Greetings again ILGM Forum!
Time again for a small stash grow. I always document my sessions here, as this is where I learned what I know (still beginner), it serves as a journal to rely on for future grows and most importantly for the knowledge & experience the site offers. Always good to have available support when needed (often). So, thank you in advance for any & all info, feedback or support along the way.
I have started 2 Apple Fritter auto flower seeds from ILGM. Both germinated beautifully without incident. This time around I opted for the paper towel method after soaking the seeds for 24hrs. In two days both seeds developed tap roots over 1/2" in length.
From the paper towel to solo cups with FF Happy Frog soil, perlite and mycorrhizae. After two days both sprouts broke the surface.
Here are the environmental details:
Apple Fritter auto flower (ILGM)
FF soil - Ocean Forest/Happy Frog; perlite, worm castings, Myco in 3g fabric pots
Blue Planet Elite Nutrients
3x3x6 tent
MarsHydro FC3000 LED Grow Light
6" Exhaust
4" Intake
2 - 6" oscillating fans
humidifier (inside tent)
Oil-filled radiant heater (inside tent) when necessary
AC/Dehumidifier for lung room when necessary
The HF soil was saturated with distilled water approx 1 hr before planting seeds. Before planting I stirred the soil to break up any clumping from watering. I dusted the opening for the seed with Myco, then covered gently with tap root pointing downward approx 1/4" below surface. Then I misted the top soil a bit to help it form some around the seed.
I positioned the light approx 18" above the 2 cups dimmed to about 25% producing approx 350 PPFD / 25 DLI. I also covered the solo cups with plastic, vented humidity domes which I misted a few times a day for the first couple of days. Currently we are in day 3 above ground and I have removed the domes as the tent RH is consistently around 40%-50% and I want the breeze from the fans to help strengthen the stems.
Tent temp is consistently between 75F to 77F - currently implementing the radiant htr
At this time I am scheduling the light for 24hrs. I intend to maintain this schedule for the seedling stage, changing to 20/4 for veg and then 18/6 for flower. The light on continuously helps maintain temp, and I’m hoping in another month ambient temps will increase, eliminating the need for supplemental heat…
So, Here we go. Another adventure and more fun…
Pic is 3rd day above ground
Nice! That humidity seems a bit low to me for a seedling though. Possible consider putting the domes back on until the leaves touch the side of it or get the tent closer to 60-70% Rh. Just my 2 cents! Grow on
Yea. I was wondering about that. I think you’re Prbly right. I’ll be transplanting in about 10 days into 3g pots which will produce more humidity. Maybe done back in place until then. Thanks for your feedback!
That’s why I’m here…
This morning I discovered this. I’m guessing the tap root? Anyway, there is about a 1/2” gap between the doubled solo cups and I guess she was searching for some of the water at the bottom. Should I get her transplanted ahead of schedule? 5 days above ground.
It’s a great sign. But not when the soil is super wet and heavy. Hard to keep the root ball intact. Wait for her to dry and she’ll slide right out in your hand for a way easier transfer to a larger container. Otherwise her weight and lack of heavy rooting could let her collapse and that’s a serious stressor.
I took a Youtuber’s tip and cut the bottom out of my clear liner and split it up opposite sides to the top of cup ring. When I see the tap root, I stick the liner-and-all in the hole formed in the new pot, cut the top ring, and slide out the pieces. Soil doesn’t get disturbed regardless of conditions. Never had a stress issue with my baby autos getting transplanted. Good luck with your grow.
Transplanted today and it was a clumsy mess at best. The soil in the solo cups basically disintegrated in my hands. The soil appeared dry on the surface and about 1” below and it had been 5 days from watering. Anyway, in their 3g containers they rest.
I’ll sit back and wait for signs of the stress I inflicted…
So I’m sure I created stress with the transplant scenario. That said, I’m not clear on what to look for in the way of signs of being stunted, etc. To my untrained, inexperienced eyes these two look ok, but perhaps a bit small. Today marks 11 days above ground. I am also curious about the node spacing so far. The branches look pretty compact. I have been running the light at approx 25%, 18" above seedlings. I am reading approx 320PPFD/24DLI with phone app. I have been running light 24hrs since germination to help control temp in cool basement room. My plan is to change to 18/6 once seedlings reach 14 days. Temp/RH in tent is consistently 77F/55%. Anyway, anyone with feedback, and or advice I would appreciate hearing. Thanks in advance…
looking forward to following along!
thanks again for the tip!
