Few Q's regarding first time out-door grow.

Hey everyone from the rollitup community! Me and a friend have decided to grow marijuana. We are both newbie growers, but I know a little bit more the growing process than him, so it looks like I'm going to be the brains behind the operation. We growing in Nor-Cal and I've read from a few sources stating that you can still plant some seeds/clones mid/late July and still expect to get a decent yield. Ok, now a few questions .

1st Question: Why should I germinate seeds and do I have to germinate the seeds from Peakseedsbc.com?

2nd Question: I've read from sources stating different cycles of when you should use nutrients on your plant. Some say 2 weeks after you've planted your seed and some say a whole month...set me straight . P.S. I'm using Fox Farm Ocean soil.

3rd Question: I've seen people talk about letting their plant "veg", but I thought veging was the period before your plant begins to flower? How is it possible to control the veg period and why should I let my seed veg for an extended period of time. (If that's even possible)

4th Question: I'm still somewhat confused with the cycles of the marijuana plant. Sprouting-Veging-Flower-Harvest..?

5th Question: Should I use pot plants if I'm growing to grow outside (I'm still trying to find a spot in the Bay Area near Belmont-Menlo Park area, so if any Nor-Cal growers have any suggestions on spots that would be extremely helpful).

6th Question: FoxFarm nutrient products Big Bloom, Grow Big and Tiger Bloom say to use 2 tbs per gallon, but I'm afraid that might burn the plant. They also say you can use those products every other time you water . When should I use those 3 products 2nd week 4th week 5th week etc... based on your experiences?

7th Question: I've read articles where people specify to use tap water only while others say to use bottled water .. What should I use and why?

8th Question: What would you guys/gals recommend to use on my plants to keep bugs/animals away. I think I'll use a fence for the animals, but yeah give me your recommendations!

Please don't flame me and tell me to go read other articles and posts, I came here, because I've read a lot and these are some of the subjects I'm confused about. Thank you .

To be clear, some of your questions regard more of indoor control methods than outdoor growing. The title and preamble suggest you are going outside so you may get some answers that do not apply. I'm just here to help out some people when I can, just some old pro-amateur ramblings. Take from it what you will.

1) Seeds go through germination to turn into plants. If you mean what you should do to get those beans to pop/start that process and best methods for starting them, thats pretty much covered. Not saying read a faq, but it beats the hell out of copy and paste replies. The quick run down though ... Seeds will start just fine in soil, but you want to ensure it happens. Soaking them in various water and other solutions for up to 48 hours etc ensures they will pop those shells. From there it is a matter of whether you want to place them directly outdoors or start them off in peet pots, rockwool, starter soil packs, papertowel wraps, etc.

2) Plants need nutrients period. The goal of organic gardening, especially in soil, is to reduce what is added and not kill your plants with overfeeding. You are doing soil that is slightly nutrient rich/potentially hot already. Your overall conditions and the plant's nature dictate when you need to "start" feeding them. This varies a lot and depends on what you are going to use for feeding. Hot zones for directly planted seeds are to be avoided, but again, you have to know your soil conditions. You are starting with good soil more or less. You shouldn't need to start in too quickly. Time tables vary on this as well with outdoor based on growth rate, deficiencies etc. Those time frames listed are just as they appear; guidelines.


3) Direct outdoor you dont have much control over the vegative growth period of your plants. If you are transplanting from indoor to outdoor, this can be a factor though. Maybe keep that in mind for later. Only way to extend most outdoor veg times would typically be in a greenhouse with supplemental lighting. While this seems wasteful to many, its how lots of commercial operations work for all sort of plants. And correct, pretty much veg is pre-flower.

4) That's pretty much all there is to it.

5) You mean "potted" plants yes? That's a whole thread in and of itself. Sounds like you are heading into guerrilla territory here. If so, then you want to avoid this usually. It can allow control over the growth, easy of movement, soil control etc but it is not perferred for that style of growing or in most cases where you can get more soil for your plant to grow in. Drainage issues etc.

6) Too variable and depends on drainage and watering schedule combined with mother natures twist on it all. Potted plants you have to be more careful with of course than ones that are going to drain into the ground. Again, adjusting to a nutrient use is something you have to play by ear. Following a schedule from a manufacturer can help you get started. When in doubt go 1/2 strength or less until you're sure.

7) Tap water can have all sorts of salts and things that kill beneficial microbes in soil. Knowing your tap water's composition etc is key to making a decision. Again though, since you're heading into maybe borderline guerrilla, you're going to be challenged with supplemental watering in the first place. In more controlled situations, I prefer filtering my own and ensuring the chlorine etc is out of it. Bottled water is just an available source. Keep in mind bottled = distilled. One of the reasons for that is because of the nutrients used. They affect the ph of the water etc. Additional salts and other things in the water can cause issues.

Serenade and Safer and then mothballs/soap/fencing to deter some animals. Pests like gophers etc need more deterrents like under caging the holes and what not.

Good luck. You have to start somewhere obviously. You still want to keep re-reading and learning from your own experiences. I'm old and tired but still pick up something every time I turn a corner. If you stop learning, you're not an expert, you're just ignoring the world.

Psari gets plus rep for a good reply.

Teamrussia1 you need to read the stickies.

psari thanks for that you've answered all my questions ! Phyzix, you're right, I'm sorry.