As I learn more about growing, my plan has changed quite a bit. I am now planning a SOG grow with aero or hydro... New plan to follow later in thread....
PLAN 1 (Old Plan)
Hi. I have have read the FAQs and so many threads that my head started to spin. Now I have got a grip on what I need to do, and where I need to get the stuff.
PLEASE offer any suggestions to help with my plan.
LOCATION: There is a half height 5' unfinished basement under the house that is about 800-1000sf. The temperature is always 5 deg F cooler than the rest of the house, so I dont need to worry about extra AC. In the upcoming winter months, it is naturally very dry and should be around 60 degrees.
GROW ROOM: For my first grow, I am going to do everything in a single enclosure. I will buy a roll of mylar and hang a 4x4' area. The goal is to keep the light in, but the top will be open air to help heat escape.
LIGHTING: I have decided on 2x400 Watt HPS made with 2x400W Ballast kits. I will make DIY cooltubes, using glass candle tubes ($5/ea), appliance ducting, polished sheet aluminum, and computer fans. All the lighting parts should be around $150. I have decided on two instead of one because I would rather have hearty growth. The 400 Watt HPS are most cost effective without going to a 1000W. Because ceiling is low, I will be using 400s cool tubed.
TABLE: I will use a 4x4 board raised off the ground with bricks for my table. It will be covered with a plastic bib, and the table angled slightly for water to run off into a catch.
SEEDS: Seems like a good place to get them is marijuana-seeds.nl. I have read a few good things, nothing bad yet.
GENETICS: Rather than sex the plants, I have decided to start with feminized plants. This should avoid any sex mistakes.
I have decided to grow Northern Lights because it is supposed to be an easy grow, fairly potent, and lower odor than some others.
NUMBER OF PLANTS: Planning to grow six plants from seed to harvest. Would really like to start with less seeds and clone, but for first batch, will keep it simple. Nothing fancy
WATER: Two large 5 G open air jugs will be filled periodically. Chlorine will evap naturally. The tap water here is good
POTS/SOIL: I am planning to use soil. The Scotts' Sterilized potting soil I can get at Home Depot, and have read good things.
Beyond the initial germination, I will pot into small 6" pots and then transplant once into 3 gallon containers, making sure there is good drainage.
EXTRA TOOLS: Water and soil Ph kits. Oscilating fans, other. Lighting timers.
NEUTRIENTS: Havent decided on brands.
ODOR CONTROL: DIY Carbon Filters.
METHOD: Follow methods by Widow Maker on this site. https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/937-how-grow-marijuana.html
DEHUMIDIFIER: Not sure if I need a dehumidifier. Sears has small ones for $125. Maybe can find one on cragslist.
Any help appreciated. Will update plans as I learn more.
PLAN 1 (Old Plan)
Hi. I have have read the FAQs and so many threads that my head started to spin. Now I have got a grip on what I need to do, and where I need to get the stuff.
PLEASE offer any suggestions to help with my plan.
LOCATION: There is a half height 5' unfinished basement under the house that is about 800-1000sf. The temperature is always 5 deg F cooler than the rest of the house, so I dont need to worry about extra AC. In the upcoming winter months, it is naturally very dry and should be around 60 degrees.
GROW ROOM: For my first grow, I am going to do everything in a single enclosure. I will buy a roll of mylar and hang a 4x4' area. The goal is to keep the light in, but the top will be open air to help heat escape.
LIGHTING: I have decided on 2x400 Watt HPS made with 2x400W Ballast kits. I will make DIY cooltubes, using glass candle tubes ($5/ea), appliance ducting, polished sheet aluminum, and computer fans. All the lighting parts should be around $150. I have decided on two instead of one because I would rather have hearty growth. The 400 Watt HPS are most cost effective without going to a 1000W. Because ceiling is low, I will be using 400s cool tubed.
TABLE: I will use a 4x4 board raised off the ground with bricks for my table. It will be covered with a plastic bib, and the table angled slightly for water to run off into a catch.
SEEDS: Seems like a good place to get them is marijuana-seeds.nl. I have read a few good things, nothing bad yet.
GENETICS: Rather than sex the plants, I have decided to start with feminized plants. This should avoid any sex mistakes.
I have decided to grow Northern Lights because it is supposed to be an easy grow, fairly potent, and lower odor than some others.
NUMBER OF PLANTS: Planning to grow six plants from seed to harvest. Would really like to start with less seeds and clone, but for first batch, will keep it simple. Nothing fancy
WATER: Two large 5 G open air jugs will be filled periodically. Chlorine will evap naturally. The tap water here is good
POTS/SOIL: I am planning to use soil. The Scotts' Sterilized potting soil I can get at Home Depot, and have read good things.
Beyond the initial germination, I will pot into small 6" pots and then transplant once into 3 gallon containers, making sure there is good drainage.
EXTRA TOOLS: Water and soil Ph kits. Oscilating fans, other. Lighting timers.
NEUTRIENTS: Havent decided on brands.
ODOR CONTROL: DIY Carbon Filters.
METHOD: Follow methods by Widow Maker on this site. https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/937-how-grow-marijuana.html
DEHUMIDIFIER: Not sure if I need a dehumidifier. Sears has small ones for $125. Maybe can find one on cragslist.
Any help appreciated. Will update plans as I learn more.