Hi all

I have tried using coco coir with perlite as a growing medium (not hydroponics, just as a substrate) with disastrous effects. Tricky if you’re not very precise.

So I’ve decided to go with soil, and have to following available. Please recommend the ratios, and if anything is missing. Help will be appreciated.

Potting soil (no additives)
River Sand
Worm Castings
Perlite
Agricultural lime
Bonemeal
Volcanic Rock dust

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Motman.... The following ratios will serve you well....
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Potting soil (no additives) 50 percent
River Sand 5 percent
Worm Castings 15 percent
Perlite 10 percent
Coco Fiber 20 percent (just wash it good & reuse it) - or use
some sphagnum peat moss

Agricultural lime 1 cup per 5 gallons of soil
Bonemeal 1 cup per 5 gallons of soil
Volcanic Rock dust 3 cups per 5 gallons of soil

This mix will drain well, but also hold nutes / water for your plants.
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Keep it Real...Organic....

Thanks man!

With the drainage being good, how often will I have to water?

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Motman... With small pots (1.5 gallons and under) every other day, with medium sized pots (2 gallons to 3 gallons) every third day. With large pots, 5 gallons & up - once every 5 to 7 days.
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Environmental factors come into play also. If your plants are exposed to temps above 75, aggressive air flow from fans, or low humidity levels under 50 percent for extended periods of time, they will need watered more often.
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Thanks BRo! Would you also add rock phosphate to the mix?

My temps are between 29 and 31 C (84 - 88 F), with one oscillating fan, 400W MH around 40 inches from the plants.

Problem is I'm renting, so I cant cut holes everywhere. I have one window for air inlet only, and the window is always open (faces towards house, no one can see

Is this enough, with only one opening, can there be sufficient pos to neg pressure to allow fresh air to enter?

Later...

What kind of reflector are you using? I was running high 80's with a 250W HPS ballast. I switched to a 400w HPS Digital ballast and a cool tube reflector and in my grow cabinet (36x18x90 inches) i can get the temperature down to the more traditional mid-high 70's. A coolable reflector with sufficient airflow will work wonders for you.

im rentin too, in an apartment...with a 600w hps. i opened the window and put a small fan on the window sill with a vent duct taped to the fan. the vent i got at ace hardware, and it takes the cold outside air from the window to right under the light. it keeps temps in constant seventies.

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http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...ml#post2248365

I'm using an adjust-a-wing reflector.

Will try the fan setup.

Thanks y'all