Bagseed, first grow some help needed

[bluefoe]

I spent a good few months researching as much as i could untill the other day i got myself some seeds . I germinated them (paper towl method) and planted them in the compost, here is a picture of it (day 2 since planted).

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/629/dsc00023jd3.jpg

My question is how often shall i water her?
I've currently only got two 11w cfl's on her but im going to get atleast a 40w cfl light, will 60w be enough for a small single plant?.

bluefoe Reviewed by bluefoe on 09-08-2008. Bagseed, first grow some help needed I spent a good few months researching as much as i could untill the other day i got myself some seeds :D. I germinated them (paper towl method) and planted them in the compost, here is a picture of it (day 2 since planted). http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/629/dsc00023jd3.jpg My question is how often shall i water her? I've currently only got two 11w cfl's on her but im going to get atleast a 40w cfl light, will 60w be enough for a small single plant?. Rating: 5

[jchap]

only water if the top soil has dried out

[jchap]

only water if the top soil has dried out

looking at the pic you may be watering 2 much, dont water again untill it's dried

that isn't back garden soil is it? i think i spotted some contaminates innit

damn i double posted

[bluefoe]

the soil is compost from a friend who has his own compost bin with all normal things going in it (leaves, fruit peelings, vegtables etc etc)

[stinkyattic]

You'd usually plant seeds into a sterile medium like promix or seedling mix, and save the compost for after the first transplant.

How many seasons has that compost had to rot? It should be rotted to the point where you can not tell what it was originally made of- if you still see bits of food and peels etc, it's not ready and needs to be watered and turned over to rot further.

[MissDaMeaner]

A friend of mine used 12year old compost on his grow and ended up with an infestation of mites.
Moving outdoor soil inside is not always a good idea.

Just Sayin

[bluefoe]

Can i sterilze the compost at all?

[stinkyattic]

You can put it in a black trash bag and leave it out in the hot sun for a week, but part of the beauty of compost is the living stuff in it. You'll be dealing with bugs at some point no matter what, but it's true that bringing outdoor compost inside virtually guarantees that it will be sooner rather than later.
Bagged compost from the farmer supply is meant to be cleaner for use in an indoor or greenhouse environment.

If you worry about pests, there are ways to avoid them, like preventative applications of certain horticultural oils, beneficial insects, or chemical treatments if it is not in an area that is inhabited by humans.

[bluefoe]

day 3..or 4, the seedling has now opened its two round leaves and the other 2 are starting growing, its looking much heathier now. I have her in a 3.5" pot and compost seems to dry out quite fast (within half a day easily) would watering her up to 3 times a day be fine?