1st Time Grow, Could use all the help I can get.

Zoobear

Zoobear

Well-Known Member
Hello all, and Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am re-posting this in the correct spot so I apologize if this annoys you. Thanks again for any input you might have.

Due to financial strain I am forced to grow on a budget, and since this will be my first attempt... I will not have all the cool gizmos and gadgets.

My grow box is 3x3. Right now I have the walls flat white (using cheap poster board to line the box). I am considering switching over to Mylar... but have not done so yet.

I will be using CFLs for my entire grow which will consist of anywhere from 4 - 8 plants. I am hoping to save a little money on my bill but I am using them more so for Temp control reasons. I currently have

1 x 125 Watt. 6500k CFL
4 x 27 Watt. 6400k CFL

I am using these lights for Veg only albeit I am considering keeping them running during flowering as well. As for flowering... it seems to be a ways away yet. I am still purchasing bulbs. As of right now I have

3 x 68watts (300 watt equivalent) 2700k CFL
(I found them at Home Depot for $14.95 and plan on going back to get more). I am also considering ordering a 125 watt 2700k bulb from Hydrofarms if the home depot CFLs do not cut it in bulk.

I am using Organic Choice Potting Mix, Made by MiracleGro. I know alot of people are against anything made by MG, but it was convenient so I went with it.

So how am I doing so far?? your thoughts whether positive or negative would be greatly appreciated.

I am also wondering about air flow and how concerned I should be w/ it. Any thoughts or ideas? and finally nutrients? the soil says it keeps feeding for 2months. Anything I can add or spray to give the kids alittle more ummph.

As you can see I am completely new to this, and need all the help I can get.
 
Zoobear said:
Hello all, and Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am re-posting this in the correct spot so I apologize if this annoys you. Thanks again for any input you might have.

Due to financial strain I am forced to grow on a budget, and since this will be my first attempt... I will not have all the cool gizmos and gadgets.

My grow box is 3x3. Right now I have the walls flat white (using cheap poster board to line the box). I am considering switching over to Mylar... but have not done so yet.

I will be using CFLs for my entire grow which will consist of anywhere from 4 - 8 plants. I am hoping to save a little money on my bill but I am using them more so for Temp control reasons. I currently have

1 x 125 Watt. 6500k CFL
4 x 27 Watt. 6400k CFL

I am using these lights for Veg only albeit I am considering keeping them running during flowering as well. As for flowering... it seems to be a ways away yet. I am still purchasing bulbs. As of right now I have

3 x 68watts (300 watt equivalent) 2700k CFL
(I found them at Home Depot for $14.95 and plan on going back to get more). I am also considering ordering a 125 watt 2700k bulb from Hydrofarms if the home depot CFLs do not cut it in bulk.

I am using Organic Choice Potting Mix, Made by MiracleGro. I know alot of people are against anything made by MG, but it was convenient so I went with it.

So how am I doing so far?? your thoughts whether positive or negative would be greatly appreciated.

I am also wondering about air flow and how concerned I should be w/ it. Any thoughts or ideas? and finally nutrients? the soil says it keeps feeding for 2months. Anything I can add or spray to give the kids alittle more ummph.

As you can see I am completely new to this, and need all the help I can get.
Click to expand...

whatsup zoobear,
airflow is a must
best buy has 4" pc fans for about 12$ radio shack has 6" for about 22$ ( local)
i suggest 2 . one for exhaust, and one for fresh air in.
and also a fan to have blowing across the plants at all times.
about feeding, I never did spray the plants, rather i fed the soil.
and for nutes, I found out first hand that less is more.
I added guano to the soil, and fed with fish emulsion/ h20.... the fish def stinks, so be warned

your light setup sounds great, it might get warm. so again airflow

the 65's are great for flowering. I still use them along with a 400hps.

I think your best bet is to read the stickies for growing. good stuff.

good luck and show some pix !
driftwood:leaf:
 
Seems like you have a lot of things in order, but I do see a few issues.

- You may want to consider adding a bit more lighting. I would suggest adding maybe 4 more 6500k spectrum and then maybe 4-8 2700k spectrum ~26W CFLs. When you switch to flowering, add more 2700k spectrum and remove a few of the 6500k spectrum (seems like you know this already :)).

- Your soil is okay, regardless of what the anti-MG people tell you. They usually are referring to general use nutes and enhanced soils. You got the organic soil, so you're fine.

- If you decide to feed your plants nutrients, make sure you pick the appropriate nutrients for the proper stage of growth of your plants. During the vegetative stage, you want plant food that is high in Nitrogen (something like 25-10-10 or 30-15-15 will work great). During flowering, however, your plant needs more Phosphorus than Nitrogen, so cut back on the Nitrogen food and start feeding something high in P, something along the lines of 10-25-10 or 15-30-15 will do fine. Also, remember to slowly introduce your nutes, i.e. half or quarter strength at first and then slowly progress to full strength via the instructions.

Have fun with your first grow, you will learn a lot of info that you can use towards your next grow!

Make sure you have a small oscillating fan in your grow area to circulate the air and promote strong stem growth on your seedlings. This will be important when you're finally ready to flower.
 
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