roots are penetrating the cheese cloth around the pellets. Probably 4-5 nodes on stem.

At this point. Transplant pellets/seedlings into 1 gallon pots filled with a couple layers of newspaper to hold a 1/2-1 inch of pebbles, or lava rock. (This allows drainage, and oxygen for the roots). Normally I don't recommend Miracle Grow, But! Miracle Grow, "Organic choice" Potting soil works great. You can fill your 1 gallon pots with "Organic Choice for you veg period (16-18 hours), and your plants will be healthy and happy.

This is a very simple beginners method, and I promise you will be fine. When plants are small, you only have to water every 3 days most likely. And; After you transplant into your 1 gallon pots; You "DO" need your PH @ 6.5 You can order PH down off ebay for 7-8 bucks and learn how to use it with your PH pen; Or go to auto parts store, and buy a Battery acid refill kit. don't worry; Battery acid is nothing more than Diluted Sulphuric acid and is used by commercial growers everywhere. You only need a few drops in a gallon.

Hope this helps. Will be glad to help you keep a simple grow going. if you get to 8 weeks old plants that are healthy; I will explain how to replant in 3 gallon pots without stress. Or; Go to the growfaqs area and read. Good Luck Mama. Peace

Please don't listen to any of this. He posted the same thing in another thread, and I addressed it all there. Lots of bad info in that post.

Can anyone tell me how start a thread? (or what ever you call this thing with a topic at the top.) I need some advice on cloning. I wont get into it here because I think that would be jacking this persons thread. or is that okay? I'm new to forums in general.