This is something for myself, but figured I might as well include it in the journal for other first-time growers to learn from. The following are things I learned from my first grow, and what I plan on doing differently in future grows.
This probably will get a bit long...
Grow Area:
The height of the grow box (just shy of 4') is far too short, at least for the strains I was growing. Then they say you should have at least 5', they aren't kidding. Be sure to accommodate for how much height is lost with the reservoir/pot and the lighting... automatically lose at least 1 foot.
The footprint of the grow box (3' x 2') is fine for three plants. In fact, if I didn't do LST, I imagine I could have gotten 4 plants in there, as long as I'm not worried about the light getting to the bottom.
Next Grow: Height of grow box will be at least 5', closer to 6' if possible. I plan on focusing on the buds at the canopy, so maybe just 1 sq ft. per plant?
I'll put together a description of what I have in mind for my next grow box.
Germinating:
I absolutely will not start in soil again. It was so incredibly easy, but the problem was the transplant. Oh man, I still get frustrated thinking about how difficult it was to break the soil loose from the roots. Ripping away half the roots was heartbreaking. Not only that, but my grow slowed for about a week and a half from the shock.
Next Grow: Getting rock wool and giving that a shot.
Lighting:
Really glad I went with the HID. Definitely will stick with the HID and 4 CFLs, especially after what Jigfresh mentioned about getting denser buds with more light.
I had the pull the colas away from the HID to prevent them from burning. I needed about 6 inches between the bulb and the top of the plant/cola (another reason I need more height for the box).
The HID also really heated up the grow box. The temp of my box was, on avg, about 15 degrees hotter than room temperature with little foliage (no plants or very small plants).
As for the type of bulb, if I have the money, I want to get a HPS bulb to use during flowering. It seems like if you are on a budget, you want to invest in the flowering stage. I loved the Agrosun bulb, but I just want more results.
Next grow: Building a homemade cooltube. Will be following Jigfresh's design. HPS bulb if I have the budget.
Reservoir:
Two words: SEPARATE RESERVOIRS! Put each plant in its own reservoir for a number of reasons.
- Roots grow together, if one plant gets hacked down, you might have a problem
- Plants entering different stages of flowering at different times, so you'll want to give them different nutes mixes
- Different harvest times for each plant
Next grow: Maybe around 1.5 - 2 gal tub per plant. Might need another airpump... need to test out the current one to see if it can handle 2 Y-splits.
Flowering:
The bud (non-properly cured that I smoked for a sneakpeak) is still is potent, but I imagine it could have been better with more optimal growing conditions. Except for a couple main colas, my bud was very fluffy and loose, popcorn like. It's not that ideal looking bud that you associate with dank. And last but not least, the yield was great for the first grow, but call me greedy, I want more and better results.
Next grow: Go lolli-popping -- going to cut all small buds below the canopy and force the girls to direct their energy on growing the main colas (thanks jigfresh for the term).
Also look into Humboldt County's Own - Gravity, recommended by jigfresh.
Last, get more accurate water ph readings and start paying attention to ppm. Get a budget meter for next grow.
Low Stress Training:
Though the LST seemed to work in that several main "trunks" grew from one, but I'm not sure if it necessarily resulted in a bigger yield. I guess I'll have to find out with the next grow. Plus with more height, available, I could go without it.
Next grow: Try without LST unless height becomes a major problem.
General Hydroponics Flora Series (Nutrients):
Love it, easy to use, and plants seemed to love it. Might look into what other mixtures people are using to get even better results and make the girls even happier.
Strains:
I've only had the chance to try the non-properly prepped weed and I'm satisfied with the results... for a first grow. This is definitely more potent than the average stuff I've bought over the years, but I want something even more potent next time. Yep, I'm quite a greedy man.
I just have high expectations for myself. I can really handle my weed and just always looking to smoke something more potent.
I know a lot of people say White Widow and Northern Lights are two of the most potent... but how difficult are they to grow? Anyone have any suggestions for REALLY potent strains good for a second time grower?
That's about it for now. I'm sure there will be more things, but I'll jot them down along the way.
Low key night tonight, have my best friend's daughter's first birthday party tomorrow... so no hangover allowed when there are gonna be little screaming babies. Time to smoke another bowl and play some PS3. :
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No mention of how long it'll take, but I think it's coming from Amsterdam, so I imagine at least a week or two. With their standard shipping, there is no tracking, so I guess we'll see how long it takes.
