Ok so, I'm just getting started with my first batch of homegrown herb. I've already begun germinating my seeds as of last night and I'm already seeing a few start to sprout . The seeds were picked myself from bags I've rolled up over the past few months and there were maybe 15 - 20 (I don't expect them all to sprout, many seeds were small. I'd only expect 7-10).. but I only smoke the finest so I'm confident on my batch.

Well since this is my first attempt I'm not gonna go all out, my original plan was to grow them in a large plastic cups until they were maybe 12" tall and transplant them to a path in the woods nearby my house. I know a perfect place to start a garden that offers a good amount of sunlight.

To start off indoors however, I only have two desk lamps - they do, however, generate a very good amount of heat for such small lamps. I'm confident they can help my plants grow until there transplanted outside, maybe I can even put them under the lamps by night and in the sun by day (remember this is just my first grow mostly for experimenting, I'm not looking to go out buying lights just yet).

Ok so here's my update:



I checked on my babies, and 6 sprouted so i went ahead and planted them.



the pics are off my phone so not the best quality. Like I said, I've got two desk lamps.. they generate a lot of heat for the size, and I'm not tryna go all out buying lights and everything. This is only until they're about a foot tall so i can plant them outside.



I used Miracle-Gro garden soil That I found in my garage. I also found some fertilizer called Lebenon Landscape or something like that. It's not liqiud so I'm guessing I shouldn't use it? It reads 15-25-16.

Theres a window right by where my plants are so I can keep the fresh air coming in, and it's in a large container right next to my bed so I can quickly hide it from anyone. The only person that knows is my brother.

Question - should I keep them away from the light until they pop up?

Can someone please help me out, I don't want the lights on them before they pop up if its not good.

bumpp......

Hi there, put it this way - they don't need light UNTIL they pop up. Then it's really important to get light on them asap so the seedlings don't stretch. However, I would get CFL bulbs (the cool / daylight ones, high wattage) rather than those desk lamps. You need to get your lights as close as possible (a couple of inches) to the seedlings to prevent stretching, and those lamps will be way too hot to do that. Also the more CFLs you can afford the better. They thrive on LIGHT!!!

Also if you are using MG soil then be aware that it usually contains a lot of nutrients, so whatever you do don't feed the seedlings any more nutes otherwise you will most likely burn them.

An open window is OK as long as there is a breeze on the seedlings - this is necessary to promote thick, strong stems. If you can't get a breeze a moving fan to simulate an outdoor breeze will do the job.

Otherwise, good going so far. All the very best to you and your seedlings

greenb.

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"Behold, behemoth, which I made with thee .. He moveth his tail like a cedar" (Job 40:15-24) http://www.genesispark.org/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm

Thanks a lot for the advice man. I think I'll go pick up those bulbs this week.

No probs, it will definitely be worth it, honest
Good luck, hope everything goes well.

greenb.

__________________
"Behold, behemoth, which I made with thee .. He moveth his tail like a cedar" (Job 40:15-24) http://www.genesispark.org/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm

UPDATE:

Just checked on them a few moments ago, and two of them are starting to pop!! I'll post some pics up when they grow a little more. I also had some more seeds germinating for another little experiment that have sprouted, so I just planted them right outside my house. Theres about 4 of them, and if they survive I'll transplant them when they get bigger.

QUESTION:

So I checked out some CFL bulbs on home depot's website, and I'm not too bright on the watts and everything. What wattage would I need and would I need to buy entirely new lights or can I just screw in new CFL bulbs?

Heres the link to the websites CFL bulbs: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...=10053&style=A

any suggestions?

Hi again, glad to hear your seeds have popped - well done! I'm a strictly outside grower so not the best person to advise on lighting, but I think you should look for something better than what is on offer on that site. You would be looking at the blue packet there, ie "daylight" bulbs, but I would suggest you go for a higher wattage. eg 27W minimum, and as high a lumen rating as possible. Have a read at this page in the FAQs and you will get a lot of real good info which will help you: GROWFAQ

You might get away with those lamps for a short while, but you might need a bigger spread of light as your plants get bigger. Ideally you'll want lights above AND in among the plants so all the leaves get share. If you have a look arounf the Grow Journals you'll see pics of peoples' set-ups. As I said, the more lights the better!

greenb.

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"Behold, behemoth, which I made with thee .. He moveth his tail like a cedar" (Job 40:15-24) http://www.genesispark.org/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm

Man, thanks a lot again greenb!! All this info is helping me a lot.

And yeah, I'd prefer to grow outdoors but since this is my first I wanted to make sure they start growing first for a guaranteed start. After maybe a week or whenever they're a good size I'll move em outside. Any tips on outdoor growing?

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GO GREEN LIKE THE CELTICS !!!!!!!

No problem juelz, that's what it's all about This is my first grow as well BTW, although I'm a bit further on. You learn a hell of a lot very quickly on this forum - it's a truly excellent resource and the people on it are well able and more than willing to be of as much help as they possibly can.

When I said I grow outdoors I mean in pots in the back garden. I'm very fortunate in that we are basically surrounded by fields here, and in addition the garden is really secluded. Not sure whether you are considering a garden or a guerilla grow, but either way my first piece of advice would be security at all times. If at home make sure no-one is going to see your plants, and if in a forest or somewhere, be really careful you're not spotted going to and from your site(s). Also, no-one even knows I'm doing this, not even my best friends - it's the only way as people WILL talk no matter how much you trust them. It makes for good conversation

I have two batches of plants going at the moment, one at 38 days the other at 19 days. I've learned a lot. I did like you, started them inside and then moved them out but a lot sooner. The first batch I grew under a kitchen strip light (LOL - not recommended) for a week or so and then put them outside during the day and back under the light at night for another week or two. Definitely recommend this man. The sun is the best light source, the wind will strengthen the stems etc and then they get the benefit of even more light at night. If you are in a position to do this you'd be off to a great start. I put my second batch out 24/7 two days after they sprouted (LOL) - they are doing really well, but definitely a slower start than the first batch.

At some point you will be re-potting into bigger pots or transplanting into the ground. Prepare your soil well, mix about 20-25 per cent perlite in with good quality soil, it will help with drainage. And find out about watering - they love lots of water but if you overdo it the impact can actually be worse than them not getting enough. A good watering every three or four days is usually about right for me.

Well I could go on and on LOL, but I really recommend that you have a read at the GROWFAQ. You will learn a hell of a lot there. And don't be afraid to ask if you get stuck. I have to do it all the time LOL. You may want to look at my grow journals to see what I'm up to. The plants are pretty resilient - they must be if I haven't killed mine yet hehe. But there are things to watch like watering, feeding etc that can get you into a mess if you don't get it right.

First Grow Outdoor UK
First Grow Outdoor UK - Phase II

Keep up the good work - you've done well so far. It really is fun so just relax and enjoy

Speak to you later,
greenb.

__________________
"Behold, behemoth, which I made with thee .. He moveth his tail like a cedar" (Job 40:15-24) http://www.genesispark.org/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm