as a first timer, about to plant a few seeds, which system (dirt or hydro) is easier to do. ive never grown before and would like to have a very easy set up.

i like dirt its easier and earthy taste

Easier > Dirt...

Make your first few grows in potting soil. After you gain some expertise, then switch to hydro ... preferably an aero setup. The main advantage to hydro is the faster veg time. It does not speed up the flowering time at all ... not even one second. Flowering time is determined by the plant's genetics.


Here's a good soil mix:


2 parts Schultz's Pro Potting Mix.

1 part Perlite.

1 part Vermeculite.

1 part worm castings.


Add one SMALL handful of Granulated Dolimite Lime for every two gallons of soil mix.

With this mix, you will NOT have to add any fertilizer for the first 45 days of your grow.


Everything should be attainable at your local nursery. While there, also by a "Moisture Meter." That way, you won't be under or over watering your plants.

If you use the above soil mix, water when the moisture meter tells you to, use plenty of light, and don't over fertilize, you should be able to grow prize plants and great pot.

Hope this helps ....

Vi

I've done both and I like soil the best.

I live very rural and we have a lot of power outages, therefore, I go with soil. A soil grow can go a long time with out electric power where as Hydro grows can not go as long.

alright, soil it is.


and thanks for the soil mix... ill see what i can scrounge up. i know i can get worm castings, and ive heard of them before... what do they do

They add more of the nutrients that the plants love. If you use the above mix, your plants will love you for it and give you some great buds to show their appreication.

Vi

I think hydro is easier. Once you set it up. Everthing is pretty much automated and basically the only work is changing/testing your water. Im sorry guys but I hate this soil crap. I have just had a hard time with it in the masses.

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I run a hydro system and couldn't do it any other way. I use plastic pots stuffed with loose rockwool in a flood/drain system. The rockwool is discarded at harvest and new media used for the next crop, eliminating soilborne diseases from establishing in the grow op.

Like everyone, I started in soil but very quickly found it impractical.
I could not imagine the mess of growing in soil unless I were only doing 1-2-3 plants. Dry rockwool is about 1/20 the weight of soil and infinitely easier to dispose of. Old rockwool with root balls can be dried before disposal to reduce weight.

a friend of mine swears by coconut husks. the results are amazing. i have made an attempt to use it but it isn't very practical for outdoor growing, unless someone can tell me how to make it work?