What do you think?

[harveyj]

Do these look right to you? I've never grown before but I think they look stunted (they are just over 3 weeks old from seed). So many leaves and only 4" tall.

They look to me like they are staring to wilt a little bit as well (just started this morning). They have not been watered in almost three weeks but the damn things won't dry out. I watered them with one liter of water when they were only a few days old and now three weeks later I can still feel moisture about 2" under the soil and the moisture meters says that there is still moisture down there.....So I guess it's just a waiting game???

They have not received any nutrients yet and I had not planed on giving any until they reached veg. The water was adjusted to 6.5 - 6.8 somewhere around there when they were watered the first time. I've been giving them a light mist of water within the first hour of the lights coming on in the morning as well.

So what do you think do they look alright for a three week old plant or are they stunted? And if they are what can I do now?

 

[Green Supreme]

Maybe cut some holes in the bottom with diagonal pliers so they don't sit in water. Good luck. Peace GS

 

[harveyj]

Maybe cut some holes in the bottom with diagonal pliers so they don't sit in water. Good luck. Peace GS

There are tons of holes in the bottom of the bucket (15-20). If water wanted to get out it sure could but it seems that the soil is just holding all the moisture.

The top 2" or so are very very dry and crunchy but under that plenty of moisture.

 

[Batboy]

Damn, this seems to be a common theme amongst newbies like us that use pots that are too big. I think that only experienced soil growers should use big pots for small plants because they have a better feel for where the roots are, how much water they need and how much moisture is still in the pot.

I think that you did the right thing by not watering for awhile, but if the soil is still wet and the plants are starting to wilt, you have 1 of 2 problems. Unfortunately I have no idea which one!

-- your roots could be soaked and dying in a traditional case of overwatering. Even though the top has dried out, there is so much moisture trapped in the soil and the roots are so small that they can't use all of it, they may be drowning in it. If this is the case, I think that you only have 2 options: transplant to a smaller pot or wait for your roots to grow enough to take the moisture out of the soil.

--on the other hand, and it could be a longshot, but maybe the plant is actually UNDERwatered. It isn't completely out of the question that the roots don't extend far enough to reach the moist soil. While much of the pot is still heavy with water, the plant might be living in a desert. You could try lightly watering to try to moisten up just the top 1-2 inches. This could allow the plant to grow those roots and hopefully start taking the remaining moisture out of the soil.

What type of soil is it? How is your air circulation? What kind of lights? What kind of seeds did you use?

Overall, I think that your plants could still survive and thrive. They may be small now but they do amazing things when the conditions are right. Maybe you just need to wait until the roots circle the pots, start fighting for space and water. When that happens, BAM, growth will explode.

 

[Quazi]

They have not been watered in almost three weeks but the damn things won't dry out. I watered them with one liter of water when they were only a few days old and now three weeks later I can still feel moisture about 2" under the soil and the moisture meters says that there is still moisture down there.....So I guess it's just a waiting game???

If you're "feeling for moisture" or using a moisture meter, you're just asking for problems.

Learn the "lift the pot" method and you'll never go back.

Pick up your pot when it's dry. Water it. Pick it up after you water it. Remember the weight difference. Next time, just pick up your pot and you can tell how dry it has become.

It may take some practice/getting used to but it's the best method, by far.

Now then: it sounds like you probably put some girls in some pots that were a bit too big for them. It's very possible that the reason you still "feel moisture" deeper in the soil is because there aren't any roots down there to suck it up! The moisture will just stay in there and continue to spoil the soil while the roots try to survive up top where they are just running into dry soil.

Obviously they can't be overwatered considering it's been weeks since you've watered so I'd say "underwatered" is probably your problem here. Both symptoms can look very similar to each other.

I'd recommend giving them a light watering so you can get some moisture back to the top of the soil. The roots will eventually grow down further into the pot and be able to suck up more moisture.

Try to stick to smaller pots when they're so young next time and I bet you won't have this problem.

Good luck in your travels!

-Q

 

[harveyj]

If you're "feeling for moisture" or using a moisture meter, you're just asking for problems.

Learn the "lift the pot" method and you'll never go back.

Pick up your pot when it's dry. Water it. Pick it up after you water it. Remember the weight difference. Next time, just pick up your pot and you can tell how dry it has become.

It may take some practice/getting used to but it's the best method, by far.

Now then: it sounds like you probably put some girls in some pots that were a bit too big for them. It's very possible that the reason you still "feel moisture" deeper in the soil is because there aren't any roots down there to suck it up! The moisture will just stay in there and continue to spoil the soil while the roots try to survive up top where they are just running into dry soil.

Obviously they can't be overwatered considering it's been weeks since you've watered so I'd say "underwatered" is probably your problem here. Both symptoms can look very similar to each other.

I'd recommend giving them a light watering so you can get some moisture back to the top of the soil. The roots will eventually grow down further into the pot and be able to suck up more moisture.

Try to stick to smaller pots when they're so young next time and I bet you won't have this problem.

Good luck in your travels!

-Q

Thanks for all the replies guys. I have learned so much during my first grow.

I did a lot of reading.....weeks and weeks in fact. but it seems that there is no better teacher then experience.

I will be doing a lot of things different on my next grow


******Do my plants look ok to everyone or do they look stunted?******