Well, I am taking the plunge. We're gonna do this. I have a plan that makes sense (to me) and costs are reasonable - and the results - well, we'll just have to wait and see. This is the first gro in over 30 yrs, and more than a year listening and learning. My goal is a successful crop - not the most yeild, not the biggest tree, not monstrous bud, just ahealthy plants that offer reasonable yeild and high quality smoke. Those other goals are most commendable by those that pursue them, just not for me, this time around.

My space is approx. 2' x 3' x h (more than I need (i.e., >7')). I have a shelving unit to hang the light bar (with 9 x 42W CFLs - in three tri-arrays). should be able to easily accomodate a 3-4' plant. I may be looking at topping but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. I like the idea of low bushy plants with more than one cola. the light bar is 14" x 32" entirely aluminum foiled, and it essentially forms a lid to the grow area below. I will put a timer in place for 18/6 and then 12/12 when the time is right. my plan is to do a minimum of two weeks vege, see where we're at the switch fairly early into flowering.

I have two 5 gal. pots with soil - professional potting soil, nothing fancy - with drip trays underneath. I have room for six pots depending on germination success? I will get some nutrients once they get started.

I have six seeds germinating - 3 Top44 and 3 BigBud - one Top44 has a definate crack showing - one of the BB might have been cracked and I didn't notice - I keep it there and see what happens for now.

I have an oil filled radiator heater with thermostat - the temp in the space is 16-23C (morning low - day high) and 29-35% humidity. I had been thinking that the natural sunlight through the window would suffice, but seems that more lighting is hugely beneficial, so closing off the window to all light (in or out) will be in order.

Once it is all set up properly I will take some photos. It feels good to have this underway. Now the real work starts, eh?

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Ride hard, Ride long....git put away Wet each and every time....no holdin' Back.....enjoy the journey ...... cuz that's ALL there is! Walk on and walk tall folks!

Best of luck to you!!!

Got any pearlite mixed into the soil?

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I tell you this ~ No Eternal Reward will forgive us for wasting the dawn.

some good progress made. lights are all in place and ready (photo). germination looks good - 6 seeds put in papertowel on Sunday - 5 showing - one really good (photo) - almost ready I suspect - prolly tomorrow into the soil? I guess I was a little surprised as these seeds were purchased last year, and sat idel for a full year. Then again there are those 7000 year old seeds so...what was I thinking.....

Without the lights all on - temp. seems to be pretty steady 70-75 and humidity ~30% - With the lights on it looks like I might have a temp problem. I have had the lights on for a couple of hours and its over 90 actually. But I still need to put a small fan in there for circulation which should help? I really did not expect the heat cuz so much has been written that CFLs do not produce heat?

I should be able to figure something out to manage the heat - though venting is not really an option so I'm not sure what to do. Man o man that is stinkin' bright - 9 x 42W CFL - 378W and 23400 lumens. I realize this is not anywhere near what some people are using.......but...i guess we'll see how effective this setup will be. Decided to use one of those windshield sunlight deflectors for reflective material. Oh well, guess we keep making some small steps forward and see wherer we end up...what challenghes will present themselves, and what successes we will experience.

http://www.rollitup.org/marijuana-pi...001cropped.jpg
http://www.rollitup.org/marijuana-pi...003cropped.jpg

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Ride hard, Ride long....git put away Wet each and every time....no holdin' Back.....enjoy the journey ...... cuz that's ALL there is! Walk on and walk tall folks!

I forgot - Congrats and good luck.

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I tell you this ~ No Eternal Reward will forgive us for wasting the dawn.

yes it does...its a professional prepared soil from a local garden supply. I love the smell of soil. No wonder I have spent almost 30 years as a wildlife biologist....nature is in me. I am pleased with my progress. How was your day?

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Ride hard, Ride long....git put away Wet each and every time....no holdin' Back.....enjoy the journey ...... cuz that's ALL there is! Walk on and walk tall folks!

Looks like you are off to a very good start, I really like your hood idea, cheap and easy, I just may do that for my veg room.

concerning cfl watts, I'm using about the same watts as you for three of my plants, vegging and flowering with them, they seem to be doing ok but I really don't know what they are actually supposed to be doing as this is my first attempt, I'm 18 days into flowering, so far I'm pleased.

About the cooling, Iv'e seen people use small coolers such as swamp coolers or small air conditioners witch you could probably pick up for under hundred bucks, also I see them at thrift stores all the time (real cheap, specially this time of year)

May your grow be as good as the next!

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Humboldt's Growing Adventures! Up & Away!



CLICK HERE! For a Cheap and Easy Hash Technique!

CLICK HERE! For a Black Oil - Finger Hash Technique!

Check out the following link for some Awesome Marijuana pictures and audio clips, part of a site I started awhile back that fell through, but the pictures are still awesome, some you've probably seen but I bet a lot you haven't.

http://bratcat.net/bratcat/marijuana.html

Enjoy!

thanks Humbolt. I'm gonna keep an eye on it now....I am confidentthat it is something I should be able to manage one way or another. I keep the status posted as it is better understood.

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Ride hard, Ride long....git put away Wet each and every time....no holdin' Back.....enjoy the journey ...... cuz that's ALL there is! Walk on and walk tall folks!

good luck tahoe. may the ganja gods look favorably upon you lol.

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http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...-buds-2-a.html

hey man....thanks a million. the germinating looks like I'm at least 5 for 6 which is a pleasing result. Now tomorrow I will place in the soil and then we'll see if we can continue to have such positive steps forward. Thanks again.....I'm already enjoying this! though my hope is that I will certainly enjoy the outcome in several months!

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Ride hard, Ride long....git put away Wet each and every time....no holdin' Back.....enjoy the journey ...... cuz that's ALL there is! Walk on and walk tall folks!