# For all of those who enjoy helping beginners grow, I am currently attempting my first grow and thought I'd post it on here for outer perspective! **URL:** \ **Category:** Grow Journals\ **Created:** [December 1, 2017, 11:07pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516 "2017-12-01T23:07:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2017, 11:07pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/1 "2017-12-01T23:07:28Z")
Strain: Bear Dance. Sativa hybrid Soil: Fox farms ocean forest Light: growstar 150 W LED About 3 weeks in. Havnt started using nutes yet because the FFOF soil has enough in it for now. I will be using Gen. Hydroponics flora trio line shortly. My main first two questions are: 1. when is a good time to start topping this plant & 2. for only one plant, using a gallon of water to mix the nutes will be too much water so is it safe the convert the mixing amounts on the flora micro/grow/bloom to 1/4th of a gallon of water and 1/4th the amount of nutes. I will continue to post updates pictures . Thank you ILGM community ! ![15121705588441627947821](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/b/d/bdc2cdf0eef1cde9102e37afc2462da303018f2b.jpg) (upload://7Iwd93rYI47Pm8Lczs9ItevI0tK.jpg) ![20171201_161129](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/9/b/9b79f5e72c6025d7d57f5a3fc0e2e499d79136f5.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Covertgrower](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/covertgrower/32/423081_2.png) [@Covertgrower](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Covertgrower)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/2 "2017-12-01T23:31:09Z")
@MiracleGro welcome to the community! You’ll learn lots here, and more than happy to answer your questions. Yes it’s safe to convert 1/4 or 1/2 nutrients. What nutrients are you currently using? Some of us top or FIM or do low stress training after the 4th or 5th node. So far she looks great! Just tag us using the @covertgrower so we don’t overlook your responses! Happy growing and looking forward to your progress. ---
**Author:** ![Caosred](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/caosred/32/82030_2.png) [@Caosred](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Caosred)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2017, 11:46pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/3 "2017-12-01T23:46:55Z")
Hay welcome!! Me personally don’t ever top em i fimm them or tigh them down its a wast of a big bud ---
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 12:13am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/4 "2017-12-02T00:13:29Z")
@Covertgrower Thanks so much for the response! I will start using general hydroponic’s flora trio nutrients shortly. Could you please briefly explain the difference between topping and fimming… Anything and everything is greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![bob31](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/bob31/32/76512_2.png) [@bob31](https://ilgmforum.com/u/bob31)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 12:25am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/5 "2017-12-02T00:25:09Z")
Here are some guides that might help you @MiracleGro Welcome to ILGM Forums. Your girl is a photoperiod? or Auto? Regular or Fem? Why don’t you post this support ticket so we get all the info we need to make sure you are on track. COPY/PASTE: This “Support Ticket” into your forum post. Answer these simple questions the best you can. If you do not know, or do not use something; Just say so = NA Strain; Type, Bag seed, ILGM… name of strain: How many plants: Age from Sprout and Flower: Soil in pots, Hydroponic, or Coco / Brand and type of Medium & Size of Pots: How often do you water and how do you determine when to do so? PH of water and runoff or solution in reservoir: What is strength of nutrient mix? EC, or TDS: What brand and products of Nutrients are you using? Strength and how often? Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor type and size of grow area or tent? Light system, size and height from plants: Temps; Day, Night: Humidity; Day, Night: Ventilation system; Yes, No, Size: AC, Humidifier, De-humidifier: Co2; Yes, No: Add anything else you feel would help us give you a most informed answer. Feel free to elaborate, but short, to the point questions and facts will help us help you ![Nutrient_Chart2](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/2X/2/2a4a0247db11c9c812a3acdd6e667f4c45608840.gif) ![047569e630ee5cd20dde4e481a8f48c024eff626](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/9/e/9e6ad51ce527f250272b35055e0692cd225e01b2.jpg) ![fimming vs trimming](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/e/e/ee84d4bddd104cead72b77a799b07798dc456f01.png) Topping > **[Pruning marijuana plants](https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/pruning/)** > > Pruning marijuana plants Advanved Growing Techniques- Bigger yields > **[Advanced growing techniques for a bigger yield](https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/advanced-growing-techniques-bigger-yield/)** > > Advanced growing techniques for a bigger yield LST > **[Low Stress Training for cannabis tutorial](https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/low-stress-training/)** > > Low Stress Training for cannabis tutorial SCROG > **[Scrogging tutorial - Learn how to SCROG in 5 easy steps](https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/scrogging/)** > > Scrogging tutorial - Learn how to SCROG in 5 easy steps I just harvested over a pound from one plant; Fimming and Topping and then using a SCROG. Good Stuff! ---
**Author:** ![itsalwayssomething](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/itsalwayssomething/32/77887_2.png) [@itsalwayssomething](https://ilgmforum.com/u/itsalwayssomething)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 12:26am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/6 "2017-12-02T00:26:00Z")
Welcome to the forum. You’ll get lots of advice aND guidance here, lots of experience available. My personal suggestion I wouldn’t top more than once maybe twice unless you have another light you plan to add later. If she spreads too much the foot print of the light will be exceeded. Even with that you will probably still need to add light in the flower stage. Don’t take it as the gospel I’m sure others with more experience will be by to advise. Looks like a good start. ---
**Author:** ![Laurap](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/laurap/32/41181_2.png) [@Laurap](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Laurap)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 2:03am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/7 "2017-12-02T02:03:50Z")
Welcome to forum. @Covertgrower & @bob31 have got ya covered. As you see everyone will do what they can to help. If they dont know the answer, they can tag someone else to help who’ll respond… Happy Growing! ---
**Author:** ![70sChick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/70schick/32/72445_2.png) [@70sChick](https://ilgmforum.com/u/70sChick)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 2:15am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/8 "2017-12-02T02:15:56Z")
Welcome to the Best fourm around! @MiracleGro You are in good hands with @bob31 and @Covertgrower. ---
**Author:** ![Growit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@Growit](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Growit)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 2:21am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/9 "2017-12-02T02:21:56Z")
Welcome @MiracleGro , as said before you are in good hands here happy growin🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Alton66](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/alton66/32/74267_2.png) [@Alton66](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Alton66)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 4:24am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/10 "2017-12-02T04:24:23Z")
Welcome!!! I’ve received solid advice and encouragement from these people. You are in very good hands here.🙂👍 ---
**Author:** ![dbrn32](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/dbrn32/32/533801_2.png) [@dbrn32](https://ilgmforum.com/u/dbrn32)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 4:40am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/11 "2017-12-02T04:40:38Z")
Welcome! Best of luck with your grow! ---
**Author:** ![Caosred](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/caosred/32/82030_2.png) [@Caosred](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Caosred)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 10:08pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/12 "2017-12-02T22:08:59Z")
![IMG_5568](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/7/c/7cdbf42c69529eccd2ffbb19a80d416343211d32.PNG) ---
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2017, 1:10am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/13 "2017-12-03T01:10:48Z")
Thank you for the speedy, honest responses. I look forward to engaging with this community as the process goes on! @bob31 @Covertgrower COPY/PASTE: This “Support Ticket” into your forum post. Answer these simple questions the best you can. If you do not know, or do not use something; Just say so = NA Photoperiod 18/6 Strain; Type, Bag seed, ILGM… name of strain: **Bear Dance strain. Clone** How many plants: 1 Age from Sprout and Flower: **bought clone 3 weeks ago**. Soil in pots, Hydroponic, or Coco / Brand and type of Medium & Size of Pots: **Currently in 3.5 gal pot with Fox Farms Ocean Forest soil.** How often do you water and how do you determine when to do so? **2-3 times per week depending on the dryness of the soil.** PH of water and runoff or solution in reservoir: **N/A yet** What is strength of nutrient mix? EC, or TDS: **N/A yet** What brand and products of Nutrients are you using? Strength and how often? **Will start using general hydroponics flora trio nutrient line within the next week. I plan to follow the label guidelines.** Indoor or Outdoor: **Indoor** Indoor type and size of grow area or tent? **One plant growing in a topogrow grow tent(24’‘X 36’‘X 60’**') Light system, size and height from plants: **Using a Growstar 150 W hydroponic LED light. currently ~12-15" above plant** Temps; Day, Night: **60-70 F** Humidity; Day, Night: **30-35 %** Ventilation system; Yes, No, Size: No AC, Humidifier, De-humidifier: No Co2; Yes, No: No hopefully this information will help! thank you again! best, Nate ---
**Author:** ![bob31](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/bob31/32/76512_2.png) [@bob31](https://ilgmforum.com/u/bob31)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 12:51am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/14 "2017-12-04T00:51:26Z")
@MiracleGro A few things to that I’d like to check on! > [@MiracleGro](#): > > PH of water and runoff or solution in reservoir: N/A yet Do you have a pH meter and ph up/down and calibration fluid? Here are some examples Apera pH Meter [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENFOHN8/ref=ox\_sc\_mini\_detail?tag=greenrel-20](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENFOHN8/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) ph and tds meters > **[Amazon.com : HDE Grower's Toolbox- Digital pH Meter and TDS Water Temperature...](https://www.amazon.com/HDE-Toolbox-Temperature-Salinity-Hydroponic/dp/B00IEJOI9S?tag=ilovegrowingm-20)** > > Amazon.com : HDE Grower's Toolbox- Digital pH Meter and TDS Water Temperature Purity Salinity ppm Pen for Hydroponic Pool Aquarium Fish Tank Water Quality : Patio, Lawn & Garden ph meter only [https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Nutrient-Calibration-Solution-Included/dp/B00PECAQ12/ref=sr\_1\_6?tag=greenrel-20](https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Nutrient-Calibration-Solution-Included/dp/B00PECAQ12/ref=sr_1_6?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) pH Test drops 1 ounce [https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-Test-Kit-1-Ounce/dp/B000BT32UA/ref=sr\_1\_8?tag=greenrel-20](https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-Test-Kit-1-Ounce/dp/B000BT32UA/ref=sr_1_8?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) ph up & Down with test kit [https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-GH1514-Control-Kit/dp/B000BNKWZY/ref=sr\_1\_2?tag=greenrel-20&th=1&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-GH1514-Control-Kit/dp/B000BNKWZY/ref=sr_1_2?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) 7.0 calibration fluid [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D0CKYK/ref=ox\_sc\_act\_title\_1?tag=greenrel-20](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D0CKYK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) > [@MiracleGro](#): > > Soil in pots, Hydroponic, or Coco / Brand and type of Medium & Size of Pots: Currently in 3.5 gal pot with Fox Farms Ocean Forest soil. FFOF is a pretty enriched soil. The current pot they are in how long ago did you transplant the clone into that? I would advise waiting 3-4 weeks to give it any nutrients. ---
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 2:21am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/15 "2017-12-04T02:21:07Z")
So ive transplanted it twice already since purchasing the clone once into a ~1 gallon which is the pot in my original post. And a couple days ago i did again into an even bigger ~3.5 gal pot. I wish i would have put it into the bigger pot right away but oh well. I purchased a soil ph tester/moisture/light meter however i have not yet purchased the ph up/down and liquid tester. will the soild ph meter suffice? or would having the liquid tester provide be preferred? I will indeed hold off another week or so on the nutrients. thanks for all your help ---
**Author:** ![bob31](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/bob31/32/76512_2.png) [@bob31](https://ilgmforum.com/u/bob31)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 2:41am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/16 "2017-12-04T02:41:20Z")
@MiracleGro You have to pH the water and nutrients. You can’t do it with a prong meter, Sorry. > [@MiracleGro](#): > > And a couple days ago i did again into an even bigger ~3.5 gal pot. So she is in fresh FFOF as of just 2 days ago? I would wait two-3 weeks or so or until the TDS runoff is like 900. If you don’t have a TDS meter you might burn them if you try to feed them too young. ---
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 3:10am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/17 "2017-12-04T03:10:09Z")
Yes, at least half of the soil is a couple days fresh so i will indeed wait for the ppm to be ideal. just purchased the tds meter so ill know forsure when it comes. Ill be sure to post an update picture again very shortly. ---
**Author:** ![bob31](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/bob31/32/76512_2.png) [@bob31](https://ilgmforum.com/u/bob31)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 3:13am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/18 "2017-12-04T03:13:52Z")
Excellent @MiracleGro Sounds good. Looking forward to hearing more when you post next! ---
**Author:** ![MiracleGro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MiracleGro](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MiracleGro)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 1:18am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/19 "2017-12-08T01:18:07Z")
Just want to post an update of the plant! Here is day 2 after I tried my first tie down method. Hoping it allows more tops to grow up as advertised! ![tie down](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/b/6/b64b76d90af4236211f8ed403067c695c8aa6b97.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Covertgrower](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/covertgrower/32/423081_2.png) [@Covertgrower](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Covertgrower)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2017, 1:20am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516/20 "2017-12-08T01:20:28Z")
Looks good. Out of likes @MiracleGro [Next page](https://ilgmforum.com/t/for-all-of-those-who-enjoy-helping-beginners-grow-i-am-currently-attempting-my-first-grow-and-thought-id-post-it-on-here-for-outer-perspective/16516.md?page=2)