First Indoor Grow - Flash Cobra and Short Stuff #1

[stjr2k]

My growing experience consists a few outdoor grows that date back to the time when we didn't even know to cull the males. LOL I was never very scientific about it but we always managed to get a reasonable yield... I had one crop that actually survived a class 4 hurricane. We just laid the pots down. We took some losses, of course, but enough of the crop survived to make us very grateful.

I'd like to thank all the knowledgeable people who unselfishly offer their advice and access to their expertise. I have spent a lot of time on this site (and others) to prepare for this. Again, thank you.

One of the things about this grow that is a bit stressful is trying to baby these seeds during early stages. My past approach was almost polar opposite: Plant plenty of seeds and see which ones survive limited care. So, I'm adjusting. :thumbsup:

Today is the ninth day since I first placed the seeds for germination. Here goes:

Ordered seeds from Attitude 03/04 rec'd 30/21

6ea Short Stuff Seeds "#1", 10ea Flash Seeds "Cobra" (Only ordered 8 but was sent 10) - Both 60day auto

Lighting, seedlings: 2ea F20T12 6500K fluorescent tubes

Lighting, grow: 400w HPS (enhanced blue spectrum)

Lighting, schedule: 24/0

Grow area: 22"D x 47W" x 60"H

Seedling medium: Jiffy Mix (peat, pearlite, vermiculite... no nutes)

Growing medium: Miracle grow regular (not moisture control) 6mo. time-release nutes (will integrate at first pot change). Hopefully, it will work adequately for a 60 day grow.

Regarding mediums: I looked diligently for FFOF and it is not available in my area. The only soil less mix I could find (Pro Mix) was only available from the vendor in 40lb bales. So, since I have seen people get good results with MG when used properly, I selected it because it is very available.

Projected pot cycle: seedling tray to 3" square to 6" smart pot (1gal) - change
as root systems outgrow pots.

Expectations: 80% germination = 13, 50% female = 6-7, 20g per = 120g - 140g total = 4oz - 5oz total

3/23: * morning... 11 of 16 germinated in towel and planted (6 ss1 and 5 cobra).
* afternoon... 4 more cobra germinated and planted.

3/24: * morning... 5 broke ground (3 ss1 and 2 cobra). All germinated and planted except one cobra.

3/25: * morning... 3 more broke ground (1 ss1 and 2 cobra). One cobra still not geminated. Started using oscillating fan.

3/26: * morning... 1 more broke (cobra) One cobra still not geminated. Currently, there are 4)ss1 plants and 5)cobras. Have been watering very sparingly with dropper as needed. Today, will increase water amount slightly.
*afternoon... 4 more broke (1 ss1 and 3 cobra).

3/27: *morning... 1 cobra broke. Last cobra germinated and planted. Plants look generally healthy at this early stage. Fluorescent tubes (which are cool to the touch) are placed within 1" of plant tops.

3/28: *morning... 1 cobra broke. Total broken ground: 5 ss1, 9 cobra. One of each has not broken ground yet.

3/30: *morning... Last two germinated seeds still have not broken ground. Have one cobra seedling that has been yellow since it broke ground. The plant looks healthy, otherwise. Leaving it alone for now to see how it does. Have been very careful not to overwater and there are no nutes in the growing medium I am using for seedlings. Do not know what water ph level is.

3/31: Well, it has been a week since the first seeds broke ground. No change today from yesterday... still have two germinated seeds that have not broken ground. The seedlings look okay. The new growth on the yellow plant looks green but it's a little early yet. Not too much stretching so far. Have the lights (T-12's) so close they are touching some of the taller plants with no apparent harm.

04/01: Two of the ss1's have also begun to yellow. Nothing too scary but still... The two seeds that did not sprout with the others have still not sprouted and I'm not optimistic. The pet store was out of pH testers when I went by last week. They got some in and I bought one. Checked the water I'm using (tap) and the pH was very high... high 7's at least. The test wouldn't go any higher. I put some pH "down" in, and got the pH to the mid 6's. I have only watered once with the proper ph water. We'll see what happens.

I have a couple pics of the seedlings but, like so many others I've seen, I can't figure out how to upload them. I'll look for some instructions on the site.

stjr2k Reviewed by stjr2k on 04-05-2011. First Indoor Grow - Flash Cobra and Short Stuff #1 My growing experience consists a few outdoor grows that date back to the time when we didn't even know to cull the males. LOL I was never very scientific about it but we always managed to get a reasonable yield... I had one crop that actually survived a class 4 hurricane. We just laid the pots down. We took some losses, of course, but enough of the crop survived to make us very grateful. I'd like to thank all the knowledgeable people who unselfishly offer their advice and access to their Rating: 5

[stjr2k]

I've been looking at some of the grow logs... It may be a good thing I can't post pics yet. LOL My babies are looking kinda puny compared to many I've seen. Oh well, all I can do is my best. I'll be grateful just to survive this first one.

[stjr2k]

I've pretty much abandoned all hope for the two seeds that didn't break ground. I turned up the HPS this am and watered the plants. Overall the plants from the Flash Cobra seeds look much healthier. All five of the Short Stuff #1 plants are having some sort of difficulty.

I am attempting to get enough posts to upload pics. Anybody need a cheerleader? imp:

[rattlingdags]

Just wanted to pop in and say welcome I've not heard of Flash Cobra or Short Stuff so I'd love to follow along and see how they go. Its always extra nice for me when logs start with seedlings and you can see the whole process from beginning to a hopefully happy finish. Love to see pics when your able to.

[stjr2k]

Good to have you aboard!

Please keep in mind, this is my first indoor grow and this experience is all new to me.

Turning up the HPS made a more drastic change in the environment than I was expecting. I don't have a great set-up to begin with. I'm doing it in a closet that I'm still using for clothing. LOL Hopefully, it will at least be adequate.

Back to the change in environment... My temp went from 75 to 90 but I've been able to get that down to 80, which is probably okay. My humidity went from 55% to 45%. If someone in the know happens to drop by after I've posted this, please let me know if this is a problem that needs to be attended to. I am aware that 45% is on the low side. Also, anyone who has a remedy, please advise. (Simpler the better) :stoned:

Have a great day!

[cturner1984]

hi m8 as for the humidity if you want to try and increase it the cheap way add a bucket/bowl of water to the grow space and if temps are a problem add a bucket/bowl of frozen water
you can also mist the area,but be carefull not to soak the leaves as the lights may burn them
or buy a small humidifier thats what done the trick for me.....:stoned:

[stjr2k]

cturner: Welcome aboard! I followed your log and noticed the humidifier in one of your pics. I will be extremely pleased if my grow ends close to as well as yours did. Great work!

I really don't know enough to know if the humidity is too low at 45% rh. I understand that 50-60% rh is optimum. So, if 45% is close enough not to cause problems, I lean toward being passive.

Thanks for the advice. If it becomes problematic, I will definitely consider at least one of the options you offered.

[stjr2k]

pics from yesterday... I know... It ain't pretty.

Attachment 274322Attachment 274323

[stjr2k]

Pics! I know... It ain't pretty. :wtf:

These are from today. I didn't mean for the other reply to post... Sorry.

[cturner1984]

i think the yellowing maybe from the slow nutes,mine done the same every time you water you release nutes they also look a little tired i would definetley do 18/6.....at least there alive
how close are the lights?