calling all veterans.

I'm VERY new at this. In fact there was no preparation. It was more of a whim. So if you could, i need clear straight forward to the point do this or dont type advice. I had a small budget to start so bare with me. I have:

Critical mass
Two buckets/pots about 16 gal (only starting two plants)
4 CFL 60w daylight bulbs - about 24 in from soil.
I have miracle grow organic choice potting mix. Its like 10 5 5.
Seeds have about an inch sprout but havent broken the surface. (I was worried i planted them too deep, abiut a finger length so i dug them up and placed them about half that distance.)

Based off of what i have. What should i do? I believe i need fertilizer. Im not sure. Should i stay with this soil or do something different next time? This is really a dry run, but still would like decent results to build on. Thanks in advance.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_pNaFVHZEQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds_pNaFVHZEQ

You couldn't just say don't use those bulbs. Perhaps suggesting ones to replace them with?

I suppose ill just trial and error.

you can use the bulbs just move them like 2-3 inches away from the top of the plant and the sides of the plant. and dont let the plant get too big i would add more 23w cfl's for each plant try to get like 100 watts per plant . and you can use both 2700k and 6500k bulbs if you like.

seeds need to be planted about 1/4 inch below the surface or they may not sprout. they dont have to be very deep at all just barely cover them up basically.

if your using miracle grow soil it usually has time release ferts in it so i wouldnt use anything untill i see a N def. just get like some 20-20-20 fert and use it every other watering after about 4-6 weeks when you have possibly used up the soils ferts. i havent grown in MG so i cant tell you for sure just wait till you see the plant needs ferts. if the tips turn brown thats nutrient burn so dont overfeed it thinking it needs more.

those 60w lights are actual watts or equivelant? get the 100w equivalent bulbs(23w CFL) for the plants and use surge protectors or plug in reflectors to them that have the socket.

That seems like pretty sound advice. The package said 60w daylight. I guess i shoukd of paid more attention if it was equivalent or not. Where could i get a reflector? And im a little weary about adding more bulbs. Replace i can do. See its initially one socket with three Y sockets to make four. It was all i could do at the time. Eventually id like to get more sophisticated. And what brand nutes? I looked all around home depot for 20 20 20 but the best i found was 10 5 5. Should i check nurseries?

Btw the socket is on the ceiling. I was able to get the pots at least 2 feet from the top of the soil. Without some sort of extension thats the best i can do right now. Perhaps i should have prepared but money has been spent either way so i gotta make it work.

Never mind on the reflector. Will be purchasing soon.

Check out winterwoman's cfl grow
one of the best cfl grow I have yet to see.

only person I saw do better with CFl's,was using like 400w CFL and 6X12w LED boosters (deep blue,deep red,far red,far blue,and one 525nm)

Do not feed them yet.

Best DIY reflector I've seen was mad from a cheap aluminum turkey pan.

O.K. if your wanting to use those lights then get rid of the 16 gallon containers. Your plants will get lost in those pots so start them in a cup or something like that and transplant when the right size. 16 gallon pots will hold monster plants that's even hid lighting would have trouble with. Buy a grow bible and do some reading, I think with the equipment you mention I would start small and learn the basics first, then go for the monsters...good Luck JAS

maybe he meant 16 liter pots? but you can just get surge protectors with the contacts with the y splitters and suspen them above and around the plants. just good some CFL grows to see how tod o this or look at that cfl grow liinked earlier.

Advice: Don/t use Miracle Grow, get more light, go for smaller pots like 5gal don't feed for first 3 weekthen start small 1/4 strength of directins. Always ph adjust when watering and feeding.

My simple advice is this, if you just want to dabble in growing with a few cfls and little investment buy autos and a good organic soil . Critical mass is a nute lovin whore who wants all the light she can get, sure you can grow her with cfls but their is no point. Its a commercial strain with ok potency and taste. I like them because they produce but I have 2 600s and hydro on my side. Im no fan of autos but they have a place and your scenario is ideal for them.

ciritcal mass has good potency, just because its a commercial strain doesnt mean its weak

When did I say its weak? Didnt I say I like it? It is far from strong, its ok. Try growing it before you argue about it.

i have growed it and im growing critical kush also. so try not making assumptions and making an ass of yourself with statements that resemble " im mr high and mighty i know more than you because you havent growed it". maybe selecting a good mother makes a difference or the grower does one.

Your right man, critical is a great low light strain and its strong, I was way out of line for saying the potency was just ok.

Critical mass is known for production not strength. Take the socket out of the ceiling and replace it with a standard outlet. Buy 2 cheap extension cords. Cut the female end off split the wire connect it to the socket you removed and it will hang whatever height you need. Get the lights closer.