Scrog for first grow attempt?

[NHAinWV]

I'm wondering ... I have limited space for a cabinet grow - ~19" x 22" x 49" ... As this will be my first attempt at a grow, should I try a SCROG to maximize my space or would it be better to learn a little from experience before attempting it?

I've been reading the boards so I'm not going in blind, but I know there's no substitute for experience.

NHAinWV Reviewed by NHAinWV on 01-15-2012. Scrog for first grow attempt? I'm wondering ... I have limited space for a cabinet grow - ~19" x 22" x 49" ... As this will be my first attempt at a grow, should I try a SCROG to maximize my space or would it be better to learn a little from experience before attempting it? I've been reading the boards so I'm not going in blind, but I know there's no substitute for experience. Rating: 5

[kingjustin]

With that small of a space, I would probably try LST before anything else.

[tacman7]

I'm growing in a box 27 x 48 x 48. I tied a small rope to the main stem and pulled it down so it was below the other limbs and the others all tried to be the top. Eventually the top made it back around to become one of the tops so there's about 8 tops in stead of one. Important for me because I have a flouro grow and proximity is so important and now there's 8 buds up next to the lights instead of one.

I think that is bending but I'm not sure, in some methods you actually halfway break the branch, or just reshape it little by little.

My first grow also.

[NHAinWV]

Sounds like that is the way to go for now. I'll probably try that and see if I can maximize space. Thanks for the idea!

[MEDEDCANNABIS]

Sounds like that is the way to go for now. I'll probably try that and see if I can maximize space. Thanks for the idea!

nothing wrong with scrog, in fact you can bend and do scrog. short story... the more tops at the light scource and the less below it the better. it takes more patience growing like that but it will yield more. i think if you are using that small of a space, you have to be more patient.

[NHAinWV]

I'm not rushing into this. I received my light yesterday. I'll be getting the items to hang it today, then doing some testing to determine heat level and light leaks. I am doing the best I can with limited funds and a cabinet I don't want to alter much.

I'm positive I won't get as much as I could, but I should do ok. I'll eventually get a tent and better equipment and then I'll be able to really experiment and grow great quality stuff. For now I'll be happy with what I get, which is better than the nothing I have now.

[how2growsensi]

this is very true though there is no substitute for experiance use the board or books?more as guide lines do what you feel will be right. thus having said this, in a small cabnit grow your best bet would be to line the whole in side with mylar or spray paint a flat white, because cant use to much light in that small of a space this will make what every bulb you use stand out allot more... then yes with the scrog its very easy at a young age to start toping and using low stress and tie down methods to utilize your growth to maximum potetial... what plant strains will you be growing?

[NHAinWV]

Bagseed at first so not to waste better seeds. I know making the cabinet more reflective would be better, but I don't want to alter it. I'll have enough lumens to do the job, and later I'll be upgrading to something better designed.

[Farmer Rich]

Hey NHAinWV,

If you're just getting started IMHO there are some things you should focus on learning and learning well. The methods you've mentioned can be a challenge for a noob.. no disrespect, just calling it how I see it. So here's my list:

1. Be patient.
2. Grow a plant from seed, > 90% success on all seeds that germ.
3. Clone plants with > 90% success rate.
4. Repot plants..
5. Prune, trim and FIM.. learn to make plants grow the way you want them to.
6. Learn to mix your nutrients consistently and at low strengths.. This is the source of most problems for those just starting.

So, for you first cabinet grow, I'd recommend keeping it simple.. no more than 2 plants in the size box you mentioned. If you start out with more because of the bag seed, there's no harm in thinning the herd. Let them preflower and pick the 2 strongest, kicking the others to the curb. If you're really bold, you may want to try and take clones before you flip them to flower, just in case you end up with a keeper..

You may end up having to LST if they get too tall..

Last the reason for all of this, my first box grow I tried stuffing 8 plants in the box you see in my signature and the pictures here.. I would have been more successful with 2.

Good luck!

Peace,

Farmer Rich

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[NHAinWV]

Thanks for the advice. I am starting growing from seed, and I started 6 seeds with the intention of picking the best.

I'm not going to worry about cloning for now. This grow is just basics. Getting watering right, not burning the plant with the light, etc. I'm not out to set any records, just get a small number of plants to harvest.

I wasn't planning on mixing nutes at all. I'm looking for FFOC soil, but garden shops are few and far between here and it's looking like either a long drive to get some or use something else. Not sure if any brands sold at major retailers are worth buying, will have to research. I have 2 weeks at least I figure before needing first transplant.

I'm thinking of letting my plants get to about 18" tall and flowering, but I'm not going to make any final decisions on that yet. That leaves room for them to double in height. I put seeds in starter soil today and am waiting for germination. 16 oz party cups with drainage holes in bottom. I plan to transplant twice max.

I'll be posting a grow log once I see some green poking up. Wish me luck!