Lighting question for indoor autoflowers

[GorillaGranny]

I'm brand new to growing but know at least a LITTLE bit! My question has to do with lighting... I want to do a 18/6 for my autoflowers but since I can’t find a timer, I’ve decided to go with this schedule:

9am-6pm ON (9 hours)
6pm - 9pm - OFF (3 hours)
9pm - 6am - ON (9 hours)
6am - 9am - OFF (3 hours)
REPEAT

Do you think this is ok? Not?

[Ckbrew]

Have you looked in the rain forest?

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Compact-Outdoor-Mechanical-Programmable/dp/B079N9FW5B/ref=sr_1_27?crid=1I7B3N5MAUZAO&dchild=1&keywords=mechanical+timers+for+electrical+outlets&qid=1632673984&sprefix=mechanical+timer%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-27

[TOKABIGONE]

Hi Granny! Welcome to GWE. You've found the right place! Lots of people here with lots of experience. Most of the regulars are seniors too so we have the time to really work on our grows and share that knowledge.

To your question that will probably be ok but not optimal for plant growth IMO. I grow Sativas and they are light loving but all will do better with more light. I run mine 24/0 for the most exposure so no timer but most are on 20/4 or 18/6 with a cheap mechanical electric timer. I'm sure others will have other ideas and in the end you decide what works for you. Happy pharming!

[SoOrbudgal]

Well hello GorillaGranny i got some GG#4 going right now. I sure would find it tiresome to have to do this for several months, best to order a timer or go buy one at some store. I run my autos mostly at 18/6 to much light interuptions could cause big issues. The plants like consistancy and autos love lots of long hrs of light with a rest.

[gbauto]

I would just leave the lights on constantly if I was running auto's and didn't have a timer.
I normally do 20-4 with auto's.

[Rwise]

I did my first autos with no timer, just plug in the lights and forget aboud it.

[SoOrbudgal]

Well that's the simplist answer yet Rwise, you see this GorillaGranny ?