I just started my first Micro grow need help!

[newkid]

Hi I have a couple questions regarding soil, lighting, feeding and ph, (haha i know of course, the usual). I just got 4 plants as a gift; very small less than 3" tall, early veg stage. My buddy gave up on them because they were dying in his hydro set up from "root rot" and I decided try and get these guys healthy; only problem is I don't know the first thing about growing.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Here are my specs...
-closet micro grow-1.5sqft
-soil: miracle grow moisture control
-they are in small containers about 5"
-lights: CFL 2X42 watts 6500K, 1X23 watt 6500, 2X23 watt 5000k.

I purchase larger 10.5 " pots for later in veg/flowering. My main question is related to my soil, Ive read good and bad things about MG moisture control. Before you tell me to go purchase FFOF I cant find it anywhere in town. I bought the miracle grow before I read anything online about growing. I just want to know if I should have to worry about pH and what type of feeding schedule should I get them on. Also Im watering them 3 times a day with about 8 sprays from spray bottle. I bought perlite and was looking for some tips on how to mix that in as well. Also temp is sitting around 23-27C. Also should I invest in a pH kit and a Humidity reader? I am a student and am on a budget.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Dropped Cat]

I bet that MC is mixed to go some time with no additional feeds?

Water only after the mix starts to dry out some. Pick up a wet pot,
then pick up one that has dried out some, you'll get the heft of it.

Adding perlite is always a good idea, keeps the mix light to prevent
mudding, or compaction of the mix.

pH not so much an issue here, but you should know as much as you
can about the water you give them. A simple drops pH kit from pet/garden
supply will do for now, range from 5 to 8 is common.

Good luck, and keep growing!

 

[newkid]

Thanks for the reply. I am using city water so I am assuming its around 6.5-7, I will buy kit tomorrow to test to be sure. Do I just follow instructions on perlite bag or is there anything specific I should know? Specifically how much should I water them because I have read so many different things on different forums. I think I have the basics down like keeping lights close, lots of watering, holes in bottom of pots, good fan ventilation.

 

[Big D]

Sorry bro, lots of waterings is not for soil. You have to wait until the soil is dry. It could be awhile 3-6-14 days between waterings, doesn't matter. Wait! Like DC says fill a pot with dry soil and pick it up. That's what it should feel like before you water each time. Late in flower in a small pot you may have to water everyday. Leave that up to your plants.
Water thoroughly. Not with s spray bottle.

I'm not sure how big a 10.5" pot is but it sounds to big! I would go with 1/2gal. No need to grow in large pots with low watts. Besides with MG soil, if the plant hasn't gone through the nutrients in the soil by week 3-4 of flower, your plants will start burning up. Don't feed at all until week 4 of flower, unless you see signs that they need food.

Plus smaller pot means more waterings=more oxygen to the roots!


Keep your plants 2-3 inches from the light.

Good luck!

 

[newkid]

thanks man, I am going to get more wattage for veg, when I can afford it lol, and add some in the 2700-2800K range for flowering. I have room to move them to bigger pots if thats a good idea, but thats a good point - need the wattage or its pointless... 10.5" is roughly 3 gallons. I am still confused about watering is it really safe to wait until the bottom of the pot is dry??

 

[newkid]

" Besides with MG soil, if the plant hasn't gone through the nutrients in the soil by week 3-4 of flower, your plants will start burning up."

How often should I change my soil?

Can someone elaborate on this, also when can you expect to start flowering; when can I expect to switch to 12/12 light schedule.

 

[Big D]

Yes it's safe. Even if the plants droop a bit, its better than over watering. Just stay on top of it and you'll be fine.


More watts will help!

Post your grow pics and questions along the way so people can help you. Its the best way to learn.

 

[Big D]

I'm assuming the plants are in cups at this point?

When ready, up pot to the 3 gal and that's it. Veg for atleast 30days and flip to 12/12.

 

[newkid]

they are in approx. 1/2 gallon size pots right now. How much wattage can I cram into 3 sq ft per plant? No food during veg at all? I was reading that the potting mix I have should do them for roughly a month, can I veg longer than 30 days ? Can I just transfer them to bigger pots and add fresh soil instead of feeding?

 

[Big D]

148watts cfl? Id leave them in the 1/2gal
If not, figure out what you can come up with. For what you are planning sounds like a 150watt mh will be better, add the couple 2700 k cfls when you flower but you're going to need adequate ventilation

Second, MG is not good for growing cannabis. It put out time release nutes, it results in too much N late in flower.
If you can't get better soil, anything really. You might have trouble.

Don't feed at all until you see signs that they're needing it

^MG in a 20oz cup &156 watt cfls ^
No food at all so... the MG is putting out long after 30 days.
I know it may not look that bad but..

^FFOF & only 42 watt cfl^
big difference

The burning stunt the plant.

 

[newkid]

Ok thanks for the tip. So your saying the soil doesn't release nutes in time and when it does it shocks them right? If thats the case and I must get them out of the miracle grow should I do that ASAP? Should I geed them at all in veg stage?

 

[Big D]

Yes, bottom line... it hurts your yield and the bud will not smoke that great.
so yeah, get new soil asap! If you can.
and don't worry about feeding yet.
Get the soil and put those plants in cups with the new soil. Always start in cups.

Post some pics if you can.

 

[newkid]

Ill post some pics later today. I'll Look for some good organic soil around town and down size them to cups. I feel like I keep asking the same questions but want to be 100% sure: If I get a premo organic soil I shouldn't have to feed until flowering? I want to get more wattage so I can veg them in larger containers, if I put them in larger containers, the added soil should have enough nutes to support until flower correct ??

 

[Big D]

Yes, that's correct.

Looking forward to seeing pics!

 

[newkid]

So I went to the local nursery and couldn't find any quality organic soil. I did however find some organic potting soil iI was thinking mixing that with perlite and miracle grow would be good...I have some pictures here. I didn't put them in cups yet because I wanted to ask about mixing perlite with the Mykes. anyways let me know what you think thanks

 

[Big D]

Good thing you posted pics!

You need to get new plants or seeds!
I doubt those will make it.
Are those from female seeds or regular m/f seeds? If they're regular seeds they will most likely all be male now.

Take the MG and get rid of it. Do not mix with the new. You see how its burning them up? Killing them?

IMO its a waste of time trying to grow those plants.

Perlite is good!

 

[newkid]

See the problem is they were burned up like this when I got them from the hydro foam pucks...the buddy that gave them to me said he couldn't control ph in his hydro system. So I never had a good plant to compare too. Ill re-plant in new soil don't think ill be getting new seeds any time soon can't afford it. I'll just try and nurse them back to health I do see new green growth. I have root cloning mix is it possible this could help.

 

[newkid]

they are feminized for sure. Can anyone give me some information on Mykes potting mix for organic growing!?

 

[hicksticky]

So I went to the local nursery and couldn't find any quality organic soil. I did however find some organic potting soil iI was thinking mixing that with perlite and miracle grow would be good...I have some pictures here. I didn't put them in cups yet because I wanted to ask about mixing perlite with the Mykes. anyways let me know what you think thanks

Hey newKid welcome, If given the same choices I would go with the Mykes w/20% perlite added (atleased) and save the miracle grow for the veggies or better yet the lawn, you dont really want to mix the two, miracle grow is mostly chem. nutes where Mykes is organic. Chem nutes tend to kill the beneficial micros (the herd= brakes down food for plant to take up) usually its one or the other.

IME miracle grow tends to come with a couple of issues, poor drainage/retain water excessively for MJ = root rot. And chem. nutes are time released and makes it hard to feed in the doses you and the plant want and burns young plants. (dont get me wrong you can grow in it)

So as soon as you are able to pot up to the next size and with the Mykes/perlite/amendments (if needed or nute program)

To save those plants- take em out of that miracle crap and softly wash the roots off as much as possible and transplant into your other mix that is lightly moistened (squeeze hand full and only a drop or two comes out) leaved lightly moistened for a couple days so if it wants to live the roots will begin growing again, Its a fine line but dont over water or let it dry to much.

Their a little ruff but they could pull through, stunted but once they get re-established they will pick back up.

Good luck and vibes, Hick

 

[newkid]

Ok what Im going to do is mix some perlite and organic mix and re plant I just hope the shock of the replant doesn't kills them? Is there anything I can do for extra measure; root stimulator? humidity dome???