--*First Grow- 20 Seedlings CFL 36x20x62 Closet Tent- Journal*--

[420Primo]

Ok so this is my first forum, first grow, first first- So lets go

I am making this log for easy access to dates pictures and notes- Please feel free to ask questions or share your methods WITH PICS please =)

I also have done a Hefty amount of researching and understand most terms, a lot to take in, with a lot more to learn.

So- This is first grow which means practicing dealing and learning how to handle each problem as it happens. I want to learn what nutes work best for my garden, getting a steady room temp and fuck, just everything. I applaud all of you. This website has a wealth of knowledge, tutorials, fuck ups, and I appreciate every one of them! This is just going to be an absolutely amazing next few months, fingers crossed.


Moving forward

The germination box is just a standard Plastic Storage tub with some damn lights (wrong ones of course, new ones in the mail! Also waiting for tent which is 36x20x62 plus a few other things.

*Waiting for
-Tent $60-$80 (vented, metal corners pipes) I want to say 200ish D? if that means something for reflectivity, ive forgotten and my notes are on my dead ipad

-ph up/down
-ph tester
-sockets Y Splitters 4Way etc
-Debating TWO on ordering 4pack of 23W 6500k CFL ($12.97) or 1/2 105 W CFL Daylight 5500k ($17.94/ea)


*Will be building this as I go, wont purchase flowering equipment till Im getting closer (budget).


Before the pictures of my new ladies, A little background on how I fell into this glory hole.

Girlfriend planted some herbs, cilantro, basil, etc next day I found a old bottle of seeds thought I'd put my spare bedroom closet to use. (did not think they would sprout!)


Yes I know I shouldn't use these old seeds. Next grow, if I make it and Graduate this one, will be a solid run. This one will not be. I've already had three breakdowns and feel like I am losing my mind because my seedlings turn yellow.


However, I know more then likely I over watering those beauties, I continue to do it with a turkey baster mind you.

Sometimes the knuckle lies I have grown a little better at the weight of these cups tho
Buddy let me try his pen, Wow, yea I planted two seeds in same pot. I'm sure that is pretty common lol. said no one ever.


What do I do? I fucking water them! Like any other noob would. So please share anytime you think my stuffs off the track.

I appreciate all advice, insight, 2cents, 2chainz. I dont give a shit if your having a bad day and just want to call my OP a POFS. I'll smoke to that. Again, first time.

I hate taking Adderall..so enjoy the ride. (I bounce from topic to topic 1/2 the time, and the other 1/2 I forget what I am talking about. Vicious Cycle)

Let the hating begin! But I would appreciate any few words or more that any one has to offer!

(not sure why I felt that all..^^^.....necessary? Maybe because rule #1, no one talks about fight club! So I have literally spoken to no one and that will remain, except my girlfriend, who thinks "my plants are dying"..by my suggestion so she is not worried about what is soon to come. Just keeping it real on the home front.)


little does she know..



Trying to upload about 40 Images.

*Please advise best route to take so I can get those up and show off my 20 babies
(Big whoops, I began to germinate them all simultaneously before reading anything. Have had about 15 hours of sleep in a week, and have read a few books and loads of video.(( Just to build up the courage to ask the professionals here that are willing to shed their 6500k light while I veg.))) or something idk.


Thanks for coming that was the first post! I have a large amount of pics if anyone can lmk easy way to upload and share- Also about to switch soil up during next transplant- I have been watering when dry with distilled water, cap off 48 hours.

some are acting very funny, purple stems, random drooping. Things I've gotten over whelmed about but hop right to research and let things sort themselves out.

Seedlings were kept in dome until first serrated leaves...
damn add I cant think Im going to wait for a reply on the pictures then move forward, once this is live! Stick around I plan to keep 6 of 20 seedlings. Depending on the experts out there advice, On how to pick the stronger ones.

 

[420Primo]

If anyone can guide me in the direction for uploading bulk pictures I'd be thankful!

 

[Steve Man]

Congrats and good luck! I believe you were right about over watering. Idk if i would grow 2 plants in the same cup imo

 

[420Primo]

Congrats and good luck! I believe you were right about over watering. Idk if i would grow 2 plants in the same cup imo

Thank you! I have since separated them and they seem to be regaining strength! I was impressed it survived the first transplant attempted at such a young age. Not to say they won't be dead in a week, but I've got 20 to play with.

 

[Steve Man]

do you have a tool to measure ppm? What nutes did you decide on? Also idk if you are gonna have enough light to cover all 20 of those plants the light pen isnt idea and you are gonna need to have those lights as close to those ladies as possible. Tell me what your goals are this grow

 

[420Primo]

I have done 0 nutes yet, after so much reading I am steering away from all organics until I am more comfortable.
I would like to take a beginner approach on nutes, do I need liquid seawood, mykos, FF trio pack?

Also Please advise if this item would be sufficient for PPM meter (budget)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C0A7ZY/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This is the PH reader I also have in my cart
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XN4111W/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2YTRVUK78832Q

along with this PH Control kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BNKWZY/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

tent choice
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RBDSW2C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_6&smid=A347GK6YRL6XBR


they will fit in my box for now, tent will only take a couple of days I am not far from a warehouse-

I am looking to harvest 1 damn oz. So if I get more outstanding, If I come close. I know what to fix for next grow and will fix things like purchasing a northern light fem pack of seeds to learn with.

I would like to practice cropping technique and scrog, I am not certain about SOG, however with the amount of plants it may or may not be a good idea. Considering im not sure how many males I have here yet, and also Indica/sativa/strand I have NO idea how they will grow yet.

I am keeping temps between 71-84
Also humidity avg is 55 in house
I keep wet paper towels in grow box to keep humidity a little higher. I have read this helps with very early stages but to ease up, then to really back off when flowering.

=) Cheers!

 

[420Primo]

I also have a lid thats foiled and cut for air intake outtake with some jerry rigged fans, it cycles about 10-15 times per minute, a little high but only a few more days till I move into tent- Once I make the order.

 

[420Primo]

I planted 10 of these on Feb 25 so that makes 1/2 room 8 days old! The other 1/2 was is on day 3!

 

[Steve Man]

The pen tester and ppm meter is fine you will however need to calibrate it
http://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-Calibration-Solution-Gardening/dp/B001TNAA5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457034194&sr=1-1&keywords=tds+calibration+solution
Thats more than you will probably ever need, i burnt my plants to bits the first time i bought one turns out that it was calibrated way under and i had my res in the 900's when they should have been in the 500 -600 range. Once i got it all under control however my entire garden shot way up

If you are thinking fox farm check out this http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/frontpage/feeding-schedules.html
Its the feeding schedule and has when to feed them what and what week. The flush is optional however ive personally never used it and never had a problem. The grow tent is also fine everything looks really great! Idk if you need root protection in soil as ive never grown in that media before so hopefully some one thats more educated can help answer that question.

 

[420Primo]

Yes I am looking to switch to a better cut of soil I've read large chunks are not good. *or any bark due to the acidy I believe.

I have a fresh unopened bag of pearlite I did not mix into them at this stage because I water tested a seedless cup for a day and noticed it already dries fairly quick.

My play was going to be 2 plants and a lot of cropping using the "fish net guides" (term lost me) now with the amount that ACTUALLY germinated. Out of 20/28 I was impressed and want to possibly explore growing a few more.


If I keep a few extra I will plan for Something similar to SOG I'd like to Fim/top a couple if not all that make it and stay and see where the grow takes me. If some plants get the boot due to lack of light and space that will be ok!


Pertaining to the flush I've heard it is a vigorously growing animal immediately following. However I have not tested myself.


The root protection will/ or may be used for transplant unless someone knows what the green goo is called for clones and what not. Not sure if that's useful for transplanting or not I'll look into that.


They need to be moved soon and I'm thinking 1 or 2 gallon buckets.

If I decide later to just keep one or two I'll be increasing the final size pot.

Fingers crossed. Hopefully they make it till my electronic pens make it to my home.

 

[Steve Man]

I think you should go into the final growing instead of transplanting twice, it just feels like it would be more stress on you and the plant having to do it twice but idk i did it 3 times and looking back i could have easily skipped the second transplant.
also really read into fimming and topping, lst techniques are way less stressful. You got allot of work ahead of you

 

[420Primo]

I will surely do that for the ten baby sprouts I have. They have another day I hope. Then I will get them into some 1/2 gallon- I havent chose what pot to put them in, a plastic one or the fabric ones...

here are 1 gal fabric

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046BAB9E/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_13?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3SN41ZWNHBBFH

7in width seems like it wont fully utilize a 5 ft high tent....idk





Now This isn't root bound yet right? Is this to early for a transplant? In the future should I wait for more root growth? Im not sure it it matters, I am happy to finally see under a few 8 day old plants they are working hard!!




after reading up, I chose to add the pearlite to the the day 8 team- hopefully after they get some sleep we will have some growth tomo! Things have been at a stand still, assuming it is the watering, then transplant.



Temp is 82 in box, exhaust has good humidity around 55%-65%
also have them on a 16-8 would anyone take it to 18-6 or 24?
Don't be shy! once I have the tent and the correct grade of light these girls hopefully will launch. Im going to hold off on watering for atleast 24 hours

With the fan + heat + and these quick draining starter pots they are tricky to know when to water...I'll get it down!

 

[420Primo]

Noticed problems with color today more then others. Some red stems some yellow. Some mixed.

Switched from distilled water after learning it's stripping nutes. All plants were fed today with tap water that was left out overnight and vented.

Color has slightly restored to the yellower ones.

Still await materials they're shipping.

Pray these hold on till then.


Temp 79
RH 55

 

[420Primo]

Both digital Testers should be here by tomo afternoon!

along with PH up + down

and 4 pack of 6500k 23 watt CFL
__________________________________________


My buddy thinks I should knock out a cheap divider wall in my closet and use that space.

6ft wide
8ft high
2ft deep


much more space then tent, and a lot cheaper.

Also I am picking up a back of FFOF soil tomo, enough for 10x1 gallon smart pots.

I need to order my nutrients now, I'm late on this I feel. Plus they could use a 1/4 strength boost (I THINK) to get them back up and going after having incorrect water for a day or so(distilled).

Since I will be growing in soil, is it possible to use GENERAL HYDOPONICS Flora Series?
or is that more for hydroponics and coco-coir?

If that isn't a good mix, is there a comparable product at their cost ($15-20)

I only ask because at the moment I don't want to use it up on FF Trio.


Should I paint the inside of the closet? or mylar it?
Which nutes should I purchase?


Any suggestions help! Thank you!

(I am also considering upgrading the CFL to a better bulb, reading up on what ever would be a small step up from CFL in the $50-75 range.......oppose to building a CFL DIY light fixture which I hear can get as expensive)



Thank you all for the assistance! Cant wait to share my journey! Right now the girls are same setting as yesterday


Soil Temp 73
Air Temp 79
RH 60

will post pictures tonight! have my first set of 3 showing! so exciting!

 

[420Primo]

Also the chance of burn has put some fear in me with the CFL having to CONSTANTLY adjust in the later stages.


Anyhow, right now I am on hold till I choose the nutes.....help wanted!





Everything above is on the way tomo minus the nutrients, but listed above are the options i've been led to.

reminder, using FFOF soil and will most likely be mixing some pearlite also...depending on what research tells me with using FFOF, Pearlite mix inside a smart pot..(thinking the dry time may be to quick, but I want smart pots because it's said they self prune to prevent root rot...) what are your thoughts?

 

[Feisty1UR]

Make up your own god damned mind. You've came this far, choose whatever nutes you want. Organic or synthetic?

Now This isn't root bound yet right? Is this to early for a transplant? In the future should I wait for more root growth? Im not sure it it matters, I am happy to finally see under a few 8 day old plants they are working hard!!

Dude, you already know your plants are 8 days old. Why in hell would they be root-bound this early on? Use your common sense bro. For all you know you've probably caused more stress to these younglings. Leave them alone and KISS.

 

[420Primo]

Make up your own god damned mind. You've came this far, choose whatever nutes you want. Organic or synthetic?


Dude, you already know your plants are 8 days old. Why in hell would they be root-bound this early on? Use your common sense bro. For all you know you've probably caused more stress to these younglings. Leave them alone and KISS.

Good deal. Just needed to know if anyone had a better experience with the white painted walls vs putting up Mylar.

Idk what you did your first time, It's safe to assume you had a question or two.

If you knew your first grow what you did your 10th, wouldn't you want that advice? I understand trial and error.

 

[420Primo]

This Picture was taken March 2







This was taking a few moments ago, click the lights off for 30 seconds to get this photo more clear-


I can only assume from my research here on RIU is that, due to the distilled water stripping some important nutes, these girls have come to a complete halt. There has not been much growth in 6 damn days!

My meters will be in today along with stronger lights.
I purchased FF TRIO they will be here Monday or Tuesday. Wont add that until I get PH under control.

My GH PH up down wont be here till friday, So once I have my meters calibrated today I will read a few waters

Filtered water from my refrigerator
Tap
Distilled
Rain Water from the storms yesterday


Once I get a good PH reading I will try to home remedy for balance, searching for most effective ATM.

Since I let them get very dry between watering I want to rule out overwatering. It may be so off on PH its Lock Out...idk

These things shot up so quickly at first and were looking beautiful, the switch from tap to distilled back to tap has really stunted them along with me waiting to long for PH meters.

 

[420Primo]

Hopefully once I have the PH resolved these girls will feel more loved

 

[420Primo]

After reading up this is my best option for the interior of the closet

I also may rip out the foil in the box today and paint interior of the tub this color as well