So my first grow is about 2.5 weeks into flowering and busting at the seams, so I thought id share my finding of what would no doubt seem obvious to some. But never having done this, you must first learn the questions…
I am growing indoors in a 4x4 tent.
Several considerations. Lighting, temperature control, humidity control, and air movement.
1: what kind of lights and how bright? The plants needs change over time. In my case I started with a Koscheal 2000w from amazon for about $120 usd. its just over 200watts with all lights on… that got me well into veg. Seemed more light was needed and money is an issue so I got a couple sets of the cheaper 12”x12” light panels to hang from the sides. That totally helped, but not enough. So i added another koscheal. The plant really seems to like the koscheals. If the side lights where a bit better it would be great. Having brighter, dimmable lights would also be an advantage…
- Heat management. LEDs are much cooler than conventional lighting, but still produce heat! But for the new grower it is important the plant in a comfortable range. I am shooting for 75 degrees. I have an inline fan on a thermostat so it pulls in outside air to cool it down.
But for one of my next grows, I’ll break down and invest in some lights with power supplies that can be mounted to a panel outside the tent. A lot of the heat is from those. Vivosun and marshydro both have some interesting offerings. - Humidity is also an issue. Keeping air moving thru the tent is important, at least open the tent daily for air exchange. provided the air outside the tent is cool and dry. If it is not you might need a dehumidifier, but it will create heat. Try to shoot for 50% relative humidity or less.
- Keeping air moving inside the tent is important. A small clip fan in the tent is a must. It will help keep moisture from condensing on the plant and possible mold from forming. Plus it help the plant to become stronger.
Other questions, such as how big will it get, or how much, or often to water I’m still working out. But the size of the pot will often dictate how big it can get. I’m finding that a 7 gallon pot might be the top end of what a 4x4 tent can do if growing a single plant. Depending on the strain, you might go with a 5 gallon. Mine is grand daddy purple which is said to be smallish. But it is well on its way to filling this tent!
Watering was a challenge to understand. Again, the need changes with the life cycle. Definitely CAN overwater. Plus whether you grow in fabric pots or plastic can affect how much or often. Right now, in 7 gallon fabric pot, it is drinking close to 1.5 gallons every 2 days give or take. Some water every 2 days, but I find my leaves get wilted if I wait that long. Probably due to fabric pots. If you SLOWLY water until it starts to run out of the bottom, then you know how much it can take in that particular pot. Also, judging the weight of the pot, both watered and dry will help you know when to water.
Starting with good soil is important. Miracle grow is a real bad idea! Just don’t! I changed over to fox farms ocean forest soil. Starting with good soil means you dont need to feed your plant for a few weeks. Even though you have nutrients that say for seedlings. You’ll burn it. Lots of great info on here about when to start feeding.
Setting your feed water pH is somewhat important. A cheapish pH pen can work. But you should get some calibration solution to check its accuracy. Some of the cheap ones really are useless. But with the solution you check it and return it if it is inaccurate. Blue lab makes calibration solution that can be trusted, and some good testers as well.
Adding nutrients changes pH of feed water so check and adjust after adding everything else.
Lots of good reading on kindle unlimited. Some real simple reads and some mind blowingly complex reads and many in between.
Set yourself up for the win! Think it through. Read everything you can get your hands on. Have supplies on hand for at least the first two steps and have a plan, such as it is, for the rest. And come here and ask. People here are friendly and knowledgeable, and probably laughing at my noobyness. J/k (
Anyway, just sharing info on somethings that weren’t so obvious to a first timer such as myself.
Cheers!
I would like to follow along with your grow.
