First Grow Start to Finish. My set up. Would like feedback!

Alright- I do have a hydroponics system, the seedling plugs, etc., pretty much everything I need.
My Equipment:
24x24x36 Vivosun Grow Tent
36x36x62 "
LED Safe Lighting Kit
Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
VIVOSUN 4 Inch 195 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan
LEVOIT Air Purifier
VIVOSUN 4 Inch Air Carbon Filter Odor Control
Soil water level meter
Magnifying Glass
Digital Microscope
Hydroponics Unit (have to pull it out of the basement or I would show a pic)
Super Sprouter Seedling Mat and Dome with T5 bulb
Pictures below are of some nutrients, potting mix as well as organic soil, some of the accessories for the Hydro, clay pebbles.
I also have PH digital thermos that work for soil/water/solutions.
I have humidifiers if necessary, but where my tent sits with the spider light on, my tent sits at 30-38% humidity and 70-75 degrees F°
I'll have the Hydrobset up for you guys to see later tonight or tomorrow.

I am currently germinating 5 seeds I got from my guy. We do not know the strain, but this was the flower on March 7 this year. Gives you an idea of what it looks like. Keep in mind this plant had 0 training and was fed filtered water. Long story.

Sorry for the long post guys, I know I am probably over thinking this, but I want to make sure I get optimal yields and potency. I have a medical card, but idk where to get seeds, otherwise, I would start auto flower. Any feedback would be dope. My tent is set up and everything, I am pretty much ready, besides getting my Hydro system which is not huge anyway.


Also, I am germinating in a damp paper towel- should I be germinating with the Sprouter? I was worried about the amount of heat it will generate. I thought about using the cabinet lights in my small tent for veg. Then using the big tent for late veg.-

I cant help you growing that way rocket science nonsense is the reason so many on here mess up there grow. I never go wrong with all purpose miracle grow, keep the seed away from the nute pebbles, and never soil compaction! Always lots of holes in containers, fan oscillating soft wind upper canopy straight at it never down on it! Heres my 3 king kongs, 1 mo veg 1 mo flowering 1000 true watts

So are you growing both soil and hydro plants? That's a lot to take in first grow.

I dislike MG soils for cannabis (or any plant really). The time release fertilizers tend to burn young plants and leave salt build ups for older ones. Some folks seem to do fine with it but most struggle. The process to make it is also garbage for the environment. Far better off using something like Promix or Fox Farms soils, or even better, something local.

I also think you need more light. The sf1000 is a nice light but it's only about 100w at the wall. A quick rule of thumb is 35w per sq ft so in a 3x3 you would want about 300w of good LED. Watts aren't the end all be all, but your at a third of that. Gonna end up with some stretchy plants and fluffy buds.

The paper towel method is a fine way to germinate seeds.

Best advice I can give, read everything at www.growweedeasy.com and find a couple grow journals you like then imitate them. There are lots of ways to grow good weed, but just as many to grow jank.

Remain skeptical of anyone who's username is the same as the strain they bring up every time they post.

Gentlemencorpse said:

So are you growing both soil and hydro plants? That's a lot to take in first grow.

I dislike MG soils for cannabis (or any plant really). The time release fertilizers tend to burn young plants and leave salt build ups for older ones. Some folks seem to do fine with it but most struggle. The process to make it is also garbage for the environment. Far better off using something like Promix or Fox Farms soils, or even better, something local.

I also think you need more light. The sf1000 is a nice light but it's only about 100w at the wall. A quick rule of thumb is 35w per sq ft so in a 3x3 you would want about 300w of good LED. Watts aren't the end all be all, but your at a third of that. Gonna end up with some stretchy plants and fluffy buds.

The paper towel method is a fine way to germinate seeds.

Best advice I can give, read everything at www.growweedeasy.com and find a couple grow journals you like then imitate them. There are lots of ways to grow good weed, but just as many to grow jank.

Remain skeptical of anyone who's username is the same as the strain they bring up every time they post.

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No. I have had hydro experience in past grows. This one is only miracle grow which i also have past experience with

Gentlemencorpse said:

So are you growing both soil and hydro plants? That's a lot to take in first grow.

I dislike MG soils for cannabis (or any plant really). The time release fertilizers tend to burn young plants and leave salt build ups for older ones. Some folks seem to do fine with it but most struggle. The process to make it is also garbage for the environment. Far better off using something like Promix or Fox Farms soils, or even better, something local.

I also think you need more light. The sf1000 is a nice light but it's only about 100w at the wall. A quick rule of thumb is 35w per sq ft so in a 3x3 you would want about 300w of good LED. Watts aren't the end all be all, but your at a third of that. Gonna end up with some stretchy plants and fluffy buds.

The paper towel method is a fine way to germinate seeds.

Best advice I can give, read everything at www.growweedeasy.com and find a couple grow journals you like then imitate them. There are lots of ways to grow good weed, but just as many to grow jank.

Remain skeptical of anyone who's username is the same as the strain they bring up every time they post.

Click to expand...

I dont know how people grow these sick looking plants, even my very first grow, 0 ventilation and a 8 foot tall sativa in a 4 square foot closet and the weed always stayed nice looking but didn't buzz much but even my very first grow was not ruined

Kingkongbud said:

No. I have had hydro experience in past grows. This one is only miracle grow which i also have past experience with

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I wasn't asking you, this isn't your thread. I was asking OP since has both MG soil and mentions a hydro system. Which apparently constitutes rocket science or something.

Kingkongbud said:

I dont know how people grow these sick looking plants, even my very first grow, 0 ventilation and a 8 foot tall sativa in a 4 square foot closet and the weed always stayed nice looking but didn't buzz much but even my very first grow was not ruined

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That's a tall closet man.

Gentlemencorpse said:

So are you growing both soil and hydro plants? That's a lot to take in first grow.

I dislike MG soils for cannabis (or any plant really). The time release fertilizers tend to burn young plants and leave salt build ups for older ones. Some folks seem to do fine with it but most struggle. The process to make it is also garbage for the environment. Far better off using something like Promix or Fox Farms soils, or even better, something local.

I also think you need more light. The sf1000 is a nice light but it's only about 100w at the wall. A quick rule of thumb is 35w per sq ft so in a 3x3 you would want about 300w of good LED. Watts aren't the end all be all, but your at a third of that. Gonna end up with some stretchy plants and fluffy buds.

The paper towel method is a fine way to germinate seeds.

Best advice I can give, read everything at www.growweedeasy.com and find a couple grow journals you like then imitate them. There are lots of ways to grow good weed, but just as many to grow jank.

Remain skeptical of anyone who's username is the same as the strain they bring up every time they post.

Click to expand...

Well that's what i prefer growing out of the many strains ive grown. My previous was mostly White Russian, but i can understand how weed can make one more skeptical than usual, paranoid too lol

SipSlowDabLow said:

Alright- I do have a hydroponics system, the seedling plugs, etc., pretty much everything I need.
My Equipment:
24x24x36 Vivosun Grow Tent
36x36x62 "
LED Safe Lighting Kit
Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
VIVOSUN 4 Inch 195 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan
LEVOIT Air Purifier
VIVOSUN 4 Inch Air Carbon Filter Odor Control
Soil water level meter
Magnifying Glass
Digital Microscope
Hydroponics Unit (have to pull it out of the basement or I would show a pic)
Super Sprouter Seedling Mat and Dome with T5 bulb
Pictures below are of some nutrients, potting mix as well as organic soil, some of the accessories for the Hydro, clay pebbles.
I also have PH digital thermos that work for soil/water/solutions.
I have humidifiers if necessary, but where my tent sits with the spider light on, my tent sits at 30-38% humidity and 70-75 degrees F°
I'll have the Hydrobset up for you guys to see later tonight or tomorrow.

I am currently germinating 5 seeds I got from my guy. We do not know the strain, but this was the flower on March 7 this year. Gives you an idea of what it looks like. Keep in mind this plant had 0 training and was fed filtered water. Long story.View attachment 4534838

Sorry for the long post guys, I know I am probably over thinking this, but I want to make sure I get optimal yields and potency. I have a medical card, but idk where to get seeds, otherwise, I would start auto flower. Any feedback would be dope. My tent is set up and everything, I am pretty much ready, besides getting my Hydro system which is not huge anyway.


Also, I am germinating in a damp paper towel- should I be germinating with the Sprouter? I was worried about the amount of heat it will generate. I thought about using the cabinet lights in my small tent for veg. Then using the big tent for late veg.-
View attachment 4534814View attachment 4534815

Click to expand...

King kong is an all around amazing strain and i picked that username to best share that knowledge with others

Gentlemencorpse said:

I wasn't asking you, this isn't your thread. I was asking OP since has both MG soil and mentions a hydro system. Which apparently constitutes rocket science or something.

Click to expand...

Haha- you are funny my dude. Thank you btw- for taking the time out of your day to help me out. I keep meeting awesome people that want to help and I want to be to the point where I'm that guy. So, again- thank you and when I get there- I'll be doing the same thing- helping others. Marijuana is not just medicine, a plant, it is a culture among others.

Anyways, I guess I couldnt decide whether I should grow Hydro or not. What do you think? I am only growing 2 plants-unless all 5 seeds sprout- then I will be growing more haha. I have these lights as well (grow lights). I got my taxes so I do have some extra cash to invest. I have all this equipment my Grandpa left me, it would be stupid not to carry on his legacy sort of speak. I could always buy another grow light. I have a smaller tent I could veg in- then move to the bigger tent with more light- but idk if that's a good idea either.

SipSlowDabLow said:

Haha- you are funny my dude. Thank you btw- for taking the time out of your day to help me out. I keep meeting awesome people that want to help and I want to be to the point where I'm that guy. So, again- thank you and when I get there- I'll be doing the same thing- helping others. Marijuana is not just medicine, a plant, it is a culture among others.

Anyways, I guess I couldnt decide whether I should grow Hydro or not. What do you think? I am only growing 2 plants-unless all 5 seeds sprout- then I will be growing more haha. I have these lights as well (grow lights). I got my taxes so I do have some extra cash to invest. I have all this equipment my Grandpa left me, it would be stupid not to carry on his legacy sort of speak. I could always buy another grow light. I have a smaller tent I could veg in- then move to the bigger tent with more light- but idk if that's a good idea either.

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Oh btw- what do you think about using the KIND SOIL base with the miracle gro on top? Otherwise I will order Fox Farm or something.


Here is some nutrient solution I have.

Kingkongbud said:

I dont know how people grow these sick looking plants, even my very first grow, 0 ventilation and a 8 foot tall sativa in a 4 square foot closet and the weed always stayed nice looking but didn't buzz much but even my very first grow was not ruined

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Really? Yah- idk why he thought it was dried out- cause it def. Isn't. I did fine about 20 percent maybe less amber trichomes. I cut her down- caught a fat steal on a humidifier..last one at walmart..on clearance. Hoping my seeds germ!

Kingkongbud said:

King kong is an all around amazing strain and i picked that username to best share that knowledge with others

Click to expand...

Idk where to get seeds from even with a medicinal card. Dispensaries should carry em right?

SipSlowDabLow said:

Haha- you are funny my dude. Thank you btw- for taking the time out of your day to help me out. I keep meeting awesome people that want to help and I want to be to the point where I'm that guy. So, again- thank you and when I get there- I'll be doing the same thing- helping others. Marijuana is not just medicine, a plant, it is a culture among others.

Anyways, I guess I couldnt decide whether I should grow Hydro or not. What do you think? I am only growing 2 plants-unless all 5 seeds sprout- then I will be growing more haha. I have these lights as well (grow lights). I got my taxes so I do have some extra cash to invest. I have all this equipment my Grandpa left me, it would be stupid not to carry on his legacy sort of speak. I could always buy another grow light. I have a smaller tent I could veg in- then move to the bigger tent with more light- but idk if that's a good idea either.

Click to expand...

Honestly, always happy to help new growers any way I can.

I'd pick one medium to start with. I'm a big fan of the K.I.S.S. philosophy when you start growing. Soil is more forgiving so I usually recommend growers start there but hydro is totally manageable so if you have the gear and want to dive right in don't be scared! But starting with both is just introducing too many variables to your first grow.

I'd skip the MG entirely myself, I genuinely hate the stuff. I'm admittedly completely unfamiliar with that Kind soil. After reading up on it it looks like it's trying to be some kind of living soil facsimile so you wouldn't use your other nutes at all with it according to their literature. Absolutely no idea how well it works. If you want to use I'd search around for some grow journals that are using it and see how it worked for them. Soils like Fox Farms Ocean Forest or Coast of Maine Stonington Blend have enough nutrients in them to not need to feed the plants for 3 or 4 weeks anyways so that's what I usually use. Eventually you'll need something with a little more P and K than the nutrients you have now. Something like MaxiBloom. Im also a big fan of MegaCrop but it has to be ordered online.

For a 3x3 tent I'd recommend just going straight to a 315cmh to be honest. It's a lot less expensive then getting adequate LEDs and you'll get great results. Then you could veg in your smaller tent with the SF1000. If you really want to stick to LED in that tent you will want AT LEAST one more SF1000, and better yet, you'd run an SF2000 with the SF1000 you currently have. Or if you really don't mind splurging you could go with a Timber Model 4VS and see this guy get jealous lol.

It's awesome that your granddad used to grow, and it's really cool that your trying to pick up the hobby.

SipSlowDabLow said:

Idk where to get seeds from even with a medicinal card. Dispensaries should carry em right?

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So weirdly enough dispensaries can't sell seeds even in legal states, at least as far as I'm aware. I know in MA we can't. Most people order them online. Seedsman is a popular site I've had good luck with, and they have thousands of strains to choose from. These days though I try really hard to support the stateside seed banks, so my personal favorites are Great Lakes Genetics and JBC Seeds. Both have great genetics to choose from and really take care of you in terms of service and freebies. GLG even sent me a koozy with my last order haha. Some breeders sell direct as well. If your looking for autos (which I don't recommend for beginners honestly) you can order direct from Mephisto or Wicked Pissah as well.

Soil grows are often overthought ....pick a good mix like Fox Farm Ocean Forest , Kellogg’s Organic , Black Gold , Dr. Earth , Mother Earth groundswell. Look for veg garden mix type of soil. Most are already precharged with amendments are are ready to use.

Take Miracle grow and throw in dumpster or use it outside on blooming flowers. It also contains heavy bug infestation ( fungus gnats ).
Miracle grow is formulated with either water “ retaining “ elements and or “ controlled release fertilizer “ CFR , meaning it FEEDS at every watering. That is why that shit fries most plants. Not saying it “ can’t grow weed “ but it overfeeds. So there’s that.

Try this : example

Fill container bottom 1/3 with FFOF , top rest of container with a mild Potting soil ( happy frog , Kellogg’s, or similar ).
Reason FFOF goes at bottom is it acts like a super soil at base. NO NEED FOR BOUTIQUE BLENDS like that KIND SOIL .
Soil medium as it is “ will feed those plants “ all by itself ... on ph water 6.5 . NO NUTES OR BOTTLES NEEDED.
FFOF will feed a plant easily for up to 6 weeks BEFORE showing minor depletion.
THEN ...all you do is add a scoop or two of FFOF soil on top as a top dress and water in. THATS IT.

Your plant has “ already become acclimated to soil “ so you are not adding things that might upset the grow.
By top dressing alone , you are merely RECHARGING the medium. Plants are happy and no stupid overkill.
Some growers complain about FFOF but it’s because they dump “ More Nutes “ on top of an already well ammended mix.

NOTE : always add extra perlite to mix to improve the aeration and drainage. It just takes maybe 20% more by volume .
Also , if you want a real boost to this mix idea , add EWC and Myco to top layer soil mix before filling. Perfect for solo grow transplant, because myco will temper any shock and begin explosive root growth.

SIMPLE RIGHT ?


Look at my SIG for link of this “ layered “ method.

From someone that has used Fox Farms Ocean Forest and Happy Frog, Promix, Coast Of Maine Stonington Blend, and more, as well as two of my own mixes of super soil: Ocean Forest can get the job done, but is definitely my least favorite. The issue is inconsistency. I've had grows that went great top to bottom with it, and others that ran into pH and lockout problems. If you research OF on these and other boards, you will find others with the same issues.

When not running a fully organic super soil, I use Megacrop and Bud Explosion for nutes. It's cheap, simple, and effective.

My preferred method is definitely organic though. A good "boutique" living soil, or your own mix once you get some experience, with worm casting, compost, and organic top dressings makes some great smoke. When doing an organic run indoors or out, once I'm sure the soil pH is good, I never pH the water at all.

MidcoastOrganic said:

From someone that has used Fox Farms Ocean Forest and Happy Frog, Promix, Coast Of Maine Stonington Blend, and more, as well as two of my own mixes of super soil: Ocean Forest can get the job done, but is definitely my least favorite. The issue is inconsistency. I've had grows that went great top to bottom with it, and others that ran into pH and lockout problems. If you research OF on these and other boards, you will find others with the same issues.

When not running a fully organic super soil, I use Megacrop and Bud Explosion for nutes. It's cheap, simple, and effective.

My preferred method is definitely organic though. A good "boutique" living soil, or your own mix once you get some experience, with worm casting, compost, and organic top dressings makes some great smoke. When doing an organic run indoors or out, once I'm sure the soil pH is good, I never pH the water at all.

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I'm actually starting to feel the same way about the FFOF. I still like it, but it's definitely inconsistent. Also, it can be pricey. But it's pretty easy to get and way better than MG so I still suggest it to new growers. Coast of Maine stuff is my favorite but obviously not available everywhere and I've never used Promix outside of starting veggies in the greenhouse. I'm going to be trying my own blend on a couple plants soon though.

Gentlemencorpse said:

So weirdly enough dispensaries can't sell seeds even in legal states, at least as far as I'm aware. I know in MA we can't.

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I know of a place in MA you can order seeds from. It’s where I got the seeds for my current grow. Here’s the site in case you’re interested.

G Bear said:

I know of a place in MA you can order seeds from. It’s where I got the seeds for my current grow. Here’s the site in case you’re interested.

Bay State Seed – The source for medical cannabis seeds in Massachusetts

baystateseed.com

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Thanks for this! I just read through their strain list and there's at least a half a dozen new strains on my wishlist lol. I'll definitely have to give them a try. Always like supporting local businesses.

I almost don't mind that seedbanks are separate from the dispensaries. With all the corporations getting involved with the recreational dispensaries in MA it keeps the seedbanks in that hands of small businesses.