NEW TO GROWING PLEASE HELP

[MaryJane0297]

i have been doing a lot of research.. i never realized how many things go into growing.. i just don't want to spend all this money and end up failing.. I've been doing a lot of reading there's just a lot i don't understand, but i'm slowly getting things. And yes the pH question i asked was a stupid question, i just get information overload and tend tweak a little bit and ask questions a 3 year old would know

 

[liquidlight]

Your PH question was perfectly fine and not stupid at all. Buffering PH refers to adjusting the acid/alkaline quality of your soil using lime (extremely alkaline). Sometimes potting soil can be a bit acidic so often a small amount of lime (a handful or half a cup) is added to a sackful (40 or 50 litres) of potting soil. Although 'adjusting' is probably a better word than 'buffering' I find most good potting soil is fine as it comes however. A PH of about 5.5 (a bit acidic) is about right for most cannabis.

 

[thing]

I wouldn't use the happy frog if you're a beginner, but just in case you do:

Inb4 noob overwaters to death lol.

Happy Frog soil is way thicker. If I was you I'd start out really light.. like fox farm + perlite.. js.

 

[MaryJane0297]

Your PH question was perfectly fine and not stupid at all. Buffering PH refers to adjusting the acid/alkaline quality of your soil using lime (extremely alkaline). Sometimes potting soil can be a bit acidic so often a small amount of lime (a handful or half a cup) is added to a sackful (40 or 50 litres) of potting soil. Although 'adjusting' is probably a better word than 'buffering' I find most good potting soil is fine as it comes however. A PH of about 5.5 (a bit acidic) is about right for most cannabis.

thank you! i learn something new everyday. well these days more than one lol

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Maryjane, there are no dumb questions.

A basic rule-of-thumb for non-ferted potting soil is 1 tablespoon lime per gallon of bagged potting-soil. Many varieties of bagged potting-soil measure below 6.0 pH. In my experience, Mj in bagged potting-soil likes 6.5 to 6.8. You can grow in ~6.0 but you'll have absorption problems when your plants want more Ca and Mg.

Soil less is a relative term. Some folks categorize soil less as coco coir. IMO, soil less is bagged potting mix that doesn't contain dirt. It's bio mass, ex. peat, humus and composted forest products like wood bark. Calling both coco and bagged potting soil soil less may miss the fact they're two different animals in regard to desired pH.

 

[MaryJane0297]

Thank you DiscoBiscuit for the tips on pH

 

[liquidlight]

A basic rule-of-thumb for non-ferted potting soil is 1 tablespoon lime per gallon of bagged potting-soil. Many varieties of bagged potting-soil measure below 6.0 pH. In my experience, Mj in bagged potting-soil likes 6.5 to 6.8. You can grow in ~6.0 but you'll have absorption problems when your plants want more Ca and Mg.

I said 5.5 because that's what i've always read but i'd listen to DiscoBiscuit. I'm more of an outdoor grower anyway where PH obviously still applies but it's a little harder to control.

 

[mmmoil]

Read, read, read, then read some more. It ain't rocket surgery, but it ain't easy as as 1-2-3 either. There is a learning curve, and information overload is pretty common. Keep it simple. It all seems a bit much at first, and mistakes are bound to happen. My first indoor grow was quite the learning experience. I did a bunch of reading, then when I thought I knew what was up, I jumped in the deep end with a 1000 watt hydro setup. I was glued to the frigging computer for hours every day trying to diagnose problems, asking questions and generally going nuts. What a long strange trip! But I pulled it off thanks to some kind folks that took pity on my noobness and a boat load of reading.

I figured out what works for me. You'll have to do the same. But take this in the spirit it is given. Learn from the mistakes of others! You'll learn what NOT to do easy enough, but take the time to learn about the plants needs. After a while, she'll tell you exactly what she needs, and you'll understand. It just takes a while to learn. And don't be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you DIDN'T ask.

Best advice given.