My First Ever Grow (Advice more than Welcome)

Ok...I'm starting this thing from the very beginning and going to go through the whole grow. Hopefully my plants will make it there. I've read the FAQ in depth, and while I'm sure there is much more to learn...I'm going to try to also learn by experience.

For right now, I have 4 seeds germinating. It's just bag seed, but came from some Skywalker I got a while back from Hightimestoner. I'm not sure they'll sprout, but hey, might as well give it a try.

Right now I have them germinating using the paper towel method.

I cut down some papertowel to the size of a ziploc bag. Wet two pieces wrung them out some and put them in my ziploc bag. Then I put the four seeds on top of those papertowels. I wet two more pieces and wrung them out, after whick I placed those on top of the four seeds.

Now we play the waiting game.

try and grab yourself some superthrive, while your waiting.

Not a bad idea Mobay. I've been debating with myself on which nutes to use.

I picked up lights today. I'm going to start them off Vegging with 2 45W cool spectrum CFL's and gradually increase that to 4, most likely throwing a warm spectrum CFL in the mix.

What do you guys think...should I go 24/0 or 18/6?

When they're ready for flowering I want to add a 400W HPS

Uh oh, you're posting the same thing in 2 forums. Everyone pick one and stick with it so we don't get confused...

Well I can erase one of them, I just wasn't sure which place would get the most attention. And obviously the more attention it gets, hopefully the better advice there will be.

Try to go organic in all things, soil, ferts, and additives. Make sure your grow space has reflective material in it and there is no light leakage whatsoever. When and if you get some superthrive only use it during vegetative stage. It doesn't do much and in some cases inhibites floral growth. Use sugar doing flowering instead. Try to give your soil a good N count cause higher N levels at the begining of growth helps to promote female tendencies. As for lighting go for a 20/4. Another thing, make sure the circuit you are putting the HPS on can support it. You don't want the house to burn to the ground do you? A good light mix for two plants is three Cool watt CFL on each plant with one Warm CFL over both to help fill out the spectrum. Hope any of this helps.

Happy Toking :rasta:

Hmmm...seems I may have already made a mistake. I think I got the wrong CFLs. And yet...I didn't see any that said cool.

That said, I bought two of the 42W - 2600 lumen CFL's. but, now that I'm looking on it I see that they are soft white.

I did buy one daylight bulb that is 27W - 1300 lumens.

That said...I have taken nothing out of the packaging because I'm still germinating anyways. Which lights are better? I got these at Home Depot, maybe Walmart has the cool ones. Let me know what you think, I appreciate it guys.

Picked up some Lights of American "Daylight" CFLs from WalMart. 35W (135W replacement) at 2k Lumens. Blue spectrum. Got them specifically because they say "daylight" on the package. Lights of American also makes some that don't have "daylight" on the packaging. These are the ones with the bulb in the circular pattern. They are bigger than the U shaped bulb CFLs that you always see.

Never have seen them at HomeDepot or Lowes.

Walmart doesn't seem to carry a large supply of these. The first time we cleaned them out and only got 4. The next two trips to different Wally-Worlds we couldn't find any. Got 2 and 1 from some WalMarts in a different town (cleaned them out too). So, you'll probably have to hunt for these.

Just started some seedlings, so I can't be certain how they will work. Anyone ever tried these? :confused:

Is this what you are talkingt about? This is the 42 watt Megalite
also sold as the reading light but both are the same thing
model#2342 these are what in using.

Ok...got it. I'll go back tommorow and get more of the daylight bulbs. I guess I'll hang on to the soft whites ones until I hear back from someone as to whether I could use them for flowering, or as supplemental lighting or something.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yabatab

Is this what you are talkingt about? This is the 42 watt Megalite
also sold as the reading light but both are the same thing
model#2342 these are what in using.

---

I can't see the packaging on that too well. The style mine are is the spiral lights, and you do need the blue spectrum, or daylight lights. That's the word.

Those are daylight bulbs $9 at WalMart

Sounds like that would be perfect. I'll go pick up a few more. Wait till you guys see my little setup. It's funny. And probably not going to work to well...but lol, gotta do the best we can with what we have.

Just checked my seeds out...2 seem to be close, my ziploc bag smells a little funny. What's that about?

Here is a pic of the CFLs we are using (out of package).

http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=72774

Looks good! I've came up with a picture of my basic setup. It needs some work. But remember I am a first time grower, and am most likely only going to be growing one plant once I sex them. If I can figure out how to put a picture on this dang thing.

[attachment=o82982]


Ok, that's my little sketch. I already know how I'm mounting the two side lights...I'm still thinking about how the three top lights will go on. Hrmmm...

24hrs into germination...not too much happening yet. Patience is Virtue.

I'm just hoping the seeds were viable. They looked good, but were pretty old so we shall see.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by soccergal

Just checked my seeds out...2 seem to be close, my ziploc bag smells a little funny. What's that about?

---

change all of the paper towels and get a new zip lock bag
you have a fungus or mold starting to grow most likely.

Done...and guess what I saw when switching the bags?

One of them has a root tip!!!!

bump

good luck with your grow...decided on your nutes?

I know I'm using the Terracycle Plant food. It's all natural and made from worm castings. That's the only thing I've definitivaly decided on.

Any suggestions on what else I should use would be welcome.

Ok Guys...so I have a few seeds in soil now and I'm just waiting to see some sprouts. As soon as I do I'll start posting some pics for you. Also, Just to make it clear...my Rubbermaid grow is two part.

In the diagram a few posts up, that is just one of the boxes. I will be using that to start in order to keep the lights close to the plant. When the plant gets too big, there is a second box that I will be putting on top of that one to double the height.

bump

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by soccergal

Ok Guys...so I have a few seeds in soil now and I'm just waiting to see some sprouts. As soon as I do I'll start posting some pics for you. Also, Just to make it clear...my Rubbermaid grow is two part.

In the diagram a few posts up, that is just one of the boxes. I will be using that to start in order to keep the lights close to the plant. When the plant gets too big, there is a second box that I will be putting on top of that one to double the height.

---

:P. most Rubbermaid Grows are 2 boxes one fliped over for a lid (extra grow space) here is an example of one. mine is basicly the same expect with out the 3rd box and the HPS light ontop of it.

Awesome! Thanks so much for the pic. Thats what I was picturing except without the 3rd box. Hope it all works out. Still working on the intake and outtake.

Well i whould recommend Starting off with the boxes. to adjust light just put a card board box inside with a bunch of box stacked up. that way when they babies grow you take a book a way to make up for the growth. Then in later growth Make another box with Bigger lights. WARM lights all WARM lights. that can be your Flowering box. that way when your babes are ready to hit 12/12 you can germ some more seeds and transfer your babies into the 12/12 and put the germed seeds in teh veg box for veging. that way you get a system goin and have a supply of herbs every month every other month. start off with 3 or more plants and only pick the best 2 for you grow cuz they will out grow the box if you have 3 or 4 unless you planing on soging which im not sure has been done so i odnt' know about that i'd recommend LST, Scrog or both.

For intake out take
well you can do it 2 ways.

1) put on fan blowing air out on the top box on One side and on the Other side on the Bottom box, put a a hole of equal size. or a fan blowing in if the heat becomes and issue.
OR
2)put a fan on TOP of the Top box right in the middle and on the bottom box put 2 holes, One on each size of Half or Three Quarter Size.
which is the case of what im doin

Well I scrapped my first attempt to germinate the seeds. I think I kept the too warm and moist. I say this because I planted when I saw the white tip...but after over a week...I dug them up only to find that they hadn't progressed at all, and one of the white tips had turned a dark color.

That said...I have retried, and things seem to be going much better. After talking to Mordok and Psycho4bud, I decided to try soaking my seeds in water with a little hydrogen peroxide for 48hrs. Then I put them in some Scotts Potting Soil for Seed Starting. These are the specs.

• Fast-rooting formula of water-absorbing sphagnum peat moss and perlite, specifically designed to germinate and grow seeds
• Also ideal for establishing root and stem cuttings
• Phosphorous added for strong root development
• Backed by Scotts No-Quibble Guarantee of complete satisfaction

I also added a little hydrogen peroxide when I watered them so that when they popped they would be greeted by oxygen. I waited a few days and watered again as the soil was getting dry. Today...I couldn't wait any longer to see if things were going successfully. So I carefully moved aside the dirt to see one of the seeds...and low and behold...there was a corkscrew shaped root going on...and the seed was halfway split.

That said...I think there is only a few more days before I'm seeing some baby's popping up!!! Wish me luck guys!!!! I can't wait to get this show on the road!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by soccergal

Well I scrapped my first attempt to germinate the seeds. I think I kept the too warm and moist. I say this because I planted when I saw the white tip...but after over a week...I dug them up only to find that they hadn't progressed at all, and one of the white tips had turned a dark color.

That said...I have retried, and things seem to be going much better. After talking to Mordok and Psycho4bud, I decided to try soaking my seeds in water with a little hydrogen peroxide for 48hrs. Then I put them in some Scotts Potting Soil for Seed Starting. These are the specs.

• Fast-rooting formula of water-absorbing sphagnum peat moss and perlite, specifically designed to germinate and grow seeds
• Also ideal for establishing root and stem cuttings
• Phosphorous added for strong root development
• Backed by Scotts No-Quibble Guarantee of complete satisfaction

I also added a little hydrogen peroxide when I watered them so that when they popped they would be greeted by oxygen. I waited a few days and watered again as the soil was getting dry. Today...I couldn't wait any longer to see if things were going successfully. So I carefully moved aside the dirt to see one of the seeds...and low and behold...there was a corkscrew shaped root going on...and the seed was halfway split.

That said...I think there is only a few more days before I'm seeing some baby's popping up!!! Wish me luck guys!!!! I can't wait to get this show on the road!

---

Awsome. plz enlighten me on what you did Step by Step and how much. to get your results. my seeds died :(

Ok...remember I am no type of pro...so what I did, may not have been the best way.

• First I took a cup and filled it with bottled water that I had let sit out overnight.
• I then added a couple capfuls of hydrogen peroxide the 3% variety.
• Next, I put in my seeds.
• I shut the cup in a drawer right by my computer monitor...which kept it relatively warm.
• I let this sit for around 24 hours and checked on them.
• They were all at the bottom of the cup, at which point I allowed them to sit for another 24hrs.
• After that 24 hr period I got my containers ready and put my seeds directly into the soil.
• Soaking the seeds allows the shell to soften and them to open easier.
• Putting them directly in soil and skipping paper towel method avoids the issue of having to handle the seed and possibly damage the tap root.
• I left them for a few days before gently pushing aside the dirt on one to see if they were progressing and I am happy to say they are!!!

That's all I did as far as germination.

lol thought the Bullets you added in earlier post were stuff YOU added to soil. but then i relized we both using the same soil. did you add any lime or extra perlite to it? i added about 40% perlite for extra dranage. pluse a dash of dolomite lime. did you add any lime>

or did you just put the soil out of the bag in the cups. germed your seeds w/ luke warm water with 3 cap of 3%(alchole??) hydrogen peroxide. for 24 to 48 hrs to soften shell But not until they break. then put directly in to your untampererd (no lime, or extra perlite add) soil?

how much water did you add to the soil for moister?
how many days tell you saw the root growth?
did you add any Hydro Perox. to the water for Moisting the soil?? or watering?

thx. im a nub indoor grower. i grew one time last year and that was out door in which i just poped a hole in the ground poped a seed in it and long be hold 5 months later i got a 11'4" female looking like a christmas tree :P. so we goin to learn together :P cool?

Well my friends...I'm excited to say, we have lift off!!!! I woke up this morning and lo and behold one of my seeds has shed it's shyness and decided to come up!!! I will post a pic tonight. This grow journal is officially growing!!!!


Now...in response to questions:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiXFeEtDeEp

lol thought the Bullets you added in earlier post were stuff YOU added to soil. but then i relized we both using the same soil. did you add any lime or extra perlite to it? i added about 40% perlite for extra dranage. pluse a dash of dolomite lime. did you add any lime?

---

If you're using the same soil that I did, then I don't think you really need to add anything during the seedling stage. You could add a little more perlite but it's already in the soil. I just left it as is. With the exception of I squirted a little bit of Terracycle All Purpose Plant food. It's all natural...won't cause nute burn or anything like that. I won't use anything else until the plant is 3 weeks old.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiXFeEtDeEp

or did you just put the soil out of the bag in the cups. germed your seeds w/ luke warm water with 3 cap of 3%(alchole??) hydrogen peroxide. for 24 to 48 hrs to soften shell But not until they break. then put directly in to your untampererd (no lime, or extra perlite add) soil?

---

Yes, I took the soil out of the bag and put it in my containers...I then drenched with water until it came out of the bottom. After all excess water had drained, I made a little hole for my seeds and placed them in. Covered with a little dirt. And watered again.

The seeds were germed with lukewarm water with 3 capfuls of hydrogen peroxide. This helps kill any bacteria that may be on the seeds. 3% refers to the strength, not alchohol.

Untampered soil is right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiXFeEtDeEp

how much water did you add to the soil for moister?
how many days tell you saw the root growth?
did you add any Hydro Perox. to the water for Moisting the soil?? or watering?

---

I explained about the water. Seeds need moisture. You don't want to wait until the soil gets dry to water. It should be moist at all times. This is my opinion...but it makes sense right?

I saw root growth after 2 - 3 days. And like I said...today I've got a seedling!!! and this is the 4th day. The seedling looks very good and healthy. Yes, I added some hydrogen peroxide to the water that I watered with the first time. Since then I have kept it moist with just water.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiXFeEtDeEp

thx. im a nub indoor grower. i grew one time last year and that was out door in which i just poped a hole in the ground poped a seed in it and long be hold 5 months later i got a 11'4" female looking like a christmas tree :P. so we goin to learn together :P cool?

---

I'm a noobie myself. But I have done a lot of research...and I believe that I am on the right track. At 3 weeks I will transplant my plant into a new pot with the soil it will spend it's life in. That Scotts soil is for seedling, and will feed them everything they need for the first 3 weeks. Here are some different options as to mixtures you can use next.

1/3 each of:

1. peat vermiculite perlite
2. sand vermiculite perlite
3. peat vermiculite worm castings
4. worm manure coarse sand
5. worm perlite vermiculite

or 1/2 each of:

1. peat perlite

Those measurements came from "Ready Set Grow."

As for lime...1 cup of dolomite lime per square foot of whichever mixture you choose.

Here she be folks! Day 1 of the seedling stage.

Looking good. Get the CFL's as close as you can, and make sure the temps are between 70- 75F

And remember, no nutes untill at least 3 weeks into the grow

Goodluck.

Gotchca Lip. Still haven't decided on the nutes. What do you think?

yeah i got about 1 year reasearch here. 3 years research on OverGrow (RIP)
i still got the OverGrow FAQs. and a SHIT LOAD of Favs. i just never heard of using peroxide. well not in starting em anyways. pluse i only got one grow under my belt which was out-side... here a couple other soil mixes if you want to go all organic or both. pluse the link to wherer i got this info.

40% composted soil
30% worm castings
20% perlite
10% dolomite, guanos, goodies, etc.. i've also heard good things about "uncle
malcolm" brand soil from peaceful valley is good....

if you're mixing organics with chem ferts, the plant will use up what the chem
ferts feed it first, then partaking afterwards in the organic nutes. the beauty of
organics is it's almost impossible to burn your plants, and the taste is superior to
chem. grown plants.

i use pure blend 1 - 0.5 -1 for veg and fox farm big bloom 0.8 - 3.0 - 1 for
flowering. they're expensive but the plants really like it. sometimes i'll make a tea
out of worm castings & guano. peace




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9 gallons peat moss
3 gallons vermiculite
6 gallons perlite
1 pound blood meal
1 pound bone meal
1 pond green sand
1 pound lime or dolomite lime
1 pound rock phosphate
Pinch of boron (borax is an inexpensive source)
Blend these ingredients in a small cement mixer or in a large barrel with a tight fitting lid that will let you
roll it around to mix the contents. If you have to stir the ingredients in an open container, moisten them
SLIGHTLY with water to avoid breathing in clouds of dust as you work.
Do not use more than a pinch of boron. It encourages root growth, but its levels can quickly go from
helpful to harmful in the soil. Once you get the soil all mixed you can add some manure tea (see recipe
below). The lime in this mix helps to neutralize the acidity of the manure tea.

Manure Tea

10 to 15 gallons manure (combine horse, chicken, and cow manure to get a nice balance of nutrients.
5 gallon bucket of chickweed and/or stinging nettles.
Water to fill 55 gallon drum (you'll need a well ventilated area to pull this off!!)
Dump manure(s) in the bottom of the drum. Add chickweed and/or nettles, both of which are rich in
trace elements, then fill drum with water.
Once a week stir the "tea" and add water to replace any that has evaporated. You'll need a brewing time
of at least 3 weeks before using this tea in the potting soil mix.

http://www.onlinepot.org/grow/goodsoil.htm

grow faqs from Over Grow - http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/G...c%20Topics.htm

and lol them pots u using look like the ones i got at the doller store :p

thx for the info also.

Fox farm or BioBizz is pretty populare stuff. or any Organic Nuts are good IMO.
also are you Lsting Scrogin or both? If you LST make sure to start tying them down when they get 2-3 nodes so the stress inst as bad. and i would say 2-3 weeks sounds good before repoting. usually ppl wait until they see roots coming out of the drain holes. but after you repot swith to 12/12 cuz the box is goin to fell up Quick and will probably only fit 2 pots. 3 at the most. i haven't seen any rubbermaids with more then 2 plants in it but im sure if you train right you can fit 3.

I'm LSTing and I really only intend to grow one plant. As soon as they show sex I'll take whichever female is thriving and that will be my girl. Well...what's wrong with dollar store pots??? They're only gonna be in there for 3 weeks...so I figure it doesn't really matter. I have better/bigger pots for them next. Thanks for the info on organics. The plant food I have is organic made from worm castings and is .03-.002-.02. So, I know I need something stronger...but this will be a good foilage spray option.

Also...I'm going to try to get them to 6 weeks before I switch to flower. Unless they're really getting cramped. I think that will give them a chance to grow and what not.

I think the big reason I want to stick to organic is the possibility of nute burn. I just don't want to have to worry about that. We'll see how it goes though.

Thanks for the links!!!!

ANOTHER SPROUT!!!!!!

That and I've decided which nutes I'm going to be using. I'm gonna stick with Organic and use the following.

Earthjuice Grow = Nitrogen
Earthjuice Bloom= Phosphorous
Meta - K = Potassium
Microblast = other nutrients...(I'm gonna use this as a foilage spray)

Still thinking about what I want to use in my soil type mix.

Oh...and the strains I'm working with are Skywalker and C99 x Nevilles Haze.