Future grower

stefan018

Member
I am not going to be growing the future, but in the future.

Now, to begin.
After so much eyehurting reading I have come to a conclusion, there are millions of varieties of grow styles, so which is for me I'm asking myself.

So, I've found a shop and probably the system for me.
It consists of a grow tent (240x120x200), 16 autopots (8x2), 8.5 liters per pot, 1200w MH/HPS lights, 2x600w for veg and 2x600w for flower. Now, the dilemma I've had was soil vs coco, but under the circumstances of being a theoretic (haven't grown yet) grower, coco seems like the right choice. Not being able to see the grow room due to not having it makes it difficult to predict space planning for plants. Educated guess would be 1.5m plants max. But the main thing for me are calculations for nutes, ph, ec, and everything else there is. How does it work? The autopot system comes with a 225 liter flexitank, but my question is what to do with it. What to do in the beginning, with seedlings, do I nute them too, if yes, is concentration 25% of the grown plant, 20%? Basically I need everything, from seed to juicy buds. Anyone who can write me specifically what or where to look for, I'd be more, much more than grateful. Also, if more info is needed about my grow plan, I'll be more than happy to write it down. And yeah, I'll be using Advanced nutrients.
 

stefan018

Member
I have already acquired Ryan Riley's Growing elite mj package, plus 60 or so other books/bibles. I'm interested in communities opinion. Although thanks mkbinc.

Nice Ol Bud, why clf's? For first grow or until veg?
 

NorthofEngland

Well-Known Member
I have already acquired Ryan Riley's Growing elite mj package, plus 60 or so other books/bibles. I'm interested in communities opinion. Although thanks mkbinc.

Nice Ol Bud, why clf's? For first grow or until veg?
CFL's are best for plants in their earliest stages.
Personally I buy cuttings and put them straight under MH's.

2.4 x 1.2 x 2.0
I have 2 x Wilma Big 9's in a space/tent that size.
18 plants in 18litre pots.

Your plan is 16 plants in 8.5litre pots.
Less plants/smaller pots....
My system seems far more efficient use of space
Unless you plan on a LONG veg and BIIIIIG plants?

A quick turnaround can be a better use of resources....

An EC below 1.0 (0.8 is good) is about right for young seedlings/cuttings.
I cannot tell you how many Nutes will cause this because you first have to know the EC level of the water you use.
This is your baseline, you must add nutes accordingly.

As the plants grow they will take more nutes in.
You can tell this by regular EC tests,
and you will increase Nutes every time the level is reduced.

You've obviously devoured many books/articles.
Now you need to stop thinking and start doing.

Specific questions can be addressed to RIU members whenever you feel you need advise.

Personally I have befriended one experienced grower and picked his brain for info on EVERY aspect of growing.
(at times he must regret ever responding to the first PM I sent him....).

Good luck.
 

crispypb840

Active Member
Lol. The best way to start growing IMA is a well balanced soil. Soil gives great results and less headache and less expensive than Hydro or Cocco. Also I wouldn't try and grow too many plants at once. It will most likely confuse you and be too much to handle. You will learn more from 2 or 3 plants than 10. Also pick a feminized Indica dominant strain witch is easier to grow than sativa. Also faster and shorter.
I am not going to be growing the future, but in the future.

Now, to begin.
After so much eyehurting reading I have come to a conclusion, there are millions of varieties of grow styles, so which is for me I'm asking myself.

So, I've found a shop and probably the system for me.
It consists of a grow tent (240x120x200), 16 autopots (8x2), 8.5 liters per pot, 1200w MH/HPS lights, 2x600w for veg and 2x600w for flower. Now, the dilemma I've had was soil vs coco, but under the circumstances of being a theoretic (haven't grown yet) grower, coco seems like the right choice. Not being able to see the grow room due to not having it makes it difficult to predict space planning for plants. Educated guess would be 1.5m plants max. But the main thing for me are calculations for nutes, ph, ec, and everything else there is. How does it work? The autopot system comes with a 225 liter flexitank, but my question is what to do with it. What to do in the beginning, with seedlings, do I nute them too, if yes, is concentration 25% of the grown plant, 20%? Basically I need everything, from seed to juicy buds. Anyone who can write me specifically what or where to look for, I'd be more, much more than grateful. Also, if more info is needed about my grow plan, I'll be more than happy to write it down. And yeah, I'll be using Advanced nutrients.
 

little butch

Active Member
Since you have no growing experience, my recommendation would be to try soil before the other alternatives. Coco can be finicky for a newbie, as well as hydro. Start with a good soil mixture (equal parts of good potting soil, perlite, and up to 1 part vermiculite), as well as possibly some worm castings, etc. check out the recipe for Sub Cool's super soil in the organics section. Even soil can be complicated, but most newb's start with something similar to the 3 part referenced above with a proven regimen, of nutes. I don't want to start a brewhaha, but I will say check out the nute section and read growers experiences with various nutes before making a final decision on what to use. Don't over complicate your first grow, or you are asking for disappointment. Learning to grow is like learning to walk... Small steps first, or you may end up discouraged, and give up. Remember that genetics ARE everything when it comes to the finished product.......If you haven't done so....check out the seed and strain reviews section also. I don't mean to rain on your enthusiasm, but you aren't even close to the first guy with unrealistic expectations for a first grow. Good luck, ask questions of the experienced, and don't spend all your cash before you have some experience, or you might end up with a lot of STUFF that you won't use. Again...good luck. Peace & be kind.
 

NorthofEngland

Well-Known Member
I grow in clay pebbles using Hydro but I was pushed into it.

For first grows I would also recommend GOOD SOIL. (Like the posters above).

It's more forgiving and less fast moving than pebbles/hydro - where one mistake can mean THE END.

As for 'take your time.... grow a few plants.... don't buy too much stuff'
I have not yet put my first crop into flower (4 x 4 tent with a Wilma Big 9 under 1000w MH in lamp in a AeroWing ventilated hood) but I have already bought 3 x 600w ballasts/open reflectors $ MH/HPS/Dual Spec bulbs, a Wilma 20 and a 8 x 4 tent.

Learning IS about small steps...
But no one says you can't walk them FAST.
 

cdnbudder

Active Member
I was forced into the expanded clay as well my first time....didn't work worth a shit for me. Moved to Sunshine #4 and haven't looked back since. Gives the control of hydro, without all the gizmos...just mix water and pour it into the pot when it's light/dry
 
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