First Time Grower... HELP & ADVICE PLEASE !!!

[dude0]

Hi, I just got my light today, a 250W hps.
I dont know where to start, so if someone would be kind enough & write out what I do next...
ie. how far I put my light away from the floor, what compost should be used, how long the light should be on, how do I water it. ETC.

Thanks, all help appreciated
dude0

dude0 Reviewed by dude0 on 02-02-2005. First Time Grower... HELP & ADVICE PLEASE !!! Hi, I just got my light today, a 250W hps. I dont know where to start, so if someone would be kind enough & write out what I do next... ie. how far I put my light away from the floor, what compost should be used, how long the light should be on, how do I water it. ETC. Thanks, all help appreciated :) dude0 Rating: 5

[shaddr3]

Use 50% potting soil and 50% perlite. I would germinate your seeds in a damp paper towel, put it in a warm damp place though. Wait up to 48 hours and then plant the seed in a small cup, make sure the green end thats popping out face down. Water a tiny bit until the soil is damp. Place your 250W hps light a foot and a half above the plants atleast, prolly 2 feet to be safe. Wait 2 or 3 more days then water a little more. It should sprout and come out really fast. Only water every 2 or 3 days, even when you think it needs more. Only water if the top inch of soil is dry, just nub ur finger in there. Transplant in a few weeks. Put your light on a timer though, 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness untill flower.

[dude0]

Ok cool, so I put the seed into a paper towel until it splits & then plant it in a pot facing down. How long does it take to germinate?

[potsmoker101]

It depends on the quality or strain of your seed..If its bagseeds then it can just pop up any time.. Sometimes It takes a day if your working with some good seeds.. Sometimes it takes like a week..Just make sure the seed is cracked.. Sometimes to incourage the growth.Very very carefully when the seed is cracked Very gentle lift one side off to pick off the half of the shell. I did this once an it worked but be very carefull cause you can damage the plant it's self..

[potsmoker101]

This is what I mean from the post above..

[dude0]

Ok thanks, good advice. Anyone know what compost I should use & how deep I should plant the seed?

[shaddr3]

The seed should not be any larger than an inch deep in the soil. Compost, try going to your local Lowes or Home Depot and buying regular potting soil. I make a mix of mine, I use regular potting soil and add some moss and soiless mix and of course perlite. I sprinkle the slightest bit of bloodmeal in a 3QT container too, be VERY careful with this (first time I did it, I messed up terribly! Only use a pinch, act as if your putting salt on your food). About the seeds...You can do what potsmoker101 says about breaking up the seed, but I myself wouldnt reccomend it(im just precautious).

[dude0]

Ok cool, thanks, yeah I heard you can put the seed in distilled water overnight.