First Timer, MG Organic CFL grow

Hey guys

Been reading here for a while and I just couldn't let you have all the fun so I gave it a go. I ordered 25 mixed indoor from BCSeedKing, got them in a week. Very discreet, would definitely recommend.

I germinated 10 (probably too many) then planted them in Miracle-Gro Organic. I'm going super cheap on this grow, everything is from Wal-Mart or Home Depot. I put the seeds under a hanging shop light (also from wal-mart $15) that has 2-20 watt, 1000 lumen 6500k bulbs in it. On the sides I have two 23-watt 6500k spotlights. I also have a 9" fan about 2 feet away to keep the air circulating and keep the stems strong just in case the light isn't close enough (probably 3 inches now.) I don't want to risk them shooting up while I'm at work and burning on the bulbs.

I definitely got the first-time growers jitters and probably over-watered them a bit in the beginning. Luckily for me, on day 4 three have sprouted. This was the day after I gave them just a tinnnyy bit of Miracle Grow Organic plant food (8-0-0) heavily diluted. But so far so good, if the others don't sprout I've got 4 more germinating (thought I might have planted the originals too early so I'm germing these for 3 days.)

Alright what else....I'm keeping them on a 24/0 light schedule right now....watering whenever the soil feels dry 3 inches down.

Just wanted to start a journal so I can keep tabs on my progress and get any tips- one question for you CFL growers: are CFL spots ok?

You need to keep that shop light within two inches or else your seedlings will stretch out. I would also try getting a timer and some actual spiral CFL's instead of those spotlight ones. Set the timer for 18/6 and you will be ready to go

Well they are spiral underneath the glass casing, I just bought them because they were the highest wattage at the store. I can see how maybe the glass could heat up too much?

Go to lowe's or home depot they have a 4 pack of 6500ºK Daylight CFL's for cheap. I think they are 23 watts a piece

You want to go get a pack of 2 27 watt day light cfl's for 7 dollars each at walmart. Also do those cups have any drainage holes on the bottom? The last thing you want to do is over water and not have any drainage. good luck

I sure do have holes in the bottom. Any time there's standing water in the baking pan I have them in I dump it out of there, don't want the roots or seeds to rot. I appreciate your comments guys.