Help, what is the best idea

[cupidity]

I'm new to growing and I purchased 8 5"x12" pots that hold over a 1.2 gallons of medium. I have some seed that will under 24 hour light finish at least it says in under 8 weeks, seed to weed something about Auto.

I have compact flourescents about 6 42ws over a tray that would hold the eight. This would be their entire life, no transplants.

My question is what medium should I use? Hydrotron, pure perlite, soil, other? I can hook up an airstone in the small tray and water pump for dripping. I need to know a setup that will be minimal work as this will be for people that can't do much physical activity.

 

[coldcanna]

50% promix, 35% perlite and 15% vermiculite..... the mix will help you avoid over fertilizing and over watering due to the draining qualities of perlite and the buffering effects of the promix. When you dial in your nutrient application and start to get a feel for how the plants respond to each nute, then you can move on to coco or hydro. I'd also say to just hand water them the first go around, your gonna have a lot to learn and messing with the pump ect. would just be another headache

 

[cupidity]

50% promix, 35% perlite and 15% vermiculite.....

Can I substitute more perlite for vermiculite? Could I do a 1:1 mix with perlite to promix? What does the vermiculite do that makes it why I'm adding either one?

 

[thelaughingman]

vermiculite is for colder climates 15% would be ideal, Ive seen people do 1:1 mix and have a successful grow..

 

[chizillionaire]

I just switched from DWC to Coco, and I'd highly recommend it. The plants look much more lush and happy! I use Roots Organic Coco Coir, the compressed brick kind. And I mix it 50/50 with perlite. You can use straight coco, and the more perlite you add, the faster it drains, and the more you can water.

Check these threads out...

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=241341
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=46490

Good luck!