Hello all. I've never posted a grow journal before, and am deciding to post my first one to this site. I have no pictures yet, but I wanted this grow to be documented from day 1.

What I'm using:
- Miracle Grow Topsoil
- 18-Gal Rubbermaid Tub
- Seed/Clone starter tray
- 6 6500K 26W CFLs for veg
- 8 2700K 23W CFLs for bud (maybe add a couple 6500Ks too)
- < 180mm Computer Fan
- Possibly a 20W Fluoro tube from an aquarium (Color looks Bright/Blue, so maybe I should stick it in there for Veg?)

I have saved 50 or so seeds from the "best of the best" bags I get. I germ'ed all 50 (just tossed the seeds in a cup of water and put them in a drawer overnight. Last night most of the seeds were cracked and ready to be planted.

I took 15 of the best-looking infant ladies (I hope) and put them in 1" by 2" pots. (The remaining 30 seeds got planted in a big planter too....I don't have enough light to support these forever, so they get to move outside when they're tall enough).

Out of the 15, I hope to get at LEAST 1 female. That would be all it took to make me happy....If I get more than one, that's great too.

I wired up an old very powerful PC fan from an ancient server. This thing puts out more than a box fan. I used an old PC Powersupply, attached a switch between the "PWR_ON" and ground.

I know its bad, but being on a very low budget, I had to go with Miracle Grow Topsoil....Supposed to supply food for up to 3 months, but I'm going to keep an eye on my babies for 'nute deficiency or burn. I never heard of anyone using those "spike" plant feeders for cannabis...if it comes down to it, I may have to use these to feed them later on.

This is Day 1 of my grow. Eventually if I find my camera's battery charger, I Can get some pics up.

Questions:
Is it possible to use the "fertilizer spikes" (which I believe are 10/10/10) after the food wears out of the soil?

I am on a very tight budget, but I can make almost anything....is there anything I can do to help the quality or quantity of my plants?

Any suggestions welcome...Thanks for glancing in....tune in for more later.

Do not use the fertilizer spikes they are way too high in N for flower. Get some organic bone and bloom meal if you can't spend a lot. Just to remind you though that if you don't put in a lot do not expect a lot back in return. The more you put it the more bud your plants will reward you with. Also I find it hard to believe that one CPU fan puts out the same amount of air as a box fan. I'm sorry to tell ya but your temps are going to be wayyyyyy to high if you don't get some proper ventilation

__________________

Thanks for the advice on the nutes. I've had a few successful grows before, this time is just rough because I'm basically making something out of nothing to work with.

Whenever I do get some pictures on this journal, I'll have to post a video of the little crazy fan I have. I believe the box is properly ventilated. I'm sorry I can't just post a picture yet.

The only other thing I just thought of, and will need to implement within the next 4 weeks is a carbon filter...This will be home-made too...

Thanks a ton for getting back to me so fast. Hopefully with everyone's help, we'll have an awesome grow.

What are the temps in the box?

__________________

Temp inside the box with 6 lights on and no fan is 82F with the fan on, the temp came down to 76F, which was the temp in the room outside of the box.

Wow that is almost hard to believe. I am not calling you a liar at all I am just saying that I don't think that I have ever seen 6 CFL's cooled that well with one CPU fan. When you post the video or pics or whatever make sure to include a shot of the thermometer you are using and the temp that it says

__________________

Will do.

Update:
The first plant popped out of the soil today!
All looks well. Gave them their 2nd watering.

well, no more grow =( can't say much....just fuck the police.

Damn, My grow got killed last night man i know how it feels, sorry to hear bout the po po tho that sucks