Hey all. Ive recently decided to grow some bag seed I got a month or so ago. Never grown anything before, so I read up quite a bit before I started anything. Only problem is there is a LOT of information out there for someone like me and its easy to get overwhelmed. Since this is my first grow I know Im going to make mistakes, but thats how you learn, so its fine. I just want to try and minimize any damage I might do in the early stages, lol. Im just buying supplies as I need them. I dont want to blow a few hundred bucks to find out I dont have a green thumb. Ill just run through what Ive done and my setup and if something is *** backwards, can I get a point in the right direction?
Supplies:
5 seeds from a bag. No idea on the strain
CFLs I have 8 6400K 23 watts, and 6 2700K 23 watts. 1600 Lumens each. Will probably buy more (2700Ks at least) once I figure out how to rig it all up.
Organic Miracle Grow Potting Soil Mistake to buy. Did more research and bought
Black Gold Potting Soil
Small crappy fan
Closet grow space havent measured it, but Id guess when I clear the thing out would be about 2 x 4 x 5.
I started by germinating 5 seeds, 3 paper towel method, 2 in a dark cup of water. 2/3 of the paper towel ones sprouted in about 48-72 hours, the cup ones took about a week to crack and the taproot did not grow nearly as fast as the paper towel ones.
I bought Miracle Grow potting soil (first mistake) and planted the two paper towel germinated seeds in the soil. I flushed the pot with water, let it drain for a few hours and planted them. The first one took off, the 2nd one is having problems though. The first set of real leaves has some yellowish spots on it. After reading up, I figured nute burn from the MG soil, so ran out and bought some black gold soil and transplanted them.
Few days later, plants havent changed as far as I can tell; Im guessing its the shock of moving them. The first plant that was doing pretty good is starting to droop a bit I dont think Ive over watered it. I give them about 100ml of water every other day (too much for a 4" diameter pot?). The soil looks dry the next day, but the container still has a little weight to it. Should I try watering them with a spray bottle until the roots take better hold? I read somewhat that water can burn the leaves when it evaporates if they are close to the CFLs. I dont really see that happening though.
I just planted 2 more germinated seeds into wax cups with holes cut into the bottom for drainage. Im starting out with Black Gold this time so hopefully they will fare better. They did take awhile to germinate though so who knows what theyll do.
Main things I'm still confused about:
A soil ratio mix. I'm using it straight out of the bag, so that could be a drainage issue. I know I should have mixed it with something, but I have no idea on a good ratio. Any pointers for that? Like how much soil vs perlite etc...
Watering. Is there a good rule of thumb to go off of? I really have no idea what I'm doing in this department. Right now they are in 4 inch (I think) peat pots. Whats a good rough watering routine I should be following?
Attached a pic of my current setup too.
Long winded post I know, but any advice would be great! Thanks guys!
Supplies:
5 seeds from a bag. No idea on the strain
CFLs I have 8 6400K 23 watts, and 6 2700K 23 watts. 1600 Lumens each. Will probably buy more (2700Ks at least) once I figure out how to rig it all up.
Organic Miracle Grow Potting Soil Mistake to buy. Did more research and bought
Black Gold Potting Soil
Small crappy fan
Closet grow space havent measured it, but Id guess when I clear the thing out would be about 2 x 4 x 5.
I started by germinating 5 seeds, 3 paper towel method, 2 in a dark cup of water. 2/3 of the paper towel ones sprouted in about 48-72 hours, the cup ones took about a week to crack and the taproot did not grow nearly as fast as the paper towel ones.
I bought Miracle Grow potting soil (first mistake) and planted the two paper towel germinated seeds in the soil. I flushed the pot with water, let it drain for a few hours and planted them. The first one took off, the 2nd one is having problems though. The first set of real leaves has some yellowish spots on it. After reading up, I figured nute burn from the MG soil, so ran out and bought some black gold soil and transplanted them.
Few days later, plants havent changed as far as I can tell; Im guessing its the shock of moving them. The first plant that was doing pretty good is starting to droop a bit I dont think Ive over watered it. I give them about 100ml of water every other day (too much for a 4" diameter pot?). The soil looks dry the next day, but the container still has a little weight to it. Should I try watering them with a spray bottle until the roots take better hold? I read somewhat that water can burn the leaves when it evaporates if they are close to the CFLs. I dont really see that happening though.
I just planted 2 more germinated seeds into wax cups with holes cut into the bottom for drainage. Im starting out with Black Gold this time so hopefully they will fare better. They did take awhile to germinate though so who knows what theyll do.
Main things I'm still confused about:
A soil ratio mix. I'm using it straight out of the bag, so that could be a drainage issue. I know I should have mixed it with something, but I have no idea on a good ratio. Any pointers for that? Like how much soil vs perlite etc...
Watering. Is there a good rule of thumb to go off of? I really have no idea what I'm doing in this department. Right now they are in 4 inch (I think) peat pots. Whats a good rough watering routine I should be following?
Attached a pic of my current setup too.
Long winded post I know, but any advice would be great! Thanks guys!