My First Grow! w/ Pictures

Hello everybody! I've been a long-time lurker of this website as well as a few others, just soaking in the information I could online in addition to reading any recommended horticulture books I could find. This is my first attempt with viable (but unknown) bag seeds. I did this instead of order them for a few reasons, but mostly to get a feel for actually growing before I spend money on seeds I might very well end up killing from a beginner mistake.

Here is my current set-up:
(5) Germinated bag seeds recently moved to a soil medium (21-7-14) in foam cups labeled 1 through 5.
(2) 13 Watt, 840 Lumens, Daylight 6500k CFLs
(1) 14 Watt, 900 Lumens, Soft White 2700k CFL (Could also replace with another daylight CFL with a spectrum of 6500k if more viable)

I plan on installing Mylar in the cabinet, as well as setting up a simple two-fan exhaust system during the veg cycle until I can move these to the bigger area I'll be transferring them to during the pre-flowering and flowering cycle. It doesn't get hot enough to need a fan to cool them down, and they haven't sprouted yet, only germinated. I'll install a small desk fan once they turn into little seedlings to support stem growth and keep fresh air circulated. The soil I had to use was the correct NPK and Ph level, but it was Miracle-Grow, Moisture Control. I have only heard mediocre things about Miracle-Grow, so I was hesitant to get this brand but it was the only one with even close to the correct nutrient levels I needed for this project.

Here is the small area I have for the vegetative stage:

Here are pictures of the rough version of the flowering room, it still has much work to be done to it.

The dimensions of the veg room are 1.6w x 2.0h x 2.8l, and the flowering room is a bit larger at 2.5w x 2.4h x 3.8l. (forgot to add that earlier, sorry!)

And what will you be using as a grow light in that space? Hopefully not what's pictured....

MG soils are not all bad I've used it myself, but I would not want the Moisture Control at all for an indoor grow. You want the soil to dry out as soon as possible after each watering.

You might consider just painting the inside of those boxes with flat white paint. Cheaper, easier, and almost as good as mylar. I just took my mylar down yesterday and painted my room, really did not like the stuff.

What are those things, some kind of cage for a pet or chicken or something?

smokinrav said:

And what will you be using as a grow light in that space? Hopefully not what's pictured....

Click to expand...

No sir, this was a rough version. I now have a 400w HPS in place of that fluorescent, as well as 4 23w Daylight CFLs mounted from the ceiling which I will swap with 23w Soft White CFLs when I 12/12 them. The room has been cleaned and sprayed painted flat white with Kilz. I also have a roll of Mylar on order which should be arriving soon.

AimAim said:

MG soils are not all bad I've used it myself, but I would not want the Moisture Control at all for an indoor grow. You want the soil to dry out as soon as possible after each watering.
You might consider just painting the inside of those boxes with flat white paint. Cheaper, easier, and almost as good as mylar. I just took my mylar down yesterday and painted my room, really did not like the stuff.

What are those things, some kind of cage for a pet or chicken or something?

Click to expand...

MG was not my first choice I assure you, I've heard my fair share about bad reviews (and a few good ones) to stay away from MG untill I at least get more experienced and for whatever reason it is all I have. Good point about the moisture though, I wouldn't have got this if it were not the only soil with a higher level Nitrogen than P and K. (shitty I know, but what can you do with just a wal-mart nearby) Also see my above comment about the Mylar, it's exactly what I plan on using! Need those big buds!

It was a temporary place for baby chicks, originally crafted for the purpose I am using it for now though.