HydroLenny
Member
I am new to growing and originally was not going to document my first grow since I have no idea whether this will be successful or a complete failure, but I thought it may be a good way to solicit advice if I do run into trouble. So, with that in mind, here is my first grow...
My plan is to grow two Lowryder #2 plants, one in soil and the other in a 3 gal DWC bubbler unit. I will use a one gallon pot for the soil plant. My goal in doing this is to see which method suits me better as far as maintenance and trouble. That doesnt mean that I will only use one technique or the other afterwards from here on out, but it will give me a good comparison between the two to determine what works best for me.
On a historical note, I started dabbling in hydroponics (hence my name) growing strawberries in small bubbler units (with mixed results, I might add). So, figured I would jump into a hydro marijuana grow.
In doing weeks of research in these forums, I have seen some mixed results with hydro, and because I am not investing a huge amount into fancy ebb/flow units, HPS lighting systems, PPM/EC tools, etc., I am a bit nervous about hydro. Probably psyched myself out a bit. But, need to start at some point! Anyways...
I will be growing in a small grow box I built myself. The box is made out of a thin paneling that is white on one side, so I dont have to line the box with any reflective material or paint it. I'll be using 3 - 23w 6500k CFLs for the first week or two of the grow, then 3 or 4 - 42W 2700k CFLs for the remaining grow. I plan on running a 20/4 light cycle throughout the grow. I'll be using Botanicare nute products and will use equal amounts (as best I can) for both the soil and hydro to try to make it as equal a comparison as possible.
So, 2 days ago I started the germination process on two seeds. I used the paper towel method in a zip lock bag. After 24 hours I could see that the seeds had cracked, and 4 hours later I had a quarter inch root on both. I kept them in the towel until this morning and checked on them again and they were both pushing 3/4 of an inch long, so I figured I needed to get them in the grow medium. Suckers grew fast!
I picked up some foam-like plugs that were recommended by the local hydro store, and I will use those for both seeds to get them started. So, as of this morning they are in their grow medium.
Most importantly, I am going to try to stick to the motto "you can love your plants, but you dont want to LOVE your plants". Less is more and let them do their thing....
My plan is to grow two Lowryder #2 plants, one in soil and the other in a 3 gal DWC bubbler unit. I will use a one gallon pot for the soil plant. My goal in doing this is to see which method suits me better as far as maintenance and trouble. That doesnt mean that I will only use one technique or the other afterwards from here on out, but it will give me a good comparison between the two to determine what works best for me.
On a historical note, I started dabbling in hydroponics (hence my name) growing strawberries in small bubbler units (with mixed results, I might add). So, figured I would jump into a hydro marijuana grow.
In doing weeks of research in these forums, I have seen some mixed results with hydro, and because I am not investing a huge amount into fancy ebb/flow units, HPS lighting systems, PPM/EC tools, etc., I am a bit nervous about hydro. Probably psyched myself out a bit. But, need to start at some point! Anyways...
I will be growing in a small grow box I built myself. The box is made out of a thin paneling that is white on one side, so I dont have to line the box with any reflective material or paint it. I'll be using 3 - 23w 6500k CFLs for the first week or two of the grow, then 3 or 4 - 42W 2700k CFLs for the remaining grow. I plan on running a 20/4 light cycle throughout the grow. I'll be using Botanicare nute products and will use equal amounts (as best I can) for both the soil and hydro to try to make it as equal a comparison as possible.
So, 2 days ago I started the germination process on two seeds. I used the paper towel method in a zip lock bag. After 24 hours I could see that the seeds had cracked, and 4 hours later I had a quarter inch root on both. I kept them in the towel until this morning and checked on them again and they were both pushing 3/4 of an inch long, so I figured I needed to get them in the grow medium. Suckers grew fast!
I picked up some foam-like plugs that were recommended by the local hydro store, and I will use those for both seeds to get them started. So, as of this morning they are in their grow medium.
Most importantly, I am going to try to stick to the motto "you can love your plants, but you dont want to LOVE your plants". Less is more and let them do their thing....
