Some questions about seedlings/seedling stage

[mgjscdhl]

I'm getting ready for a grow. I already tried one as a clone but
there are new questions and some things I hadn't done with the
clone vs. seeds.

First, when do I start adjusting ph? I've heard posts, and peticularly
some videos/guides saying they used distilled water for popping the seeds.
But how long after that can I start adjusting ph? Both well water, and distilled (in
my experience have had ph of around 8.3-8.5ph. -- my thoughts were every 2nd watering to drop
the ph by around 0.5ph until its to the desired amount.

Is it ok to water more often if I'm using a heating pad? I have a controlable heating pad
for the propogation tray. Most places have said the soil needed to be a few degrees warmer
than surrounding air.. so will that dry out the peat faster and require more water?

Should I be strict on feeding schedule (eg. no ferts for several weeks) or can I give it a minimal
feed if leaves show some yellow?


Thanks for the help. I know I can start soon if I understand just a little more about this.

mgjschdl

mgjscdhl Reviewed by mgjscdhl on 09-06-2010. Some questions about seedlings/seedling stage I'm getting ready for a grow. I already tried one as a clone but there are new questions and some things I hadn't done with the clone vs. seeds. First, when do I start adjusting ph? I've heard posts, and peticularly some videos/guides saying they used distilled water for popping the seeds. But how long after that can I start adjusting ph? Both well water, and distilled (in my experience have had ph of around 8.3-8.5ph. -- my thoughts were every 2nd watering to drop the ph by Rating: 5

[mgjscdhl]

I was wondering about seedling stage. More about lighting. I am using part of a closet so I don't have alot of space. One of the solutions I saw was a direct wiring 15w t8 fluorescent light. I'm not entirely sure of the color range/spectrum (its not printed anywhere) but if I replaced the bulb with proper spectrum light is that enough wattage? The space provides for upto 18-19" without re-arranging anything.

[MJisBadMmkay]

Ph of distilled should be around 7. Over time, by opening the jug and stuff, it can drift downward. But if used pretty quick it will still be around 7.

A heating pad will definitely dry the soil out faster. Only time I use a heating pad is during seed germination and when rooting clones.

You should not need to feed for 3-4 weeks/5-7 leaf sets. When you do start feeding, start out slow and keep the solution diluted a bit more than what the directions say.

What are the exact dimensions of your grow room, then I can help with lighting questions. But right off the top of my head, I can say with almost 100% certainty, 1 15w T8 will never be enough for more than rooting clones.

[mgjscdhl]

I've had some questions of local sources. Most tell me distilled should be neutral but I haven't found one to live up to that. I will know more when I have some ph drops/strips and get my meter tested. That could definitely be fault of equipment. I'll try to repost here once I know for sure.

I plan on keeping the pad in low 70s, or maybee spot on 70. The space for the propogation tray is 18"x18"x14". I have a high dome and a low one. I can figure something out if I need to lower a fluorescent close to the seedlings.