Preparing first grow, anything -else- I should know?

Havek

Well-Known Member
Alright, so, as the title states, I'm preparing my first grow.
For the past month or so I've been doing large amounts of research related to every question I have.
I ordered the "Female Seeds Lemon Kush" variety from herbies(due to low price and limited budget), and got a few freebies which are Afghan Kush and Kerala Krush.
My grow space is about 2x2, so four square feet, in a sliding mirror-doored closet. The grow space will be lined with mylar blankets and makeshift reflectors for each bulb.
There is no air conditioning here, but I have digital thermometers place throughout my house, and the the temp ranges from 68-78 degrees F at all times, most commonly ~70.
I have oscillating fans for ventilation.
I plan on using CFLs, because since I'm currently not employed, my budget is quite low.

This is what I am starting with.

68watt 2700k CFL x1 (Will buy more when needed, can't afford to buy all at once)
20lb bag of Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Soil 0.05-0.00-0.00
Miracle Gro Brand Perlite
Miracle Gro Tomato Plant Food 18-18-21
Alaska Morbloom 0-10-10 (for flowering)

Now, before you tell me that Miracle Gro nutes are shit, and will burn my plants, I'd like to point out that I'm aware of these claims. I've researched enough to know to be cautious with the dosages.
There are no hydroponics stores in my area that I know of, and due to my budget, I'm just buying what's cheapest. I plan to grow 1-2 plants in my space, haven't really decided yet. Definitely popping one of the LK seeds first, but if I decide on a second plant, It'll be the WOS Afghan Kush.

Here are my main concerns. I cannot find any 5000-6500k CFLs (of significant wattage) in stores. Ordering online is not an option, due to shipping costs and my budget.
So I'll be starting with one 2700k CFL (68w) and gradually adding more as needed (possibly a few 42/55 watt CFLs, or maybe just another 68.)
I've read that the spectrum I'm using causes stretching during the vegetation stage, but I've seen many successful grows without stretching in this situation. If needed, what can I do to minimize the stretching other than using daylight spectrum bulbs? My next question is for anyone who has grown this particular variety. How long should I veg, and when should I start introducing nutrients? My main goal is to yield at least an ounce from my first grow, but more is always better. So, is there anything I'm missing, or does anyone have any tips for me regarding things I haven't addressed?

Thanks in advance.
 

beeralot

Well-Known Member
I just put a lemon kush seed in soil today hopefully it will sprout. The longer you veg the more chance you will yeild more. pot size matters aswell. big roots big fruits.
 

LadyZandra

Active Member
NO MIRACLE GROW!! Especially not tomato food! you WILL kill them!

There are links below that will help you out... NEVER use soil with ferts already in it (as does Miracle grow and their prearlite!) and never use acidic nutes on MJ!!

You CAN use miracle grow IF there are no other options-- but if you can buy miracle grow, you can also buy Espoma- which is organic, and actually makes things easier on YOU... mix it into some Promix soil, or start with the Miracle-grow All Organic soil... 5 weeks into your grow, mix 2 cups of the soil with 2 TB Espoma Flower Tone and dump it on top of the soil in your 3-to-5gallon planter. This is "top Dressing"... by doing this, you will not need to feed your plants except MAYBE some very light nutes while flowering... just water.

Again- here are the links that can help ya.. not the ONLY way to grow- but a good start for beginners! ;)

Growers Terms and methods 101
http://www.marijuanagrowing.eu/terms-and-methodsall-growers-need-to-know-t12763.html

Basic Growing Guide: http://www.marijuanagrowing.eu/step-by-step-growing-faq-s-please-read-before-posting-t20217.html

MANY NUTES and FEEDING CHART FOR THEM: http://www.marijuanagrowing.eu/nutes-what-to-use-and-how-to-use-em-t14033.html

CFL growing
http://www.marijuanagrowing.eu/how-to-use-cfl-s-to-grow-mj-t23291.html
 

Havek

Well-Known Member
Alright. I'll pickup some Epsoma if I can find it. I refuse to use Miracle-Gro soil because of the time-released nutes/inability to flush. What's wrong with the Black Gold soil? From what I've read, I wouldn't think the 0.05 N concentration is enough to really make a difference. Same with the nutrients in Miracle-Gro perlite. Worst case scenario I could just put the perlite in a strainer and run it under the tap until it runs clear, yes?
 

tpepps70

New Member
I'm also a newb and after 2 weeks things are going good, im using cfl's also and i just keep them about 4-5 inches above them and they're not stretching AT ALL... they're 4-5 inches tall and have 4 nodes already... i dont know if thats good, bad or average but its not stretching... Dont use ANY nutrients until 3-4 weeks in... made that mistake and got a mild nute burn but i flushed them pretty thoroughly and within 24 hours the symptoms were almost back to normal. And i heard somewhere that using oscilating fans on the plants at a low speed fromt he get go is a good idea because it promotes strong stalks and that has def worked for me, they're pretty beefy. Thats about all i've learned that you didn't already touch on - happy farming!
 

tpepps70

New Member
rinse off the perlite anyways... that stuff has a lot of really small pebbles in it and its not good for the root system i guess... i didn't take the time to do it and i wish i had - too late now though
 

Havek

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the input, you guys. I guess the only question I still have is weather black gold soil will be a good medium throughout the whole grow. I already have it, and I don't really have much extra cash lying around that isn't already going to the organic nutes and more lights. If need be, I'll get some different soil, but I'd like to know if I'll be okay using Black Gold.
 
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