My newbie story

Like many, I have always wanted to grow my own pot, but never have. So, about 7 weeks ago, I remembered that I had some seeds from some good (but very seedy) weed. That is when I started scouring for info and found great forums, such as this site. So, I put a bunch of them in some damp paper towel inside of a zip lock in a drawer, and all 52 sprouted! I was hooked! I then purchased a humidity dome, spray bottles, dixie cups, Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil, FF Grow Big and a Sun Blaze 48 watt 2' 2 bulb propagation light.

My original plan was to grow in the back yard, but ended up unexpectedly having to move. Not to mention, although my girlfriend and I are legal to grow, I value my privacy and have decided indoor gardening is more my style.

Upon moving (when plants were 2 weeks from seed), I culled down to 16 plants and moved from 1" pods to dixie cups with holes. I set up the closet at the new house with the 48 watter, but soon had to move outside because of lack light for the growing seedlings. When moved outside at about 4 weeks from seed, I transplanted into appox 1/2 gallon containers.

Since we scored a 3 Br house (just the woman and me ) , I decided to set up the smallest room for a grow. At this point, I had been salivating at all of the cool shows on the net and self-educating: I had ideas about where to start within our budget. Here is what I started with (mostly bought from HTG Supply):

4X4 grow tent
600 Watt Digital MH/HPS, both bulbs
Air-cooled hood
188 cfm inline duct fan (for light)
Elf carbon filter w/ 265 cfm fan
Window mount A/C
3 gallon bags
4" and 8" ducting
Themometer/Hygrometer
Box fan

I got my order about ten days ago and it was up and running that night. The tent is set up in an 80 Sf bedroom. Air-conditioner is in the window with board above it. I cut two exhaust vents into the board, one for the cooled hood and one from the carbon filter. Running A/C at low setting (outdoor temp over 90%), today temp is 79% and humidity under 60 inside the tent.

Before bringing plants back inside, I transplanted into 3 gallon bags. They all started thriving under the 600 MH. Shortly after, I was able to sex them all. 9 females, 7 males.

After sexing, I decided to change from MH to HPS on 12/12. First snag, the bulb was DOA. Luckily, HTG provided good customer service and sent a bulb out with a return label for bunk one. Should be here in 3 days. Meanwhile, I am ok with letting them veg a little more now that they are less crowded.

I have been feeding with FF Grow Big since 2 weeks old. I just bought Tiger Bloom and Big Bloom and will be buying Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz and ChaChing in the next few days. I will use the FF feed schedule as a guideline.

Also, to practice cloning, I took 8 cuttings 3 days ago and put into peat pods. To save $, I bought Schultz Take Root. I have them under to prop light under the dome. Just a test run.

Near future plans: I want to get a perpetual cycle going, so I ordered panda film and tarp zippers to partion the room: veg in front, flower in back. Unfortunately, I bought a cheapie tent that is not 100% light tight. I have my eye on a 216 watt Sun Blaze T5 4' 4 lamp for vegging in the closet (I'd like to get a second 216 watt T5 and a small tent for mothers, too). Also, trying to decide on clones from the club vs seed bank. There is a very nice strain I have been smoking on (Mendo Purple) that I can only get in seed.

I do have a worry nagging at the back of my mind about the seed grow that I hope for comment on. Really, it's two parted:

1) Are the seeds I grew from hermaphrodite?

2) Since I moved them around alot (inside for propagation, outside for a couple of weeks, 3 transplants and now under HID), did I stress them to a point where they will turn male in flower?

That is where I am at up until today. If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I am open to comments and suggestions.

I received a 2nd HPS bulb, but it didn't work. Called HTG and was told they were having problems with the type of socket that I had. They overnighted a new socket and told me to keep both bulbs, cool. After installing the new socket and an HPS bulb, I couldn't believe it didn't fire up!!! I lost my cool for the 1st time and cussed for 3-5 minutes, lol. Once regaining my senses, I remembered there were 2 bulbs. I was equally as stunned this time as I was when trying the first bulb, except now it was because it come on. Whoo-Hoo! Maybe it didn't seat properly the first time, or the other bulb is no good. I'll find out later. I am just happy that I now have what I paid for.

They have been on 12/12 with HPS for 4 days and seems to be growing many new hairs every day. I bought a cheapie 2-pronged 3 way meter and the ph shows at or just below 7 in all pots. Due to rapid growth, I removed 2 plants for a total of 7 in the tent. Also, a plant that I thought was male (due to not showing hairs like all of the others) is now showing female. I killed off the ones that had balls, but had this one in the back yard. On top of that, a friend gave me a plant! So, I broke down and put three in the ground and one in a 5 gallon bucket in the yard. It is a little late in the year, but at about 2' a piece, I will get some bud.

I purchased a Hydrofarm 4' 6 bulb T5 HO, 324W. I am waiting on that delivery, as well as my Fox Farm solubles and panda film. I chose the 6 bulb fixure because you can use 2, 4 or 6 lamps (108W, 216W or 324W). I could even add the 48W lamp for 372W veg area. That might be enough for a couple of moms and veg for the tent.

A friend, who has nice outdoor garden, invited me over to take some cuttings. He only had one plant that was from a club clone, not an unknown seed. Grape Ape is the strain, but it had started to bloom. I have read that once in bloom, clones root less often, but I am trying it anyhow. Check out the pics below. He recommended another kind, so I took three of it too. Also, took 2 more cuttings from my strongest plant. I am not sure if I will use all, if any of these, but it is good for learning.

I am surprised I don't have any comments yet. I am curious about what others who have at least a bit of experience think about my first attempt so far. Look forward to hearing from you!
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Your setup is looking a+ man. +rep for sure. + subscribed Keep up the awesome work

After making a panda film wall last week, I disassembled the tent because they were cramped. Found two Hermies after two days. It was almost light light tight, but not completely, so I probably stressed them. I put them back in the tent, and now they are in complete darkness for sure.

After 16 days of flowering, they are looking pretty good. No signs of male parts, but I am nervous. Only time will tell.

Also, they had become infested with gnats, so I had to take action. Bought concentrated Organicide and Diatomaceous Earth. Watered with recommended dilution of Organicide, then covered soil with a layer of Diatomaceous Earth. That was a couple of hours ago, so I will be watching closely.

The Veg side of the room is now set up with the new 6 bulb T5 and some clones from the local dispensary.

I have started a new thread for the clones. Because I have many views, but only one subscriber (thanks EpyxN), I will be abandoning this post and posting only on the new thread.

So follow me there and watch my ladies grow: https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/218531-my-spare-room-600w-hps.html