Beginning a grow, question on soil and seeds

Firstly, how can I tell if my seeds are healthy enough to grow. Should they be hard/soft green/dark green etc?

I have read that I should not introduce fertilizer when planting seeds. Is planting the seed in a nutrient rich soil all I need to do to in order for it to grow? Should light be introduced only after it was grown above the soil?

How long after it was sprouted should I introduce fertilizer?
I was thinking of using something like with 25 percent nitrogen, any suggestions? What is the ratio of fertilizer:Soil?

1 more :)

How often do you water after planting seeds and after moving them to a bigger pot?

Thanks...

btw i have read some of the noob tutorials, but just wanted to clarrify.

well the seeds should be hard not soft and im not sure on the color but green all the ones i bought were like brown with blackish stripes.Plant seeds in soil that has no fertilizer in it so like not miracle grow.You should add nutes at 4-5 nodes thats when veg starts anytime before that its a seedling and all it needs is water.You should water every other day is what i usually do but id take advice from others on the whole watering thing.Im not sure about the 25% nitrogen thing so ask like a mod or something becuase they are alwyas smart and love to help out.I add light to the seedling as soon as it pops out of the soil.Well i hope all this is somewhat helpful.good luck

your seeds should be brown little hard bb's... germinate them using a paper towel method.. your soil doesn't need to be nutrient rich at the start.. but fertillize them after ohh what a month? I'm not positive on that... and only water when the top layer of the soil is dry and the plant is "slightly" drooping. Gather more info from the other fellow stoners on this site... in regards to your lighting equiptment, PH levels, air purification & exhaust system, temperature, and humidity control.

Excellent, thanks alot...i almost expected to get flamed for the questions :D

wait to fertilize til it get 4 true sets of leaves

for fets in soil 25%N is was too high, you would kill anything, if you want nute rich soil try for bone and blood meal at recommended amounts and wait to put seedlings in it til 4 true sets of leaves

watering comes different per soil mixture and person, you will have to feel for it, it depends on soil mixture but generally 2-4 days. also eventually you will be able to lift pots and feel the weight and tell if they need water or not

generally when you transplant you want to start with smal pots and work your way bigger when plants show signs of rootbound. doing it thisway promotes healthier faster growth then trying to start in big pots

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Originally Posted by Barney Trouble

Excellent, thanks alot...i almost expected to get flamed for the questions :D

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...them days are about over, Barney...the new sheriff..."don't cotton to flaming in these parts".....:postreadrulez:.....:rastabanna:...good luck with your grow...:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by texas grass

generally when you transplant you want to start with smal pots and work your way bigger when plants show signs of rootbound. doing it thisway promotes healthier faster growth then trying to start in big pots

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I very strongly agree with this. There's the added bonus that starting in smaller pots allows you to bunch small plants close together and maintain the ideal continuous canopy that does not 'lose' light to the soil surface, making your overall use of your available watts most efficient.

I should start with the 18/6 lighting as soon as I see the seed has grown past the soil?
I know there are lots of different soil and fertilizers, but can someone recommend their personal favorite?

For small seedlings, Farfard seedling mix.
For plants past the 4th node, Agway compost and manure, mixed with ~30% perlite.
I run 24/0 until flowering personally. There's a link in my sig that explains my favorite techniques for a pretty basic and low-hassle grow.

How much botanicare should be mixed in with the agway when starting the vegetative state?

You don't mix those. The compost is your soil, the botanicare is your liquid fertilizer.