My First CFL grow attempt

CaptainBlast · Jan 24, 2013

Hello all! I am new here so excuse the questions I may have here soon!

I have finally been given the opportunity to attempt my first grow! I am rather excited, but a tad paranoid at the same time because I don't wanna fuck up! Lol.

I am starting with seeds (I have around 20-30 of them), they are said to be a mix of various random dank strains, I managed to germinate 4 of them, but I am aiming to just stick to 2 plants so they get a good share of lumens off the CFL's.

Again, this is my first time so if anyone has any tips or suggestions let me know!

I am currently running 2 24 watt 6500k CFL's, 4 5000k for now. I plan on adding more :peace:

Not sure what soil I am using, I grabbed it from my mom's house (haha) it looks like decent soil though. Ill add some pics below.

I still need to get wayy more CFL's. I am planning on around maybe 10+ more in total of 27-40+ wattage varying from 2700k to 6500k for veg once I flower I think I am going to get several more 40+ watt 2700k bulbs to get the most I can.

I also need to get a PH meter and was thinking of getting some nutes, what do you guys suggest?

Here are some pics for starters. I need to do more organizing and figure out ways to secure the power strip to the wall etc. but this is what I am at now.

the 2nd pic is my current stash of bud :]

Pictures are from when I started to where I am now.

I appreciate all tips and suggestions, so far the little seedling is looking decent, but that could change lol.

kwilli · Jan 24, 2013

Stop worrying about messing up, chances are you'll do quite a few things wrong your first go round, but you'll learn from your mistakes. The best advice I can give you is to keep it simple. Don't over complicate things, these plants are quite easy to grow. Don't over water and use very mild ferts once your plants get a little older. I use Foxfarm nutes, they work for me but I haven't tried much else.

Bakatare666 · Jan 24, 2013

By the pics, it appears you only water the inch around the stem.
If it was me, I would water a larger area, to make the roots grow outwards.
If they have everything they want right where they are, they won't grow as well, kinda like watering a lawn........
Soaking a lawn once a week will make a deep root structure, as opposed to sprinkling every day, the roots won't develop as well.
Looks like you're off to a good start though. ;-)

CaptainBlast · Jan 24, 2013

kwilli said:
Stop worrying about messing up, chances are you'll do quite a few things wrong your first go round, but you'll learn from your mistakes. The best advice I can give you is to keep it simple. Don't over complicate things, these plants are quite easy to grow. Don't over water and use very mild ferts once your plants get a little older. I use Foxfarm nutes, they work for me but I haven't tried much else.

My first noob question lol, is fertilizer really needed? I am not too big fan of fertilizer but I feel like nutrients would be beneficial. Ill check out foxfarm

ty

Bakatare666 said:
By the pics, it appears you only water the inch around the stem.
If it was me, I would water a larger area, to make the roots grow outwards.
If they have everything they want right where they are, they won't grow as well, kinda like watering a lawn........
Soaking a lawn once a week will make a deep root structure, as opposed to sprinkling every day, the roots won't develop as well.
Looks like you're off to a good start though.

yeah good point lol, thanks. Just anxiously waiting for it to grow.
when will I be able to tell which plants are male/female?

Just hoping I don't overwater

Bakatare666 · Jan 24, 2013

Overwatering is not usually from quantity of water applied, (unless you have no drainage) but frequency of watering.
Feel your pot before you water, then again after you water, and notice the difference in weight.
When you get a feel for it, you can just casually lift the pot and know to water, wait a day, or what.
The other way you can do, is stick your finger in the soil, and if it's damp, or dry, decide to water or not.
Just don't keep them sopping wet, let them breathe between waterings.
It will be a few weeks yet before you know the sex, be patient. :wall:

Post your questions, don't be skeered. :wink:

kwilli · Jan 24, 2013

CaptainBlast said:
My first noob question lol, is fertilizer really needed? I am not too big fan of fertilizer but I feel like nutrients would be beneficial. Ill check out foxfarm ty

yeah good point lol, thanks. Just anxiously waiting for it to grow.
when will I be able to tell which plants are male/female?

Just hoping I don't overwater

You don't need fertilizer specifically, but your plants will need some form of nutrients. Whether it be chemical fertilizer or organic. You will find out the sex of your plants once you start flowering, or if you veg long enough you will see pre-flowers. I had problems over watering when I first started growing, I think most of us did, but a little water goes a long way. Just be sure to let your soil dry out completely between waterings and they'll be fine.

Check out some of the stickied threads on these forums. Lots of great info around here.

Sincerely420 · Jan 25, 2013

CaptainBlast said:
Hello all! I am new here so excuse the questions I may have here soon!

I have finally been given the opportunity to attempt my first grow! I am rather excited, but a tad paranoid at the same time because I don't wanna fuck up! Lol.

I am starting with seeds (I have around 20-30 of them), they are said to be a mix of various random dank strains, I managed to germinate 4 of them, but I am aiming to just stick to 2 plants so they get a good share of lumens off the CFL's.

Again, this is my first time so if anyone has any tips or suggestions let me know!

I am currently running 2 24 watt 6500k CFL's, 4 5000k for now. I plan on adding more

Not sure what soil I am using, I grabbed it from my mom's house (haha) it looks like decent soil though. Ill add some pics below.

I still need to get wayy more CFL's. I am planning on around maybe 10+ more in total of 27-40+ wattage varying from 2700k to 6500k for veg once I flower I think I am going to get several more 40+ watt 2700k bulbs to get the most I can.

I also need to get a PH meter and was thinking of getting some nutes, what do you guys suggest?

Here are some pics for starters. I need to do more organizing and figure out ways to secure the power strip to the wall etc. but this is what I am at now.

the 2nd pic is my current stash of bud :]

Pictures are from when I started to where I am now.

I appreciate all tips and suggestions, so far the little seedling is looking decent, but that could change lol.

thr crucial mistake you made is just grabbing some random soil bro. You have to know what your working with!
maybe you do t have to,but when issue arise, which they will, you'll wanna know how to fix them..
As I noob myself,I feel a lot of that has to do with your soils...
so if you can, go to a store and get some descent soil..,if u don't have a descent soil, your gonna make EVERYTHING ELSE HARDER.

I say you light one up and just stare at what you have going on haha. I GUARANTEE the you'll come up with so e idea haha..
the CFL growers around these parts are putting in works! Just have a look around bro! And you can answer all ur own ?'s

Good luck capn

Mr.Marijuana420 · Jan 25, 2013

hey u already made sure of one thing alot of newbs dnt there first go around, you got your lights right up over them. see alot of strechty first attempts, just keep the light close and raise them as needed.

..the soil should be good as long as its not some exotic plant soil thats crazy acidic, ifs its just basic mix u should be good. these are tough plants im sure theyll be alright

clayman187 · Jan 26, 2013

Depending on where you are growing with cfl's ie: closet...heat can become a issue...
and man..I learned the hard way about soil! used some high dollar miracle grow (to many nutes to soon) Had to work my ass off to save my first grow. Another week or so and I will pull these plants...(gotta make room for the new ones almost ready to go into flowering)
Also..remember PH PH PH ! if your ph aint right your babies will die.

Im a newb also but this site and my learning exp has taught me alot

Bakatare666 · Jan 26, 2013

CaptainBlast said:
My first noob question lol, is fertilizer really needed? I am not too big fan of fertilizer but I feel like nutrients would be beneficial. Ill check out foxfarm ty

yeah good point lol, thanks. Just anxiously waiting for it to grow.
when will I be able to tell which plants are male/female?

Just hoping I don't overwater

Check this out......
You won't need it for several weeks, but it gives you an idea what to look for.View attachment 2497970 View attachment 2497971

CaptainBlast · Feb 9, 2013

finally got a chance to take some pics and log on here. Have a temp construction job 50-70 hour weeks so have been super busy, poor plants have been needing attention. I finally got around to tidying up the closet space today, re-hung the main light strip so it's further away from my plants.

here's some pics.

I also need to know guys is there a certain PH meter I should buy? I put 60$ into my banking account for now to buy a PH meter and some nutes online, any suggestions guys?

some of the leafs on my main plant are turning yellowish, brownish and some are just dying not sure what it was maybe heat so moved lights away hopefully will go back to a healthy green color.. I also need to find a smaller fan to use inside the actual storage space so I can get the hot air moving out and cool air coming in.

anyway here are some updated pics I took last night. Ill take some more later too

Bakatare666 · Feb 9, 2013

I can see some water droplets on your leaves.
That might be all the spots are.
It's still a little early to need any nutes yet.
If you can turn your bulbs so that the side faces the plant, you'll get more light.

CaptainBlast · Feb 9, 2013

Bakatare666 said:
I can see some water droplets on your leaves.
That might be all the spots are.
It's still a little early to need any nutes yet.
If you can turn your bulbs so that the side faces the plant, you'll get more light.

there's brown spots on some of the leafs you can see it in the first few pics, not sure what is causing it but I raised the lights a tad so maybe that will help :confused:

thanks for replying

what PH meter do you suggest? Was gonna look around online

CaptainBlast · Feb 17, 2013

Plants are growing fast

I can't keep up lol. I still need to order some nutes and a PH meter, not sure if the plants are ready for nutes yet but they are getting bigger, I am hoping they are both females but the smaller one is probably a male. Been looking around online for new higher wattage cfl's for when I go into flowering. Anyone suggest which ones I should get? Here are a few that caught my attention

http://1000bulbs.com/product/1601/FC40-FEIS40W27.html
^ This one kinda looks like a first choice but the base socket looks a tad large to screw into ordinary small light bulb sockets.

http://1000bulbs.com/product/1604/FC55-FEUS55W27.html
^ Kinda spendy but pulls 55 watts. Not sure if it would fit normal socket but kinda looks like it would.

I'll find a basic PH meter online somewhere to test the water and soil

But thinking on it now, I am not too sure if I really want nutrients. Will I produce less bud if nutes are not used? Any and all tips are appreciated guys I am still new to this so feel kinda nooby haha. Anyway here are some new pics :joint:

xp0c · Feb 17, 2013

I use a mix of 23w and 30 watt bulbs. I find anything higher is too hot.
23 watt has the best lumen to watt ratio, and can get very close to your buds without burning.
If you don't use nutes you will soon have N def for sure. In flowering you will have multiple deficiencies.

I bought a cheap ph meter of ebay for 7 dollars, and it works great. I was way of on my ph when using the test kits

I don't even need my ph meter now because I use PH perfect nutes.
Good luck with your grow :bigjoint:

CaptainBlast · Feb 17, 2013

thanks for the reply

I guess I'll stick with the 23 watters then man thanks for that tip. I need to find a better way to setup all my lights etc.

What nutes do you suggest? Not sure if I should just get some liquid miracle grow for soil or some fox farms nutes or something what do you guys suggest?

xp0c · Feb 17, 2013

I use lamp sockets, hanging down from the top of my cab with y splitters, full lamps, extension cords with socket adapters. I use a power bar too, but instead of having the 3 splitters in there, I have the middle one empty and my main cola fits in there for now. haha
I used miracle grow at first, and it works. My plant grew lotst of nice bud sites before I switched to AN nutrients.
I don't really know enough to recommend nutes. I'm happy with what I use, but I'm no expert. lol

CaptainBlast · Mar 3, 2013

Thanks for the info

Just ordered some new toys for flowering!

600 watt HPS supersun bulb $70
xtrasun open air reflector $40 (temporary)
600 watt dimmable HPS/MH lumatech digital ballast $200
8 plugin surge protected with a built in timer power strip $20
95% reflective mylar 100ft roll $30
Digital thermometer $20

hopefully should arrive soon!

Here are some new pictures. I finally brought them out of the small space they were in, my setup is kinda ghetto atm until I can set it up better. I am pretty sure the biggest one I have going is a female, the other plant is kinda branchy and I can't tell if it is a male or female, I'll provide some pictures below.

any input on gender would be greatly appreciated. also, do they look ready to go into flowering? Once the supplies arrive im going to hang up mylar and pretty much tape off a section of my room for the flowering stage. going to also be using side CFL 2700k bulbs to help

for now, they are still vegging 24/0 under some 26 watters until I get my setup.

View attachment 2551945 View attachment 2551948 View attachment 2551949 View attachment 2551951 View attachment 2551953 View attachment 2551954

lilrob1887 · Mar 3, 2013

let ur plants rest bro...24/0 isnt whats always best...i always do 20/4 or even 18/6.....imagine if u was always up and at in never getting any sleep....so cut them back to atleast 20/4...and in ur last post u said u were gonna section off space in ur room for flowering?? is this spot closed off or jus like in the corner of ur room? cuz when in flower 12/12 the off time HAS TO BE 100% DARK....if not ur gonna develop hermies my friend....hermies = NOT GOOD....and yes even with ur HPS u'll get better results using CFL's also....keep them AS CLOSE as possible without burning (the CFL's that is)...not an expert on alot of nutes but if ur only gonna use during flower id def use some type of flower booster of some sort....using nutes only causes problems if used 2 soon(which there plenty ready for now) or to much and to often...only start with about 1/4 the recommend dose every 3rd watering....hope this helps

CaptainBlast · Mar 3, 2013

lilrob1887 said:
let ur plants rest bro...24/0 isnt whats always best...i always do 20/4 or even 18/6.....imagine if u was always up and at in never getting any sleep....so cut them back to atleast 20/4...and in ur last post u said u were gonna section off space in ur room for flowering?? is this spot closed off or jus like in the corner of ur room? cuz when in flower 12/12 the off time HAS TO BE 100% DARK....if not ur gonna develop hermies my friend....hermies = NOT GOOD....and yes even with ur HPS u'll get better results using CFL's also....keep them AS CLOSE as possible without burning (the CFL's that is)...not an expert on alot of nutes but if ur only gonna use during flower id def use some type of flower booster of some sort....using nutes only causes problems if used 2 soon(which there plenty ready for now) or to much and to often...only start with about 1/4 the recommend dose every 3rd watering....hope this helps

I will probably tone it back to 18/6 but there is nothing wrong with 24/0 especially with CFL's. And yes, I am going to have the off (dark) time be during night, when I'm sleeping and everything is dark.. I'll have my HPS running during the daytime hours. and what are hermies?

and I ended up buying vegging and flowering nutes. both fox farm, growbig and tiger bloom. Have been working well so far.

My First CFL grow attempt

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