Quote Originally Posted by DreadedHermie
You may want to remove the fingerprint oil you're getting on that HPS bulb with some non-residue volatile solvent. Not supposed to handle them like that.

And unless you're using a tempered glass enclosed reflector/hood, I'd wear eye protection if you're even thinking about working with water, nutrients, etc. around an energized bulb. That'd be an unfortunate 911 call; blinded and busted in one fell swoop.

The drain pan's a fine idea, as long as you don't use it as a drain pan. There shouldn't be any standing water anywhere, and you don't want your plants to easily share contaminants/infections.

Stay safe,
Hermie.

Not to worry friend, I had her cleaned up as soon as I handled the bulb. Although this is my first grow attempt, it's not my first handling of high intensity discharge lighting systems. Even a bit of oil from a person's fingertips can have bad results for the bulb (and given the expense of the bulbs why take a risk?).

And thanks for the personal health concerns. I already have my "nerd goggles" hanging from a post in my grow room for when it comes to water handling and nutrients and so on. Better safe than sorry.

Also, the drain pan was an improvised idea, mostly for germination and vegetative growth. After that they go on the floor on large sheets of isolated plastic and mylar, but not to worry, they will be spaced as to avoid sharing water conditions as you stipulated.


Quote Originally Posted by DreadedHermie
You can always add it later as a top dressing or "tea." If it's mixed into your growing medium you are going to be stuck with it. Too much of it and your soil we be like slippery, wet clay. Drainage and proper aeration are critical, and worm poo can be problematic if you're over-zealous. Note that carinia offsets 10% worm poo with 3x as much perlite. :thumbsup:

And if you're staying in dirt, use Rapid Rooters like Shake suggested. Almost foolproof. Unless you're growing hydroponically, starting in rockwool makes very little sense.

Bossy, ain't I?
DH
Not to worry friend, I like hearing different input on my methods and so on. So feel free to be as bossy as you'd like.

To address the rockwool, honestly I was going that route just based on reading I had done indicating it was the safest method for germinating without risking "transfer shock" when it was time to go to their homes. Of course I'm open to new ideas, and based on reactions here I may be inclined to go with rapid rooters per your suggestions.

OK, OK, all of you win. I won't go with a mixture of worm castings, but I'd still like to use them once they've taken root and are taking off. You guys have managed to scare me out of it. LOL. besides, better be safe than sorry anyway.

Keep all the feedback coming guys, I love getting different views on my methods BEFORE I get started.