Any Seedling Advice For New Grower?

goose_chase

goose_chase

Member
Hi Everyone, I just recently started my first grow and there's a couple of questions I'd like to ask.
I'm growing Critical Skunk from Mr nice, starting in root riot cubes then going to move into Plant Magic Soil Supreme.

I put the seeds in water for 24 hours then planted them into the root riot cubes. a couple of days later they sprouted and I think it's been about 5 days since they sprouted.

I have them in a Stewart unheated prop under a Maxibright T5 4 tube on 18/6
I'm maintaining decent temps/humidity.
I have a 300 watt Maxibright blue CFL too, which I plan on using for veg.

Here comes the questions...

How much vertical growth is to be expected? After 5 days the tallest is just under 2 inches and the rest are not far behind. Is this stretching? I have my lights just a couple of inches above the lid of the prop and the seedlings are elevated in the prop by resting the tray of cubes on an upturned tray.

How long should I have them in the cubes before potting?(I find opposing advice on this online, some people have said as soon as you see tap root pot the cubes into soil; some people say have them in the cubes for 2 weeks). I have roots showing from the bottom of the cubes.

I'm keeping the cubes moist but not soaking by spraying them in the morning before I go to work and when I get home. Is that right?

The main thing I need is a clear guide on transplanting/potting up. There's so much conflicting information or information specific to other growing media that it's a bit hard to know what is right but saying as moving the cubes into pots is the next stage then I need to know exactly what I'm doing first.

I can put a couple of pics up but my phone camera is pants. Any help will be appreciated.
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
goose_chase said:
Hi Everyone, I just recently started my first grow and there's a couple of questions I'd like to ask.
I'm growing Critical Skunk from Mr nice, starting in root riot cubes then going to move into Plant Magic Soil Supreme.

I put the seeds in water for 24 hours then planted them into the root riot cubes. a couple of days later they sprouted and I think it's been about 5 days since they sprouted.

I have them in a Stewart unheated prop under a Maxibright T5 4 tube on 18/6
I'm maintaining decent temps/humidity.
I have a 300 watt Maxibright blue CFL too, which I plan on using for veg.

Here comes the questions...

How much vertical growth is to be expected? After 5 days the tallest is just under 2 inches and the rest are not far behind. Is this stretching? I have my lights just a couple of inches above the lid of the prop and the seedlings are elevated in the prop by resting the tray of cubes on an upturned tray.

How long should I have them in the cubes before potting?(I find opposing advice on this online, some people have said as soon as you see tap root pot the cubes into soil; some people say have them in the cubes for 2 weeks). I have roots showing from the bottom of the cubes.

I'm keeping the cubes moist but not soaking by spraying them in the morning before I go to work and when I get home. Is that right?

The main thing I need is a clear guide on transplanting/potting up. There's so much conflicting information or information specific to other growing media that it's a bit hard to know what is right but saying as moving the cubes into pots is the next stage then I need to know exactly what I'm doing first.

I can put a couple of pics up but my phone camera is pants. Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Pot them up as you say. Yo will have faster growth by transplanting in graduated container sizes. Red Solo cups next and then etc. However I have gone from Solo to 3 or 5 gallon. It just takes the roots longer to develop to support growth. Use a root stimulator in your feed if you go big.
 
Diabolical666

Diabolical666

Well-Known Member
I would have not wasted the cubes and put the seeds directly in the soil....anyways..pot them up so they can get some nutrients from the soil
 
bird mcbride

bird mcbride

Well-Known Member
Plants have been growing in soil ever since there was soil. But before soil, plants lived in rocks.
I can't be sure but I "think" a 150 watt HID would put out more than the light you chose.
 
newbuddy

newbuddy

Well-Known Member
I would love HID lights but not everyone can afford them! After 43 surgeries and being tossed on disability Im on a limited income and have to do the best I can with what I have-good luck with your grow!
 
goose_chase

goose_chase

Member
Well that was quick, do seedlings get nutrients from soil at this stage? I thought the nutrients stored in the cotyledon leaves fueled the first two weeks of growth.

OK so I have watched a lot of videos on potting up but they have left me with some questions. when I put some soil in the pot before the cube should I press this soil down to compact it or should I not do this?

Will the soil need to be watered at all after the transplant? It's my feeling that the soil out of the bag is moist to touch and I don't want to over water the plants.

When/how do I begin the hardening off process?

I'm thinking pot them, place a bag/jar over the seedling for humidity then don't water them as the soil is moist and contains naturally occurring nutes. Wait for cotyledon leaves to yellow then water lightly with water only. Does that sound good? I can do this today if you say so.
 
goose_chase

goose_chase

Member
bird mcbride said:
Plants have been growing in soil ever since there was soil. But before soil, plants lived in rocks.
I can't be sure but I "think" a 150 watt HID would put out more than the light you chose.
Click to expand...
Yeah I do want to ask questions about lights/cfl/wattage but I thought I'd focus on the plant matter at the moment.
 
skunkwreck

skunkwreck

Well-Known Member
Back up and take a breath man...it's weed...medium...water/food...light...it will grow . Start with the basics now and you can complicate as much as you want to later after some experience .
 
bird mcbride

bird mcbride

Well-Known Member
Disturbed soil settles dramatically when water is applied to it. Fill the plant pots, soak with water, fill again with soil etc to the rim of the plant pot. After the soil is settled appropriately and the soil in the plant pot has reached the desired dampness/dryness toss your plant(s) into it by making an appropriate hole in the soil, place the plants roots into the hole, fill in with soil and water.
I have found that it is better to transplant into dryer soil then water.
Get a hygrometer if you are unsure.
 
skunkwreck

skunkwreck

Well-Known Member
I don't know what that above post was about smh... No don't pack the soil down it will be done naturally when you water and yes give them a little water after the transplant , which I would do right at lights out so as not to burn the seedlings with the light if you get them wet plus I think it lowers transplant shock (never had that tho) keep the lights as close as you can . I forgot what else you asked .
 
9leaves

9leaves

Well-Known Member
Goose_Chase
Welcome to the group. To me it sounds like everything is great. I use soil as well. What I do with my seed. 24 hour soak. Then I get two plates. Plates as in the kind you eat off of. Wet paper towel. Put seed in it. Cover it up. Leave in a warm spot for 24 hours or more. Once I see a little white root I plant them.

The stage you are at. Well you have far more roots than I ever start with. Your doing good. I am still making mistakes. Take your time. Let the little girl grow. Sometimes water and light are the 2 best things you can give. Stay cool. 8-)
 
goose_chase

goose_chase

Member
skunkwreck said:
Back up and take a breath man...it's weed...medium...water/food...light...it will grow . Start with the basics now and you can complicate as much as you want to later after some experience .
Click to expand...
I must seem panicked, I'm totally calm I assure you, I just wanted to get these questions fired out there. I'm loving the rapid responses.
 
skunkwreck

skunkwreck

Well-Known Member
goose_chase said:
I must seem panicked, I'm totally calm I assure you, I just wanted to get these questions fired out there. I'm loving the rapid responses.
Click to expand...
You're good man lol just don't get too excited , I've seen more crops killed by love then I have by neglect.. so far you're sounding fine .
 
SamsonsRiddle

SamsonsRiddle

Well-Known Member
goose_chase said:
Well that was quick, do seedlings get nutrients from soil at this stage? I thought the nutrients stored in the cotyledon leaves fueled the first two weeks of growth.

OK so I have watched a lot of videos on potting up but they have left me with some questions. when I put some soil in the pot before the cube should I press this soil down to compact it or should I not do this?

Will the soil need to be watered at all after the transplant? It's my feeling that the soil out of the bag is moist to touch and I don't want to over water the plants.

When/how do I begin the hardening off process?

I'm thinking pot them, place a bag/jar over the seedling for humidity then don't water them as the soil is moist and contains naturally occurring nutes. Wait for cotyledon leaves to yellow then water lightly with water only. Does that sound good? I can do this today if you say so.
Click to expand...
Do not compress the soil, and get the soil slightly damp before you put the cube in. You want the soil to be dark like it's holding water, but if you squeeze some between your fingers you don't want it to drip water like a rag. Maybe just spray the soil a little bit with whatever you've been spraying. During the first week or two and give the seedling small amounts of water so it can search for water and grow roots. Don't worry about runoff until she has filled the cup, usually a week or two. Depending on the soil, there will be little nutrients or lots of nutrients. More info on your soil would make it easier to help you. The cotyledon's will fuel the first week, but can continue fueling with very little nutes for the first 2-3 weeks.
 
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bird mcbride

bird mcbride

Well-Known Member
skunkwreck said:
I don't know what that above post was about smh... No don't pack the soil down it will be done naturally when you water and yes give them a little water after the transplant , which I would do right at lights out so as not to burn the seedlings with the light if you get them wet plus I think it lowers transplant shock (never had that tho) keep the lights as close as you can . I forgot what else you asked .
Click to expand...
The post above is when the soil settles by watering with the plant in the plant pot the lower fan leaves will be damaged by coming in contact with the plant pot.
Nobody said anything about packing the soil down.
 
9leaves

9leaves

Well-Known Member
Glad to here you are calm. I screwed so many good plants up I can't count. The one thing I never do is give up. The weed I have now got a little mold. So that was the screw up on this run. I use a bunch of CFL's for light. Others say something else would be a lot better. I know there is a lot of stuff that could be far better than what I use. I just do a basic grow for my medicine. Keep up the good work. :hump:
 
skunkwreck

skunkwreck

Well-Known Member
bird mcbride said:
The post above is when the soil settles by watering with the plant in the plant pot the lower fan leaves will be damaged by coming in contact with the plant pot.
Nobody said anything about packing the soil down.
Click to expand...
Wasn't meaning YOUR post but mine and yes he did ask about packing the soil down .
 
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