all right, It's all coming back to me. I read Widow Makers thread about a year ago about growing (like, a step-by-step guide or something) and I just found it again! what I did was take the dirt from my front yard and mixed it with some of what I think was manure and mulch and also some miracle grow I then germinated my seeds filled about 5-7 clear plastic cups with my soil mix and planted the seeds. I had no clue what I was doing, so I watered it when the soil wasn't damp, and I left it in my window sill to use the natural light. I live in texas and get a good amount of light in my room so I thought it would be enough. here I'm going to sound ignorant but... isn't it just a weed?
LOL - yep, it is just a weed, but if you want juicy dank buds, you are going to have to give a lot of love. I'm in Texas as well, so here are some pointers:
1. Get to the nearest Hydroponic store...Texas Hydroponic on Burnet Rd. is a good place to start. If you are on a budget, get your dirt and nutes from this place, and lights elsewhere (not that their lights are over priced, I just don't know your budget) - NICE selection & very helpful folks.
2. Search Craig's List under "Farm & Garden" section...do a search for "HPS", and you will come up with a plethora of folks selling their lights and other various needed materials for growing. You may also find some ads in the "General" section. BE WARNED - just because they are selling grow equipment does NOT mean they are 420 friendly, so don't mention what the grow is for...if they ask - just say veggies.
3. No window sill is going to provide enough light...not even in Texas. If you want to start your seedlings outside, May is a good month. Other than that, it's too darned hot.
4. Get a DECENT PH meter...grow shops everywhere have these. Make no mistake...Austin water has HIGH PH (9-10) and you WILL need some "PH down". IOW if you are using tap water without letting it breathe out the chlorine for 24 hours, then hitting it up with PH down before you water, your plants will either grow very poorly or die.
Remember - nutes can change PH, so if you are going to add nutes, take your PH reading after the nutes are added to the water. I like to see a PH of around 6.3 to 6.5 (digital is the way to go).
5. Do not germinate in clear plastic cups...quite simply, the roots will get confused. If you are going to use cups, use the solid colored ones, and make sure they have drain holes in the bottom.
6. Spend as much of your spare time as possible reading RIU...LOTS of great information here.