McToker Grows Again ~ CFL/HPS Hempy Bucket ~ Bag Seed

[Shovelhandle]

Good to see you with a new log. I'm sure we'll be enjoying the updates.

Shovelhandle Reviewed by Shovelhandle on 04-18-2009. McToker Grows Again ~ CFL/HPS Hempy Bucket ~ Bag Seed Mrs. McToker and I were not able to get our second grow going after Xmas as we had originally planned. One of our kids moved back in with us after getting out of the Military. But, heâ??s moving out soon to take a new job up north. Whoopie!!! I told the Mrs. that weâ??ll be free to get naked or grow another crop. She insists that nobody wants to see me naked so, it looks weâ??ll start another grow.:D We thought seriously about ordering some beans but ultimately decided to grow from the Rating: 5

[McToker]

Shov ~ Thanks for tuning in.

I picked up some 2 1/2 quart paint buckets at the hardware store today. They look to be just about the same size as the 2 pound plastic coffee containers I've been saving up. At a $1.29 a piece, they'll work. I just need to wrap some duct tape around them as they are tranluscent.

Just checked on the beans. Nothing yet but, it's only been about 23 hours.

[McToker]

Took a peek at the babies earlier today. At least 4 have cracked and are starting to show some root. :thumbsup:

I have to admit that I was getting a little concerned when nothing was showing at the 23 hour mark. This is the first time we've used the damp paper towel under an up-side-down bowl method to germinate. Last time we just placed the beans directly into the Jiffy cubes. Usually, it did take 3 to 5 days, or more, for them to break the surface.

Right now I'm in the middle of getting everything set up for the kids. The Homebox is assembled. Now, I'll leave you while I go back to work setting up power, light and ventilation. I just have to try and remember where we stashed all the components.

[headshake]

make sure to unplug anything that has to do with power while working! (i'm sure you do this already, but i shocked the piss out of myself the other morning!)

everything sounds good. any pics?


-shake

[McToker]

headshake ~ Nothing much to take pics of, yet. But, you can bet, when those babies break ground the pics will start coming.

We hope to be moving some beans into Jiffy cubes later today.

I'm also heading into town in search of Vermiculite and Perlite that is not of the Miracle Grow brand. Finding products without any added time realease fertilizers is dang near impossible around here.

[headshake]

now sure what stores are "in town" but i found vermiculite at lowes for like $4 something. i think it was the 8 quart bag. and i've only seen perlite of the MG variety at walmart and home depot.

hopefully you have some nurserys near-by?


-shake

[McToker]

The only place that had either Vermiculite or Perlite was Lowes and then they only had one bag of each. The Perlite is the MG stuff but the nutrient level is pretty low.

Just checked the babies and we have 8 sprouts. We're waiting for the Jiffy pellets to plump up. Using 1/2 strength nutes to start them.

Since someone, and I won't name names, headshake, can't live without pics, here is one of the setup.

There will be plenty of pics to follow as the babies grow up.

[fluid69]

that's a sweet setup! is that a velcro or zipper cover to keep the light out?

[McToker]

that's a sweet setup! is that a velcro or zipper cover to keep the light out?

It uses both but primarily zippers. It's a Homebox S.

The sprouts are now in the Jiffy pellets. Turns out that out of 16 beans we got 10 sprouts.

[jakezking]

McToker, I need to start saving up for an indoor grow tent - I think when I finally move indoors, it will be to a tent. I'll be watching your grow even more carefully. I'm glad to see your setup and that you already have a pretty high success rate for bag seeds. I know you will have much success, my friend.

Keep up the good work!