NEWBIE - we all were once

[stinkyattic]

I read that pH is important. Is it the water I use to water the plant what i shoul be testing? .

First test your soil, before you plant anything in it. Around 6.5 is good. If it's higher than 7. add pH down. If it's lower than 6.5, add lime. Moisten the soil, mix well, wait a little while. Test again. Repeat until you like where it is.

Do the ferts change the pH? .

They can and most likely will lower it. So starting with a soil that's just above where you want to be is better.

If I use a ferts in the water I use to water the plants, do I test after adding them and adjust? .

To mix your ferts, add all the water to the watering can first. Then put in what you need. Then test the mixture for pH. Adjust if necessary.

If you see a plant that is suffering from some general malaise that you can't quite identify, drench it with distilled water and test the runoff out of the drain holes to check if pH is a problem.

what ferts should I use (after 2 weeks) that are easily purchased? .

You can stand to wait a little longer than 2 weeks even. It's the # of adult leaves. You should see 3 or 4 sets, then start with a very weak fertilizer.
After that, any of the special ferts like fox farms, pureblend pro, power plant, etc are good.

Or you can read up on your organics.

Read read read.
Start off with good soil. Don't overwater or overfertilize. Be patient. Read.

Happy growing

stinkyattic Reviewed by stinkyattic on 07-19-2006. NEWBIE - we all were once Im a newbie who is ready to start - Ive purchased a 400W halide and Na light. I read that pH is important. Is it the water I use to water the plant what i shoul be testing? Do the ferts change the pH? If I use a ferts in the water I use to water the plants, do I test after adding them and adjust? Im confused, but eager to learn. HELP a newbie also what ferts should I use (after 2 weeks) that are easily purchased? There are so many things mentioned here Ive never heard of. Rating: 5