HELP!!! My Seedlings keep dying

[gweir16]

Hi Can anyone help me? I am a first time grower. I germinated my seeds and [planted them in a reccommended soil. I am grwing in a wardrobe using a mh400wt light then to switch to hps for flowering. Though I cant get any furthert than germinating potting under light for 18/6, the light is positioned so that its comfortable to leave my hand under. However after about 7 days my plants all died. I was watering maybe every 2/3 days when the soil had crusted slightly as reccomended. Am getting so frustrated what can I be doing wrong???????? HELP PLEASE

gweir16 Reviewed by gweir16 on 11-24-2010. HELP!!! My Seedlings keep dying Hi Can anyone help me? I am a first time grower. I germinated my seeds and [planted them in a reccommended soil. I am grwing in a wardrobe using a mh400wt light then to switch to hps for flowering. Though I cant get any furthert than germinating potting under light for 18/6, the light is positioned so that its comfortable to leave my hand under. However after about 7 days my plants all died. I was watering maybe every 2/3 days when the soil had crusted slightly as reccomended. Am getting Rating: 5

[Weezard]

Hi Can anyone help me? I am a first time grower. I germinated my seeds and [planted them in a reccommended soil. I am grwing in a wardrobe using a mh400wt light then to switch to hps for flowering. Though I cant get any furthert than germinating potting under light for 18/6, the light is positioned so that its comfortable to leave my hand under. However after about 7 days my plants all died. I was watering maybe every 2/3 days when the soil had crusted slightly as reccomended. Am getting so frustrated what can I be doing wrong???????? HELP PLEASE

Howzit gweir?
I'll hazard a guess.

There is such a thing as too much light for tender seedling and new cuttings.

New 'lings are just beginning to make new roots.

Too much light drives too much transpiration for their undeveloped root system.
They try, and they die.
They work themselves to death trying to move more water than they are physically able to.

Your hand tells you only that it's not too hot.

It may still be too bright if it's closer than say, 3 feet.
Try starting them under a couple CFLs if you lack headroom for the MH.
Once they fill the pot with roots, they will be able to meet the demands that strong light makes on them.
Even then, it's best to "harden them off" gradually.

Aloha,

Weezard

[gweir16]

Thanks for that I was thinking of using a propagator and using a desk amp for the first 3 weeks like u said it may be too much light do you think that would be effective untill they are establshed and more viable in the mh? Am so confused I want these to work so bad, been reading up on it for ages. Could you help me with air flow. I have a Carbon filter and fan in my wardrobe. The temp was at 109 last night how could I get air flow into the wardrobe or would opening the doors work? Obviously whilst the lights on? Thanks

[RAINHAZE]

109 is deffinetly too hot. I dont let my seedlings get over 85 degrees fahrenhieght. I use a cabinet and I regulate the heat by opening the door and I use 2 fans, one to blow lightly on the plants, and one to exhaust the heat out of the cabinet.
Like Weezard said, go easy on the lights at first.

[gweir16]

I have one fan thats connected to my carbon filter which is not on yet as obviously no smell untill flowering! So I should get another fan? to blow fresh air in? Should i directs the blowing air to the light. Thanks so much for your helpp guys

[Dutch Pimp]

what size pots are you starting your seeds in?...small plastic 16oz cups work great. add 20% perlite to the soil (mix well) and make sure there are drainage holes...:thumbsup:


EDIT:...ok...where did the 'manage attachments' link go?...:wtf:

[Weezard]

Thanks for that I was thinking of using a propagator and using a desk amp for the first 3 weeks like u said it may be too much light do you think that would be effective untill they are establshed and more viable in the mh? Am so confused I want these to work so bad, been reading up on it for ages. Could you help me with air flow. I have a Carbon filter and fan in my wardrobe. The temp was at 109 last night how could I get air flow into the wardrobe or would opening the doors work? Obviously whilst the lights on? Thanks

Hmmm, not sure what you mean by desk amp.
Could you clarify?

Any temp above ~90F. will stress your plants.


Carbon filter and fan? .

Mount the fan's intake at the highest point in the wardrobe and exhaust the hot air to outside the cabinet.
If you can cut a hole in the top and drill some holes in the bottom you can leave the door closed.
Sucking the hot air out creates a negative pressure that draws cooler air in.
If you can mount the ballast outside the cabinet, that will help a lot. They run quite hot.
Looks like you have attracted a couple of experienced growers here, so I'll jus' lurk and learn.

Best of luck brah.
Or, mo' betta, read 'til they bleed.
(Luck is fickle, yah?)

Weeze

[MadSativa]

oo yeah 109 is cooking your little roots, also I agree with the light usually for seedlings a 5 dollar propagation tray works well with a Small dome and the light is keep ed about 6 inches away from the dome, if a large dome is used put the light a little close, and regular cfls from wall mart will do well here no heat cheep and the little guys cuttings or seedlings love them.

I once used a takeout plater from apple bees as a propagation tray for a girl friends grow. we laughed for so long cause we asked for a tray for like 2 frys and some lettuce and condiments in the little cups they give you. they were like damn they like their Fry's and cranberry stuffs lol.

[gweir16]

Thanks for ur replies guys! An apple tray lol! I got mine from B&Q. I hate going into big shops and asking for things then they ask. What are you using them for. I actually said Cactus tonight and the wonam looked at me as if I had 2 heads or something. Then I asked for wick and she was like whats that for? I said cactus. Anyway thanks. Am sure al be on soon confused as ever lol:rastasmoke:

[gweir16]

I have a fan connected to the Carbon Filter with ducting then more ducting from the other side to push the hot air out. I have no fresh circulation apart from when i open the doors. I think I will drill some holes like you suggested. Or should I fit another fan to blow cool air in. I have a small desk fan just to motion the plants. But as I said earler its COOKING aargh. The last lot died. Any suggestions welcome al try put a pic of my set up so you can look and see what you think. :rastasmoke:then bed! Night. Thanks. TOKE ON!