HopefulNewb
Member
Thanks a ton for great links stonedar. DiiZZ hit profile and didn't see option to send you mail, maybe because I'm too newb?
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The ultimate Newb humbly asks for help for first grow ever...
- Thread starter HopefulNewb
- Start date
HopefulNewb
Member
thanks yeah, I feel so much better about direction I'm heading in. One quick and newb question, I can grow in both soil and hydro in these tents right? I'm really liking this process as it's all so new and exciting...
D
DiiZZii3
.
You'd probably be better off doing a soil AF (autoflower) grow. A few advantages for you are as follows:
Speed: Most AF's finish in 60-70 days.
Size: AF's generally stay under ~3ft.
Less equipment needed: If you choose to do a 24/0 cycle you wouldn't need a timer. Also, AF's tend to have a less permeating odor than most 12/12 strains, therefore possibly no need for a carbon filter.
Ease of Growth: The above reasons ensure you no longer have to worry about as many potentially negative factors such as light leaks, stress related to light-cycle being disrupted, plants getting to tall, and can potentially improve your yields in that space for many more AF's can fit in the same space as traditional 12/12 strains under the same lights.
An AF strain I recommend: Sour 60 by Mdanzig (can be found on seedbou)
As far as lighting goes, I would go with either a 400w HPS (with CFL's,T5's, or PL-'s for veg and supplemental lighting) or a straight PL-L setup of at least 200w's.
For a grow medium I suggest using Coco Coir in pots no smaller than 2 or 3gal, in my experience, the bigger the pots the better when it comes to AF's.
Lastly, if you can, either build or buy a small grow tent/room. It is always a good idea to have a dedicated grow space as you have much more control over your environment. Lights are much more effective when concentrated in a smaller area with reflective walls, increasing both quality and yield. Another big advantage is the ability to control temperature and air flow much more easily.
I hope this helps, if you have any questions please ask.
Speed: Most AF's finish in 60-70 days.
Size: AF's generally stay under ~3ft.
Less equipment needed: If you choose to do a 24/0 cycle you wouldn't need a timer. Also, AF's tend to have a less permeating odor than most 12/12 strains, therefore possibly no need for a carbon filter.
Ease of Growth: The above reasons ensure you no longer have to worry about as many potentially negative factors such as light leaks, stress related to light-cycle being disrupted, plants getting to tall, and can potentially improve your yields in that space for many more AF's can fit in the same space as traditional 12/12 strains under the same lights.
An AF strain I recommend: Sour 60 by Mdanzig (can be found on seedbou)
As far as lighting goes, I would go with either a 400w HPS (with CFL's,T5's, or PL-'s for veg and supplemental lighting) or a straight PL-L setup of at least 200w's.
For a grow medium I suggest using Coco Coir in pots no smaller than 2 or 3gal, in my experience, the bigger the pots the better when it comes to AF's.
Lastly, if you can, either build or buy a small grow tent/room. It is always a good idea to have a dedicated grow space as you have much more control over your environment. Lights are much more effective when concentrated in a smaller area with reflective walls, increasing both quality and yield. Another big advantage is the ability to control temperature and air flow much more easily.
I hope this helps, if you have any questions please ask.
311devon
Member
Which way to go...???
Which way to go...???
Here's my $.02 ...
Having grown off and on for a couple decades, i'd say go with one 400w HPS and if the closet is long and shallow, get a mover that runs up and down the length of the closet or if you got enough fan to handle the extra heat get a second 400. Run a carbon filter from the get go. Two plants wont smell outside the the house but they will have everyone who walks in the front door wantin you to burn one with 'em or looking at cha sideways.
If you have never grown before, unless you are a real tech head, I would suggest you check out LC's soiless mixes in the Organics For Beginers Sticky in the Organic Soil forum. Pick one that you can put together with what you have in your area. There is one or two that once potted need little more than watering all the way to finish. Get a few grows under your belt with this simple method and learn the plant, and then the strain(s) you are dealing with. Once you do this then go to more high tech, sometimes touchy systems.I think most with experience around here would agree that there are enough variables without hydroponics......Once again just my $.02...Good luck and congrats on becoming part of the solution.
Edit: Also, i'd run a cfl micro cab with bonsai mothers. They are EASY to deal with and you can keep 10+ mothers in a couple square ft of space with TONS of cuts available at any given time.
Which way to go...???
Here's my $.02 ...
Having grown off and on for a couple decades, i'd say go with one 400w HPS and if the closet is long and shallow, get a mover that runs up and down the length of the closet or if you got enough fan to handle the extra heat get a second 400. Run a carbon filter from the get go. Two plants wont smell outside the the house but they will have everyone who walks in the front door wantin you to burn one with 'em or looking at cha sideways.
If you have never grown before, unless you are a real tech head, I would suggest you check out LC's soiless mixes in the Organics For Beginers Sticky in the Organic Soil forum. Pick one that you can put together with what you have in your area. There is one or two that once potted need little more than watering all the way to finish. Get a few grows under your belt with this simple method and learn the plant, and then the strain(s) you are dealing with. Once you do this then go to more high tech, sometimes touchy systems.I think most with experience around here would agree that there are enough variables without hydroponics......Once again just my $.02...Good luck and congrats on becoming part of the solution.
Edit: Also, i'd run a cfl micro cab with bonsai mothers. They are EASY to deal with and you can keep 10+ mothers in a couple square ft of space with TONS of cuts available at any given time.
Last edited:
HopefulNewb
Member
Thanks again so much for reply's everyone!!! Really really greatful, I thought I already wrote this reply but maybe it just didn't post.
So far I'm budgeting/figuring out entire setup but I think I'm going to go for super easy first time, and get to know.
I've bolded 400w HPS, and am going to make sure vent is really good just because I'm naturally paranoid.
One last quick question, I saw a bulb that claimed to give supp lighting and eliminate odor, is it worth trying or should I be fine with just great filter and 2 fans one for in and one out into filter?
(also how long does a good filter last? 1 grow? or will I need a 2nd?)
So far I'm budgeting/figuring out entire setup but I think I'm going to go for super easy first time, and get to know.
I've bolded 400w HPS, and am going to make sure vent is really good just because I'm naturally paranoid.
One last quick question, I saw a bulb that claimed to give supp lighting and eliminate odor, is it worth trying or should I be fine with just great filter and 2 fans one for in and one out into filter?
(also how long does a good filter last? 1 grow? or will I need a 2nd?)
D
DiiZZii3
a bulb that eliminates odor? didn't kno such a thing existed. I would think a filer would be plenty, but u can never be to safe i geuss. Not sure on life of filter, someone here will kno tho
Hey there Hopefull,
Are you still going DWC or are you running your 1st grow in soil?
Are you still going DWC or are you running your 1st grow in soil?
HopefulNewb
Member
lol still debating, but leaning towards soil now, biggest worry there is I'll over water or something, I've never grown anything past watering random things =\.
If starting in soil is there any reason not to start the seed in a big container at start? I notice people moving things around, but for first time ever, and no cloning, and with a fem seed, could I create a good mix, and just plant it there?
Also probably won't do auto flower, it seems the auto flowers are still pretty different from normal strains? As long as I have timers, and pay attention I think I can do reg soil.
Was looking at people who basically made mixes that were "water till done" without adding anything, or just a little near bloom part.
Still figuring out the little room tent + vent / filter as well.
thanks stonedar again, seemed too good to be true on bulbs.
If starting in soil is there any reason not to start the seed in a big container at start? I notice people moving things around, but for first time ever, and no cloning, and with a fem seed, could I create a good mix, and just plant it there?
Also probably won't do auto flower, it seems the auto flowers are still pretty different from normal strains? As long as I have timers, and pay attention I think I can do reg soil.
Was looking at people who basically made mixes that were "water till done" without adding anything, or just a little near bloom part.
Still figuring out the little room tent + vent / filter as well.
thanks stonedar again, seemed too good to be true on bulbs.
the water til done mixes work best for like a short term clone. so in the organics for beginer's thread the mixes there are for taking a clone through maybe 30 days veg and flower. thats why he uses 3 gallon grow bags. thats the perfect size for 1 month veg 2 months flower.
since you are considering starting from seed I'd plan to need some bottled or dry nutes to get through 1st crop. not trying to talk you out of organic, it's great almost everyone ends up there. or at least trying it out. just like hydro everyone trys it. if I was doing a first grow I'd go potting mix or soil-less.
I like starting in beer cups or 5-6 inch pots. then transplant to 2 gallon, then to final pots usually 5 gallon. watering is super super easy, but everyone wants to make it hard. here's how I do it .
you start off with a grow pot with totally dry soil/soil-less mix and no plant in it. sorta weigh it in your hand.
now plant your seedling, water soil slowly til soil seems wet. you can't over water at this point. 20 minute later water it again just a little.
now weigh it in your hand again.
most people do a feed - water - water -feed schedule or water -feed -water.
in a couple days pick up your pot it's prolly almost as heavy as it was, just get in the habit of checking the weight...
eventually your seedling will drink up some water and the pot will get lighter and lighter. when it gets almost as light as it was totally dry it's time to water or feed your plant.
I like the water, then water again in 20 minutes deal cause then I don't have as much chance of a dry spot in my pot.
remember small plants take less water than big plants, less is more when it come to water. at least til you get it perfect.
when you pick a grow method let everyone know, good luck.
I'd decide how you want to grow, there is no right/wrong answer. stick with it through a grow or 2, that makes learning easier or does for me.
since you are considering starting from seed I'd plan to need some bottled or dry nutes to get through 1st crop. not trying to talk you out of organic, it's great almost everyone ends up there. or at least trying it out. just like hydro everyone trys it. if I was doing a first grow I'd go potting mix or soil-less.
I like starting in beer cups or 5-6 inch pots. then transplant to 2 gallon, then to final pots usually 5 gallon. watering is super super easy, but everyone wants to make it hard. here's how I do it .
you start off with a grow pot with totally dry soil/soil-less mix and no plant in it. sorta weigh it in your hand.
now plant your seedling, water soil slowly til soil seems wet. you can't over water at this point. 20 minute later water it again just a little.
now weigh it in your hand again.
most people do a feed - water - water -feed schedule or water -feed -water.
in a couple days pick up your pot it's prolly almost as heavy as it was, just get in the habit of checking the weight...
eventually your seedling will drink up some water and the pot will get lighter and lighter. when it gets almost as light as it was totally dry it's time to water or feed your plant.
I like the water, then water again in 20 minutes deal cause then I don't have as much chance of a dry spot in my pot.
remember small plants take less water than big plants, less is more when it come to water. at least til you get it perfect.
when you pick a grow method let everyone know, good luck.
I'd decide how you want to grow, there is no right/wrong answer. stick with it through a grow or 2, that makes learning easier or does for me.
If your worried about overwatering than you should think about using a soil-less medium like Coco coir, its practically impossible to over water; it is one of the easiest mediums to deal with.
In your situation, it would be perfectly acceptable to plant directly into your biggest container. Its really a matter of preference.
The only real difference is they flower under any amount/length of light and are a little smaller, which in turn causes them to finish faster.
I think the reason you would be better off starting in a small pot, then transplanting later, is due to the length of time the water will sit in the soil. If you start your plant in a small container the roots will fill out and draw the water from the soil faster than evaporation alone. If you start your plant in a large container the roots will not be able to quickly fill out the container or draw out the water fast enough, opening the possibility that the water will stagnate.
Anyway, I'll be interested to see what you decide and hope it works for you!
HopefulNewb
Member
Great info again, it's amazing how much there is to this, it seems like you could make it as complicated as you want or easier on all methods. I'll definitely keep this updated, I'm waiting back for an email from greners, then everything will pretty much have been ordered.
One last question - Do auto grow flowers not get you as high or are they of lesser quality due to ruderalis? parts instead of the all indica/sativa plants (sp?)
One last question - Do auto grow flowers not get you as high or are they of lesser quality due to ruderalis? parts instead of the all indica/sativa plants (sp?)
HopefulNewb
Member
If I do go Coco coir, and say want to use a 5 gal bucket (pot), what recommendations for feeding/watering then?
the 6 or 7 autos I have grown or smoked were pretty good, not elite good but pretty good. no reason not to try autos, they limit yield slightly compared to reg plants cause you can control the amount of veg time on a reg plant and not an auto. but for one smoker you will get all you want and more off 2 or 3 autos going at once, unless you are johnnytokeweed. if you grow autos in a big enough pot most times you get an oz or so each. if you stick them in small pots you get less.
coco is great, no reason not to try it. I personally am switching over to hempy & coco since I am just growing for myself now. after about 4 months I say coco's great.
so is soil-less/dwc/ebb&flow/or what ever but as a noob I'd stick to something hand watered be it coco hempy, perlite/vermiculite hempy, or soil/soil-less in pots.
as far as watering coco in regular pots (and by the way I'd go 50:50 coco perlite or 75:25 coco perlite) 5 gallons will grow you a nice tree. coco can be watered with full strength nutes everyday for fast growth or treated like soil and watered after the pots dry out just like I described earlier (slightly less time between waterings with coco)
coco is great, no reason not to try it. I personally am switching over to hempy & coco since I am just growing for myself now. after about 4 months I say coco's great.
so is soil-less/dwc/ebb&flow/or what ever but as a noob I'd stick to something hand watered be it coco hempy, perlite/vermiculite hempy, or soil/soil-less in pots.
as far as watering coco in regular pots (and by the way I'd go 50:50 coco perlite or 75:25 coco perlite) 5 gallons will grow you a nice tree. coco can be watered with full strength nutes everyday for fast growth or treated like soil and watered after the pots dry out just like I described earlier (slightly less time between waterings with coco)
HopefulNewb
Member
Ok so really just mix up perlite/coco with slightly more coco , do I have to measure ph of everything I feed them each time then right? I like being able to not over-water. I'll pretty much be running 400w light 24/7 right?
HopefulNewb
Member
what nutes do you use stonedar? I'm having the fun part of looking at diff seeds now 
