Ok ya'll. . . should I Hydro or Soil? Convince me. . .

First time grower (weed). Cant decided if I should grow Hydroponically or with Soil. I am going to order Jack Herer and Ed Rosenthal seeds. I'd like to grow 6 plants, 3 from each strain. (height and room are not a problem) I'm not scared to grow with either style, just cant make up my mind! I've got my okra garden outside so I know about soil and the concept of Hydroponics doesnt escape me and I'm actually a little curious and leaning that way. . . so I need ya'lls help. Which way do ya'll grow by and why? I'm a libra so I've got a little trouble making a decision sometimes because I way out the issues so much and can find pros and cons about each style all day long. So I'd appreciate some detail if anyone has the time, I'll +rep you for it! Thanks again ya'll! I really appreciate it!

come on ya'll! little help please! : )

cocco fibre man this stuff is the muts nuts we have tested many soils and found cocco fibre wins all the time sweet widdow

Soil. Less maintainence, more forgiving, better taste, to name a few. If you've never grown hydro though it's fun to do. My numero uno suggestion, start seeds in soil, weed out males, take cuttings from females, root cuttings while soil plants flower, and add clones to flower when they get a little bigger in a hydro system. I enjoy growing the same strain in both soil and hydro, side by side. It helps you make up your mind for future grows as well.

widdow sensation said:

cocco fibre man this stuff is the muts nuts we have tested many soils and found cocco fibre wins all the time sweet widdow

Click to expand...

whats coco fibre?

2 for dirt 1 for hydro. . . any other weigh-ins?. . .

use cocco fibre soil usualy comes in 50 litre bags here is some info

Need an organic boost for your soil? Coco Fiber are an excellent way to increase the water absorbing power of potting soil, while also protecting against harmful bacteria and promoting organic farming. These coco fiber soil amendments are widely used for hydroponics, soil mixes, and container planting.

Coco Pith (also known as Coir) is a natural byproduct of coconut plantations. It's a renewable resource with several advantages over peat moss. It holds water without any additives, and absorbs water evenly without any beading on the surface. Coir also has more nutrients, a neutral pH balance, and remains effective for up to 5 years.

These coco fibre are free from seeds and pathogens. They naturally inhibit infection from Pithium and Phtothora and increase the carbon exchange capacity of your yard. This property helps plants get the carbon that they need to develop strong stems and recover from bug damage. Potting Soil made from Coconut Fiber is an excellent amendment for clay soils because it helps loosen up the compact ground and increase water retention.

Moving plants from place to place can be harsh on their roots. It takes a little bit of extra care to help them survive the transition from growing trays into pots and from pots into your yard. You can transplant and pot plants with confidence using premium coconut fiber.

sweet widdow

First time grower? Go dirt.

I would would advise doing your first couple of grows in soil. Then if you want to go to hydro then go for it.

Hydro takes a lot of time and attention. And if you've never grown before, just learning how to grow beautiful plants will keep you busy at first.

And that's not taking into account monitoring PPM, PH, water levels. Then you have to worry about pumps breaking, water lines clogging. Alga and bacteria growth in your tanks.

Then you have to take into account that cost. Soil is MUCH cheaper.

What kind of lighting are you going to use. HPS/MH, CFL/Flouros, LEDs?

saying that my friend has 2 cheese plants in his back garden in uk and these things are over 5 ft tall and look like they are starting to bud they look georgous and they are just in dirt.

thanks for the suggestions ya'll!

Lil Czr said:

I would would advise doing your first couple of grows in soil. Then if you want to go to hydro then go for it.

Hydro takes a lot of time and attention. And if you've never grown before, just learning how to grow beautiful plants will keep you busy at first.

And that's not taking into account monitoring PPM, PH, water levels. Then you have to worry about pumps breaking, water lines clogging. Alga and bacteria growth in your tanks.

Then you have to take into account that cost. Soil is MUCH cheaper.

What kind of lighting are you going to use. HPS/MH, CFL/Flouros, LEDs?

Click to expand...

plannin on using a two 400w MH for veg and two 400w HPS for flowering

turkish420 said:

plannin on using a two 400w MH for veg and two 400w HPS for flowering

Click to expand...

Right on man, get yourself some FFOF and you're good.

Plus a fan or two and a few other items of course...

Having spent a lifetime doing this deed I have found the need for both.I live in a really good environment so my summers are spent in Mix,massive plants my normally 3 ft Chronic indoors is a whopping 7 feet outdoors in Mix she should be throwing a half pound.She is not alone.My screen name says hydro and I do my share,especially in the average 40f winters here.Tank warmer is all I need and I am content.I do feed everything hydro quality nutes.At the beginning of and during the third week of veg I will kick the plants with MG but only once or twice.Like someone said earlier being new to this you need to start in soil/mix anyway or you will be a frustrated plant killing machine.Ph fluctuations and just basic skills are enough to drive you crazy but after the first few succeses you'll get the whole thing down.Even I fuck up sometimes.I do suggest that while you are dabbling learn the art of cloning.Sometimes its a bitch and sometimes its a breeze.Get you're own method and stick to it.peace bro and get ready,smoking may not be addictive but growing is like smoking crack.I dont feel right unless i have fresh massive buds.

Definately go soil.. I jumped straight into hydro using clay balls and cocoa and had nothing but problems to start off. Being overly anxious as a newb caused more problems than it solved. If I went soil like my outdoors plants I would be sitting pretty. there a lot greener and healthier than my hydro indoor ones but I am getting better.

I vote for soil, I just think it's more forgiving, especially the first time growing. I use FoxFarms Ocean Forest along with their nutes and have been very happy.

i Would Definitely go soil, not only does it give you time to get to know how the plant grows and the techniques you can use to make the plant do what you want but you can also experiment with nutes and other enhancers a lot easier without burning the plant or stunning the growth. Soil is a beneficial growing medium as long as you get a good base soil (fox farm ) has a good variety of soil i recommend either Happy Frog or Ocean Forrest Mix. and choose a base line nutrient i used verma-T organic fertilizer for veg and then switched over to advanced nutrients sensi bloom A and B and used Bud Candy and Big Bud for enhancements. Good luck and happy growing

turkish420 said:

plannin on using a two 400w MH for veg and two 400w HPS for flowering

Click to expand...

For veg, I'd advise using an 8 bulb 4 foot T5 bank like this one instead:
http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php?products_id=695
You'll probably need vented hoods if you use two 400W MH lights. Fluros run a lot cooler and you can place them closer to your plants, plus they run on less juice.

As for "hydro or soil", I say go with soil if you want to play it safe and save a little cash, go with hydro if you want more of a challenge while boosting performance a bit. I went with hydro and I have no regrets but either way is fine.

Definately soil.....Stay away from soiless mixes too. Gain some experience then you can tinker around with soiless and hydro mediums.