Time To Start...

[Dj1209]

Right now i have 8 plants all about 3 inches tall and only 2 small leaves and i'm pretty sure that its to early to put them outside but i'm not a pro. So my question is at what time or size should i put the plants outside, and how should i go about it pot's, Bucket's, straight in the dirt? Also just an extra question what is the best light for the veg state and where can i buy one other than online.

 

[Unwanted]

walmart man.. walmart...

23 watt or 20 watt 6500k x 2-3 bulbs for those babes Compact florescent (sp lol) lights....

sounds like they might be stretching a bit now... pics?

put em out once danger of frost is gone... good luck !

 

[madodah]

Right now i have 8 plants all about 3 inches tall and only 2 small leaves and i'm pretty sure that its to early to put them outside but i'm not a pro. So my question is at what time or size should i put the plants outside, and how should i go about it pot's, Bucket's, straight in the dirt? Also just an extra question what is the best light for the veg state and where can i buy one other than online.

Outside after your last average frost date.

Sounds like you need to do some research on what you're trying to do.

 

[cazador]

Outside after your last average frost date.
Sounds like you need to do some research on what you're trying to do.

hey what's up madodah, is it the last danger of frost or last average frost? I have one of my larger girls outside now for a week or more (she's trying to bud), I was going to bring her in if I see frost in the forecast but if your saying last average frost then she should be fine with a mild freeze to two?

 

[madodah]

Last average frost. After that you can cover them if a late frost happens. Just keep an eye on your weather.

 

[cazador]

cool So you cover them if them if there is chance of frost? Thanks

 

[Dj1209]

walmart man.. walmart...

23 watt or 20 watt 6500k x 2-3 bulbs for those babes Compact florescent (sp lol) lights....

sounds like they might be stretching a bit now... pics?

put em out once danger of frost is gone... good luck !

Yeah they did stretch a bit because the only light i had was a halogen and that put off way to much heat to use up close not even a fan would keep it at a good temp. Also walmart has the bulbs im looking for? ive heard that metal halide is good or HPS would walmart have those, because i dont want to put to much money into lights if im just going to put them outside.

 

[Dj1209]

Oh i forgot to add that the last frost is over, and i was asking if they are big enough to go out.

 

[cazador]

I don't think Walmart sells MH or HPS fixtures. But they do sell the CFLs. And there is no need to get a HPS/MH if they are going outside soon. They are not ready yet. I'd put them under CFLs or HO floros T5's until their a bit bigger then I'd get the light schedule close to what's happening outside at the same time hardening them off to the outdoor environment.

 

[madodah]

Sound advice. Every year I read of new outdoor growers wondering why their plants are flowering after being taken from 18/6 lighting to 14/10. Unneeded stress.

 

[Dj1209]

I don't think Walmart sells MH or HPS fixtures. But they do sell the CFLs. And there is no need to get a HPS/MH if they are going outside soon. They are not ready yet. I'd put them under CFLs or HO floros T5's until their a bit bigger then I'd get the light schedule close to what's happening outside at the same time hardening them off to the outdoor environment.

What size CFLs should i use

 

[cazador]

I haven't used the CFLs that walmart sells so I don't really know. Id say get the highest wattage they sell in a 6400K full spectrum or as close to as you can. Get a few. or better yet get a 4 bulb T5 floro 54w ea. (54x4=216watts) at a garden or hydro store if you can. I have some T5's and a few 125w CFLs that use a Mogul Base

 

[Dj1209]

I haven't used the CFLs that walmart sells so I don't really know. Id say get the highest wattage they sell in a 6400K full spectrum or as close to as you can. Get a few. or better yet get a 4 bulb T5 floro 54w ea. (54x4=216watts) at a garden or hydro store if you can. I have some T5's and a few 125w CFLs that use a Mogul Base

Well luckily i found about 20 High Output T5 Floro Bulbs in my basement unluckily i have no ballast for them so im just going to go to home depot and get a 400watt metal halide bulb for 30 dollars.

 

[cazador]

DON'T USE METAL HALIDE. it is of no use for growing. Do yourself a favor and stick with the CFL's or get a ballast and fixture for the T5's.
Metal halide is just a notch above an incandescent bulb and work great as heaters and puts off a nicer white light fro reading. Not worth the money to burn and the plants will suffer.

Disregard the above. ^ Brain fart ^

 

[Dj1209]

DON'T USE METAL HALIDE. it is of no use for growing. Do yourself a favor and stick with the CFL's or get a ballast and fixture for the T5's.
Metal halide is just a notch above an incandescent bulb and work great as heaters and puts off a nicer white light fro reading. Not worth the money to burn and the plants will suffer.

"Metal Halide - MH
Metal halide bulbs produce an abundance of light in the blue spectrum. This color of light promotes plant growth and is excellent for green leafy growth and keeping plants compact. It is the best type of light to be used as a primary light source (if no or little natural sunlight is available). The average lifespan is about 10,000 cumulative hours. The bulb will light up beyond this time but due to the gradual decline of light, it is not worth your while to wait for the bulb to finally burn out. If you compare their lumen (brightness) per unit of energy consumed, metal halides produce up to 125 lumens per watt compared to 39 lumens per watt with standard fluorescent lights and 18 lumens per watt for standard incandescent bulbs"

I found that on several forums and other various grow websites, and they say that it is excellent for veg state.

 

[madodah]

Well luckily i found about 20 High Output T5 Floro Bulbs in my basement unluckily i have no ballast for them so im just going to go to home depot and get a 400watt metal halide bulb for 30 dollars.

You can get double tubed 4' fluorescent 'shop' fixtures for $8 at most big box stores.

 

[Dj1209]

You can get double tubed 4' fluorescent 'shop' fixtures for $8 at most big box stores.

Really Ill defiantly look into that no point in letting those floros go to waste.

 

[cazador]

Did I say not to use MH? I hadn't smoked yet so I wasn't thinking clearly. I thought you said and I meant, not to use halogen lights. Oops. sorry!

and Madodah is right on with the $8 shop lights. I have a bunch and they work fine. Probably the best for the price. I now like the T5's. But nothing wrong with the good old standard Floro tubes.
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