Here we go.

Long time visitor, first time poster. I finally decided to start my first grow. I figured CFL would be the cheapest/easiest way to go for a first timer. My grow space/closet is 1.5' x 3.5' and I've got 12 100W CFLs in there. It runs about 90°F. I guess my first questions are, is this enough light, and is this too hot? I plan on vegging about 6 plants in hopes that I can flower 3.

For soil I have Miracle Grow Potting Mix. Has anyone had any luck with this?

I thought I should get on here and ask some preliminary questions before I start the process.

Any advice will be greatly, GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

well alot of ppl on here flame miracle grow but i used it on my first grow was not the best but i will def work fine. i have a few questions about ur light set up tho seems like it might be more then u need especially if you are runing at like 90f i would see if u can work on venting and maybe only run like 8 bulbs till you can keep it at like 75f

Well currently I don't have any exhaust so it's running a little hot. I plan on fixing that though. What soil would you recommend? I forgot to mention this...12 100W CFLs is 19200 lumens.

I use Fox Farm Ocean Forest, it works great for me.They mix it in Humbolt county, and use cannabis growers in Humbolt to test their mix.But for first grow MG should be fine. I would definately get some exhaust in there and like dankman said,pull a few of those bulbs,probably overkill till plants get a little bigger. 70-85degrees is ideal for plants, I don't let my box get above 76 though. GOOD LUCK @ GOOD GROWING!!!!

I think Fox Farm Ocean Forest is the best, also. I've heard alot of people disappointed with miracle grow.

Those CFLs should definitely be enough light, maybe even a little too much if its that hot. Watch the temp. 90 is a little too warm but they should be okay... just dont let it get above 90... thats way too hot. Also watch your humidity.

But yeah if you havent started yet I would invest in some fox farm soil and some perlite to mix in for good drainage. And remember not to overwater or underwater your plants. Thats probably the number one mistake people make on their first grows, I know I did lol.

Good luck

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Your CFLs are 100watt equivalent right? 23 actual watts?

yes 100W equivalent, so 26W actually. 1600 Lumens each. I opened the door and set a fan in the doorway and the temp dropped to 80 but I fear this is letting out too much light. I might move this downstairs where there is a little more room, but no closet door and just use a curtain and line one side of it with mylar. This way I can cool the area easier.

You can veg those plants with 8 of 26 watters till they get 3 weeks, then toss some more bulbs in. It doesnt take much to veg as long as its the right spectrum. As for the MGrow. Its perfectly fine to use as long as you dont add nuany nutes for the first month. You will notice some burning in younger plants but slightly , nothing to worry about. Just give it Phd water till 3-4 weeks then start your nutes at 1/4 - 1/2 the recommended dose depending on your nutes.

happy growing

thanks for the advice guys. I'll keep you posted.