[JOURNAL] My first grow: 24"x24"x64" tent + 250W HPS + 3 Autos in 3gal pots

[Jr83]

Mine took 7 days to pop out give them a couple weeks at least

 

[theblues88]

Thank you, Cocho and Jr83! I did pre soak the soil before planting the seeds.

 

[Jr83]

Np I've learned patience is very important

 

[theblues88]

So I think I solved the temperature issue!!

Just purchased a swamp cooler and decided to schedule the lights off period during the hottest period of the day (1pm to 7pm).

Ambient temperature is 31C while the temperature inside the grow room is 27C right now.

Here are a few pictures showing the position of the swamp cooler.

 

[Cocho]

Looking good there. 27C is perfect, so now all you'll have to do is wait.
I like to spend that time making sure everything is as it's supposed to be.
This whole thing comes down to some weird Mr Miyagi type of thing; "Wax of, Wax on", where patience is a virtue.

 

[theblues88]

Good news! Just checked the ladies this morning and they are all sprouting

I removed the plastic film and will lower the lights to 2ft above them.

I need to go buy some ph calibration solution as I expect my ph meter is a bit off before the next watering.

 

[theblues88]

Yeah Cocho, sometimes I get myself thinking: Everything's all right... now let's "just wait" three months (or so) lol

 

[theblues88]

Hey guys, a question just popped in my mind: When should I start fertilizing these seedlings? Soil is 50% turf 50% perlite.

 

[Cocho]

Look at them! That is good news.

The first thing you'll want to do before deciding whether or not to add nutrients to their watering routine during the first 2-3 weeks, would be to check the NPK ratio on your soil.
And maybe, if the brand of soil does that, you'll be able to find some information about the soil on the bag or on their website? Because many of the makers of agricultural soil tend to give an easy explanation of their product, by specifically stating if it's a "Light Mix", "All Mix", "Grow Mix" or Coco based type of soil. You don't want to take easy on that and just add some nutrients, because you might burn the roots and kill the plants.

But what I normally do, since I know what my soil contains, is to add just 1/4 of recommended concentration to my tap water. That way I can observe the plants until the next watering, and by then be able to see if they are reacting positively or badly to my treatment.

 

[theblues88]

Hi @Cocho,

Does the NPK ratio is something that I need to check or its info is available from the maker?

Thanks

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

Morning 88, if not on the soil bag, it's on the nutrient bottles, most decent soil has enough nutrients already in it to last a month, it's not gonna make them grow any faster by adding nutrients when they already have it in your soil.
Nebula has all the information you need to grow on GWE, it's much easier if you will read what she says, you can bet it will be excellent information too.
I'm not saying what you get on the forum is bad information, I'm just saying I always check what Nebula says on her tutorials before I take any information off the forum, and I'm pretty sure everyone else does too.

 

[theblues88]

Thanks D.A.A.S.69,

I just contacted the store that sold me the soil bag and they told me the soil is Sunshine Professional Growing Mix. Do you have any info on this one?

http://www.sungro.com/professional-product/sunshine-mix-6/

EDIT: Actually it Contains: Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Dolomitic Limestone, Long-Lasting Wetting Agent, RESiLIENCE

so, 50% the above mix and 50% perlite

 

[theblues88]

Also, I bought the Biobizz try pack: Bio Grow, Bio Bloom and Alg a mic

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

There's a bunch of different kinds of Sunshine mix, some of it has good stuff in it, some have time release nutrients in it, you don't want that kind ,it might do ok, but it might not, I can't remember but I know they used to have a #4 that was good stuff, if I'm not mistaken.
If I were you I'd call your man again and ask him exactly what kind it is, an ask him how long before you add nutrients with young plants. Maybe he will know, maybe not, I do know some of those guys will sell you and tell you anything, to make a sale. That's why you want to read all of Nebulas tutorials before you even start, that way you will know. I sure wish we would have had a grow site like GWE ,when we first started, mostly all we had back then was an occasional High times magazine.

 

[theblues88]

yeah man, unfortunately I discovered this website after purchasing my supplies Turns out it's the sunshine mix 6 + 50% perlite and it contains: Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Dolomitic Limestone, Long-Lasting Wetting Agent, RESiLIENCE

 

[D.A.A.S.69]

I hear you 88, get this, I didn't even know about the internet, except the last 2 years, kinda ruff when you don't keep up with the times, like Dylan said ,these times they are a changin.
You will be able to tell when she needs nutrients, if you keep a close eye on her, or either just start with real small doses, if it's too much you'll see tip burn.Good luck 88.

 

[theblues88]

Thanks man! I really appreciate your help and encouragement

 

[Canuck147]

Fertilize when they have at least two nodes. Too easy to give them nutes burn at this stage.

 

[theblues88]

thanks Canuck147, will start fertilizing them after those first nodes

 

[theblues88]

Quick update on their progress in pictures. One of them is a bit 'special' lol