Hello All! Long time lurker, first time poster. Lol
I’m a newbie grower getting my environment all set up and have some general procedural questions as I plan out my first run. Experience is the best teacher, but any help, tips, answers given are most appreciated. I’ve already learned so much from reading other’s grow journals and you have my thanks in advance!
My initial set up will be:
4ft x 2ft x 5ft vivosun tent (in a bedroom closet)
1000w led lamp (true wattage 187)
4" inline fan with filter and ducting
FFHF w/ 30% perlite (layered w/ FFOF into final pots)
Fox Farm Nutrient Trio
Cal/mag (Not sure if i need this, but have read about it fixing deficiency)
Ph gauge and UP/DOWN
Ph’d tap water
TDS/PPM Meter
3gal or 5gal smart pots
I will be growing 2-3 autoflower fem seeds: Gorilla Glue + Girl Scout Cookies (dependent upon space and light needed)
Should I start autos in a solo cup? Or is the final pot the way to go so to avoid transplant stress?
How old or what size should my plants be before watering to run off?
Should I be concerned over 187 true watts hurting the seedlings? Or on the other hand worry about it being too weak as the plants grow?
Welcome to the forum @ADouce.
In answer to your questions.
Def start in a solo cup.
I’ll place a dome over them and only mist the inside of dome for first week or so.
They will have enough water in the cups after the initial wetting for the first week to week and a half so watering the soil is not required. Light misting of domes only.
Let them grow in those till the plant grows leaves beyond the outer edges of the cups. Bout 2-3 weeks.
Then I’ll transplant to final pots.
As far as watering to runoff. That’s based on the size of the plant verses pot size. At the end of the second to 3 rd week you will find your plant pulling more water than you can keep in the cup with a once a day watering.
That’s when I’ll pot up to final size.
But when a small plant goes into a big pot then there is too much soil verses plant and if you water to runoff right away it could drown the roots. Careful with that. It’s a delicate transition. Roots need oxygen.
As far as your light. I’d start it up a bit higher to begin with. Bout 3 ft to start.
Gradually lower over the next week to your
“working height “. Get it down to bout 2 ft and see how they do there. You’ll prob end up being a bit closer than that but it’s a good general starting point for the little ones.
Leave light on for 24/7 for first 2 weeks to promote root growth. They will stall at this point while the roots get established.
I am fairly new at this myself I start in a small pot and use a clear cup for a dome and lightly water around dome to have roots look for water and avoiding the stem. I then when roots coming out of bottom I transfer to final home 5 gallon cloth pots with FFOF and perlite. I do not water near the stem transplant shock I haven’t had any problems. Like sad I’m new to this too. My problems were either overwatering or under watering. I do not feed FFOF feeds them for weeks. I recommend asking questions when they arise. The only stupid question is the one not asked good luck welcome to a new hobby.
Thank you for the bump @Enlightened420. Right now I’m limited to the closet space so Im kicking off w/ autos in hopes they’ll survive my know-nothing-ness. Lol If the thumbs are green hoping to grab a second larger tent for flowering photoperiods.
Thanks for the tips @MrPeat, and the luck @Tinman. I’m sure going to need it. Hahaha.
Good advice @Witchhouse, and you’re right @Myfriends410. I will def be asking plenty of questions as the grow kicks off. Maiden Grow Journal coming soon
@oldguy I really appreciate the answers. They make a lot of sense and cleared up some gray areas I had.
How do you feel about pre-saturating the medium? It makes sense so that everything binds together in the medium, but I also understand there’s risk for too much moisture causing mold and other pesky problems.
@ADouce. I’ll do a pre wet of the cups before I put the seedlings in. Let the cups drain well for a day or so if you can so they’re not too wet.
But yes. Pre wet. . Helps them get established.
You are most welcome @ADouce, we are a close knit community and always help each other out, I didn’t have the knowledge you required, so just tagged some people that might, I will be watching.
@Tom1 I am trying to start from the basics and not stress everything I don’t know or don’t have just yet. Thankfully this forum has answered so much for me already. Now to put seed to dirt and watch it grow.
Glad to have a watcher @Enlightened420 ! Once my grow starts should I create a new grow journal post or just keep this thread going? Still learning the forum rules lol
Yeah, I just joined and started a thread. Then I thought oh i need a thread for my flowering tent. Eventually, like the other day i wised up and just put them together. The third thread is about growing and guitars and there is a good chance that one will sorta live it’s own life. Lots of great music and guitars there.
Anyway @ADouce I’ll be watching this thread as well. If you just keep this going everyone that you have already met will have a chance to see your discussion. If you start a new one, you could tag everyone in that has gave you input or whatever. Are the seeds in a dark wet spot yet?
The seeds are in a dark, cool, dry place until I’m ready to germinate them. I am working from home now so getting used to the new normal before starting my new hobby. Just studying and preparing for my first grow for now but excited to get started.
This is sorta off topic. My wife and I had a chess board delivered today and played a game. Neither of us know how. This will be our new thing while she works from home. Life is definitely weird right now. You could say, it’s a mad world.
who grows autos…
