NEWB looking for advice

Jozikins

Well-Known Member
ahhh jozikins you took all the fun out of ribbing the newbie... jozikins helped me out a lot. He definitely knows whats up. i'll never forget that SFV bud ! I so want a cut.
Hahaha, I'm sorry, but what you said about the easy button is absolutely right man! I went though the same shit, and spent a lot of money on my first bunk crop. Like you said bro, I'd spend night after night of hitting the forums and books trying to figure my shit out. So much false information to decipher, it's sick I tells ya!

And just like when I helped you man, I helped you on any subject I already had experience in, but for something I couldn't help you with by actually being at your grow, I'd let you suffer through the research. It's not like me, or you, or any one else has time to scratch their head and do the research for anyone else. But we all know that we are here to help when we have a question after we already worked hard to find the answer on our own. That's the whole premise of a grow forum, and the mindset is very much so DIY.

A lot of people are getting lucky though now that I'm going back to school; I like to practice before an essay here on RIU, and type up a real storm. Semicolons and shit.

SFV Cut got retired though, I don't know if anyone I gave it to still runs it, only 2 or 3 got it. I wouldn't mind doing one outdoor, but I don't like the genetics enough anymore to run it indoor or as a staple. I do have my SFV x OSK F1 cross seeds though, you are more than welcome to all you want. 10, 20, 50, whatever. It is a first generation so it's like a phenotype slot machine. Most phenotypes represent the predominant Hindu or OSK cross, everything has at least a hint of Afghan to it. But I did find one cross that I thought was more like a highly improved SFV, but you have to crop it super early, it builds bud's so fast and dense it rots after week 6 or 7.

Also, TWS, next time I see you man, I got some dabs that will put your doctor out of work. Message me about that when you have a chance.

Dude, Baldylox, sorry for jacking your thread a little bit here.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
what do you want ? an easy button ? It's all here, Just do some reading . I used to stay up nights on end figuring it out. I wouldn't of thrown up the easy button if you had posted in the newbie forum and at least tried to do some research on your own instead of asking for it on a golden platter.
TWS, I'm NOT looking for the "easy" button, and I was unaware that there was a newbie forum. I have however looked around a bit more, and see where I should have started. I have gotten a number of grow bibles, and have been reading but am trying to get a handle on this stuff BEFORE I drop a couple of hundred bucks on start-up.
BTW, if it seems ask a lot of questions; it's due to the always present "brain fog" I experience due to a head trauma/ brain injury. I am sometimes a little slow on the uptake . . .

Jozikins, I will definitely start of on a smaller scale, maybe 4x4x5 in my garage. God knows I can't afford to piddle away a bunch of cash.
Thanks for the replies


baldylox59
 

HankDank

Well-Known Member
Man its like these guys are saying. I think it happened to nearly all of us on our first grow. We tried to consume as much information as possible, and even spent a small fortune in trying to grow. Now becoming knowledgeable is certainly a good thing, however growing good herbs is easy and something you should not over complicate and stress yourself out over too much. If your wanting to grow just for yourself and want it to be painless as possible. Id suggest growing organically. If you need some sort of guidelines to follow, start with a "soiless mix" of 1part Perlite, 1pt Vermiculite, 1pt Worm castings, all are easily obtainable at nearly any home depot, lowes, ect. This is to provide you a nutrient free soil to grow in which i've found to be highly stable and aireated for growing. Id suggest using a red party cup starting out. Or if you want spend $ SuperRoots Airpots are the only way to go in my book. Add, 1/2 inch vermiculite on top of your soil, water well, plant a seed in said vermiculite about 1/3-1/2 inch in. add 1 tooth pick 1/2 inch away from where you planted the seed and cover with saranwrap to create a "greenhouse". Wait a few days and 99% of the time you will have a beautiful little seedling pop up. Then as a beginner, id suggest getting something like General Organics GO box, which will cover all your nutrient needs and stay totally organic for a very good price. Follow instructions that come with the GO box. Feeding cycle should looks something like this. - Water with nutes + cal/mag - water - water - nutes - water -water -nutes -flush - Start cycle over. Everyone has a different way they like to do things and you too should develop your own style. Ive only been growing for 3 years and been through alot of trial and error. This is the best and easiest way growing has worked for me.
For lights, id HIGHLY suggest you not go "cheap" here. Im not saying spend and arm and a leg but your lights if growing indoors, will make all the difference.
If you go HPS you need to definitely consider appropriate ventilation, as HPS will get very high temps in short amount of time.
The alternative id suggest is getting a good LED such as one from Blackstar. The price at first may deter you, however take into consideration when going with HPS, you will need a ballast, ventilation, flowering/vegging bulbs all when added together come to the same price, if not more. But with LED, you will spend a little less on electricity, you wont have to worry about high temps. I've grown both ways and i like both methods, i just prefer LED over HPS since im in a warm environment to begin with, any reduction in heat issues i'll happily take.
Obviously this isnt a complete guide on how to grow for beginners, theres plenty of those out there already. But hopefully this gave you some ideas on where you want to go.
Just remember KEEP IT SIMPLE, don't over complicate things, get yourself some good quality seeds and you will be fine.
 

Chillintxstlye

Active Member
Read,read and read some more. Carry a positive attitude and pay attention to the little things and don't get so freaked out about every little problem we all go thru them its figuring out by trial n error. If it was so easy none of us would need a website like this one. GOOD LUCK
 

baldylox59

Active Member
OK, I have one more question before I start buying supplies. I've been told that R4 would be good for pain, but I am also interested in having a few "recreational" plants in my grow. There are SOOOO many strains out there that I have no idea where to start, so what would be a good, easy to manage, high potency plant to begin with? I've been looking at Willys (Williams) Wonder, but I'm sure you all could suggest something. PLEASE feel free to school me in making a selection for my seed purchase.
Thanks so much
 

Jozikins

Well-Known Member
If you don't plan on stacking your veg and flower cab, maybe go for a 6ft tall cab. Most grow tents are 7ft and that's convenient and all, but I can't reach the top of my tent, and I like to mount equipment.

Either way, I wasn't impressed with Williams Wonder. Raskal OG White Fire is ridiculously potent, great for a first time grower trying to feel like a boss. Anything AK47 is easy to grow and heavy yielding. If you are a beginner, easy to grow and heavy yielding is all you want to learn. They are forgiving plants and are very hardy, which is why they yield so heavy, they don't care if you mess up much. Blue Dream is an easy one, but original genetics are clone only, but easy to find if you are a Cali resident. Critical + and Critical Mass I hear are very good. Mastadon is a popular one here on RIU right now, would be easy to find out about it. Northern Lights and Master Kush are more classic newbie strains.
 

TWS

Well-Known Member
TWS, I'm NOT looking for the "easy" button, and I was unaware that there was a newbie forum. I have however looked around a bit more, and see where I should have started. I have gotten a number of grow bibles, and have been reading but am trying to get a handle on this stuff BEFORE I drop a couple of hundred bucks on start-up.
BTW, if it seems ask a lot of questions; it's due to the always present "brain fog" I experience due to a head trauma/ brain injury. I am sometimes a little slow on the uptake . . .

Jozikins, I will definitely start of on a smaller scale, maybe 4x4x5 in my garage. God knows I can't afford to piddle away a bunch of cash.
Thanks for the replies


baldylox59
I was just having fun and bored. Probably the meaning of "trolling". you took it very well. Jozi's right about starting out to big if you cant off your excess your power bill will exceed the money you are trying to save.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
I was just having fun and bored. Probably the meaning of "trolling". you took it very well. Jozi's right about starting out to big if you cant off your excess your power bill will exceed the money you are trying to save.
Oh hell TWS, I don't get overly excited about anything these days and don't mind a little ribbing as long as I'm not being flamed.

I started building my space today.
3' deep, 5 1/2' tall, and 6' long.
My friend and I are picking up the rest of the setup this weekend.

Ordered AK47 fem'd seeds, getting 3 Auto Berry fem'd free.
You ever try the Auto Berry? Just wondering what people had to say about it.

I decided on a 47"-4-tube w/T5 6500k "Grow" tubes
Do you think a 6" 250 cfm in-line blower, and 6" in-line carbon filter setup work for this space?
Also, someone suggested osomocote 14-14-14 and hibrix. Sound right to you?
I thought Nitrogen should be higher for veg, and I haven't seen anyone saying much about hibrix . . .

I'll do some pics of the space when I get it setup.
Hoping to be germinating in about 3 weeks or so.
Thanks for the help

baldylox
 

TWS

Well-Known Member
cool man! kinda tired from the hospital. Few quickies and I'll try to circle back on the rest or some one else will. Why not a more squarish cab.Im sure you have your reasons. Fluros will work great. I have been using 6 ' duct fans on 14 " tall carbon cans and have been contolling what I've been growing quit well. I have a 6" inline in my 5x5 pushing through two 600 lights but that's my major flower cab> TTYL.
 

Jozikins

Well-Known Member
A 3x6 isn't so terrible of an idea, it's certainly versatile and can be even split into a 2x3 mom/veg and a 4x3 flower. That'd be a bitching set up. I don't know how I would feel about using a T5 to flower, especially if it's VHO or HO, VHO (Very High Output) has made for some impressive scrogs. And if you are genuinely concerned about heat it'll work like a boss, especially while you are on your budget.

The 8" inline fan moves so much air, it could put the squeeze on, even if the grow space were divided into 2 rooms. I recommend you put your grow-box up on legs if you can at all, crawling on your knees and changing out flood trays sucks. Crawling on your knees and doing a number of tedious tasks while staring into a bright light sucks. The grow box I'm building right now is elevated. I've been growing on the floor for too long, and I'm not even 30 yet.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
Since I decided to move inside my house, I'm slightly restricted in the space available. The space used to by my computer repair station cubby in my basement with ceiling and 3 walls already there. All I need do is build doors and install hardware.
There's already a work bench there that I can lower to accommodate 4' plant heights for adults, and could install another florescent housing in the lower 18" space for new seedlings or potted cuttings on a wheeled "pullout" rack.
Still kinda working out the layout.
 

TWS

Well-Known Member
Oh and check out Gotham products on Ebay for good filters at good prices. lights too.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
I got sidetracked by an illness in the family. It may be some time before I can resume this process as I'm looking after my 2 nephews
My sister had a series of minor and 1 major stroke(s)
I'm staying in her home until she's able to come home and look after herself and her boys.
Hmmmm, maybe SHE'LL need some medication when she gets home . . .(alas, she's a "teetotaler")
Thanks
I'LL BE BACK!
 

Herb Man

Well-Known Member
I got sidetracked by an illness in the family. It may be some time before I can resume this process as I'm looking after my 2 nephews
My sister had a series of minor and 1 major stroke(s)
I'm staying in her home until she's able to come home and look after herself and her boys.
Hmmmm, maybe SHE'LL need some medication when she gets home . . .(alas, she's a "teetotaler")
Thanks
I'LL BE BACK!
Alright man, your priorities are in the right place.

Make sure when your ready start you update here, because I'm subbed up ;-)
 

bwest

Well-Known Member
your enviroment is every thing when it comes to plants so 1st thing is get all the gear you need to that,get your self a grow tent 120x120x200 is a decent size to stat with then your gonna need a 400-600w hps with a dual spectrun bulb a 4" intake fan to bring in the air from outside your tent,then u gonna need a 5"-6" extractor with a filter to take the air out an stop the smell if ur not to botherd about the smell sack the filter but i would use 1,an a good fan to' get a hygro themometer so you can keep an eye on ur temp an humidity,your temp needs to be inbetween 75-80f 85f max an humidity in veg needs to be 40-70% now humidity can be hard to control depending on were you live in the world,here in the uk my mate has been having problems with 20% an that will affect the plants,he has just got a mini fogger that has sorted the problem just in time,the plants start to look as if there overwaterd an the leaves curl under an the edges start to dry out an go brown an work there way into the leaves due to low RH this is very bad for the plant so keep it under control when ur flowering the RH needs to be low so u don't get bud rot so 20-40% is great for flowering,just don't overwater or over feed the plants or you will no about it,alot of newbies see there plant leaves curling under an drooping an they think they not waterd or fed enough so they put more on to the plant that is a no no ur making a small problem a bigger problem,only water when the pot is light or put ur finger into the soil about 2" down an if it dry they need water roots are ok for a bit with no water cause it makes them look for it so they grow searching for it,if u do over feed it then ur gonna need to flush out the feed by giving it 3 times the amount of water to the size of ur pot so if u have them in a 5 liter pot then u need to flush with just water 15 liters u with me then let it dry out an give water again let it dry then start back on ur feed but never give what the bottle says that is for fully mature plants start with a very very weak mix an build it from there a bit at a time,i hope this helps you a bit,YOU WILL NEVER MEET A GROWER THAT DON'T HAVE PROBLEMS that how we all learn...good luck try going on uk420.com theres some good growers on there that will always help u out
He needs to learn to grow before he spends all this money.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
OK, My sister is on the road to recovery and I'm ready to get back to this
I know I have a LOT of questions, and hope you will bear with me
My space is 68" tall x 72" long x 30" deep.
I've redone the drywall, paint, run wiring for and installed electrical outlets and divided the space in to an upper and lower grow areas, the upper being 36" tall x 72" long x 30" deep, the lower 24" tall x 72" long x 30" deep
My thinking is the upper is initially for germination, then vegging, and flowering, the lower for cloning, vegging and a bonsai mother or 2 after the upper space plants begin to flower
I may further divide the lower space for a dedicated space for the mother(s) only
I'm thinking five 10 gal toters, , pumps, stones etc for a DWC setup will support 10 plants
Can I comfortably grow 2 plants per 10 gallon toter measuring 24" long x 14.5" wide?
I'll be using 4 bulb, 48" hood(s) with T5 Spectralux 865 high output 6500k (blue) tubes for both the upper and lower spaces, with some 24" side lights, and switch to Spectralux 901480 high output (red) tubes for when the upper space plants are flowering
6" inline blower w/carbon filter for exhaust, and a screened light and air baffle for intake mounted in the bottom of one of the doors
I'm not looking to grow for profit, just for my own medication (& maybe a friends), so quality is the goal, not quantity
Are 6" net pots too large? (4 6" pots will fit in the toter lid, but I really don't want to crowd and am thinking 2 per toter)
I've read so much about rock-wool, cocoa coir, and other media, but what is the easiest most foolproof for a newb?
I guess my last question for now is nutrients for a DWC setup. Again, there are so many, and I'm as confused as I've ever been
Can one of the experienced growers suggest one that would be relatively simple until I have some experience under my belt, and feel more comfortable trying more advanced nutrients?
I will definitely post some pics when I've made some headway in putting this all together
PLEASE feel free to tell me if I've gone too far with my questions
Thanks for the help

baldylox
 

TWS

Well-Known Member
Soil would be your easiest and most forgiving. Coco would be my next choice or closet to Hydro with out the attentiveness of DWC. DWC is great and the growth is fast. One of my favorite methods. With that said things can go wrong fast with DWC or Rockwool flood tables. PH has to be perfect, over/underfeeding - over feeding being the worse and Bacteria or root rot if you can't control your resovoir temps . Long power outages with DWC can be devastating. None of those are that hard of a task but for a first grow maybe not the easiest . If you go DWC I suggest you read this sticky. It will help you a lot. https://www.rollitup.org/dwc-bubbleponics/361430-dwc-root-slime-cure-aka.html this link is all so helpful in soil and coco. Sounds like you are interested in DWC . I like the 6" pots and General hydroponics A & B and their micros and PH adjusters,affordable and a simple 3 bottle system plus cal mag , For coco, one of the organic lines are great. Botnicare on the lower price end and advanced nutrients on the higher end.
 

baldylox59

Active Member
Thanks TWS
Yeah, I'm am interested in DWC, but I could go with a soil less mixture, or coca if it is more forgiving and will get me to my goal of 48oz in 3 grows although fast growth is preferable.
I'm trying to limit my growing season to 6 months or as close to it as I can get and produce in the neighborhood of 48 oz in that time period.
There's a medical marijuana law in my state, but no dispensary's or grow provisions yet and I want to limit my vulnerability by hitting it hard for 6 months or so, and stopping for the rest of the year.
I have a safe hidden in a concrete floor that I installed myself, so feel fairly safe as far as storage.
Is this quantity attainable in soil or coco in my limited space in 6 months?
We have a pretty stable power grid here, but as I have no backup generator I'd be in bad shape if the power did go out with DWC as on the few occasions it did go out, it was days before restoration.
I would consider buying a generator later on if I decide on DWC.
If I go soil less (I guess you mean peat, vermiculite & perlite) or coco, would 3 gallon (10") pots suffice, or do I need go larger?
I am going with something medium height , maybe fem'd AK and want to give them plenty of root space and could fit about 12 3 gallon pots in my space.
I've read AK will produce 450 to 500 grams per square meter, and I'm at about 1.4 square meters in the upper grow space.
Thanks again TWS
I truly appreciate your help
 
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