New Grower Another AK Newbie Here: First Grow Ever

[akreso]

Hey Folks,

I posted an intro in the newcomers forum, but thought I would start a thread here on my new project. Open to any and all advice as I dive into this as an utter newbie.

Started a grow - thanks DarshAK for the seeds. Three new ladies: Polar Express, Purple Ryder, Northern Lights #5.

5 Gallon Smart Pots
Sunshine Mix #4

Right now my light set up is based on what I have from all my seed starting for garden/greenhouse/food growing needs.

Lights - I have 4 2 ft T5 lights set up now. I can add two more if folks think I should. Thoughts?

Question: As I look to the grow process should I go ahead and upgrade or change my light set up? Or will this work for the grow?

Right now, I have these in a nice cubby space in my garage. Thinking of getting or creating a reflective tent to help with light and humidity control etc. So I am open to ideas there as well.

Here is a picture of the ladies just after planting. They are surrounded by a host of other seedlings from herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.



Thanks All! Looking forward to learning from you all!
Cheers
Sam

 

[namvet25]

Welcome to the forum.I would use all the lights you have and keep them as close as you can.

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

looks like a good start so far.
as with many hobbies you can do a lot or do very little,same as you can spend a lot or spend very little.
ive only used leds so i know diddly about other lights.they would benifit from being in a tent or box,with reflective walls.be that mylar or matt white paint.
i have seen people make a grow box out of 2 big cardboard boxes on utube costs peanuts.or maybe you can pick up a big cupboard from somewhere ?

 

[Rozzy]

Hey man! You're off to a good start, although for near future you maybe want add more light, if you cant allow yourself for something like 250/400/600W HPS bulbs, you can buy led or CFL bulbs, your ladies will appreciate them much more than these tube lights and you will have bigger better plants
Peace, Rozzy

 

[Rozzy]

Also like its been mentioned the reflective foil to cover walls of a wall you might so want to get tht would be great also

 

[Sourdough]

Hey welcome.... guess it depends on what you want to spend. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I use a 1000w dimmable. When they are babys i can turn it down, or when they get big or it gets cold out i can turn it up. My experience was i bought cheap lights at first and as my passion developed i upgraded. Although now i have shit ton of lights pumps ect. One time i found a deal on 90w led bought ten of them. I ended up buying t5s, 400w, 600w, and two different 1000w ballasts. I guess what im saying if you can afford it buy a nice piece of equipment youll get more use out of it. But it is fun to get new toys. My wife hates it. Lol

 

[AK49ER]

Welcome...others have experience and advice but I will be following your adventure...listen and learn

 

[akreso]

Hey Gang, Thanks for the input and support. I am thinking about making the investment in some LED. Go ahead and start this off right. Luckily my wife is all in on this project. I have a bunch of thin, silver/shiny insulation sheets left over from my greenhouse so I am going to line this space for reflective walls, as well as tent the front in so the girls are nice and kozy!

I'll keep folks posted as the grow progresses!

 

[HD Grower]

Welcome aboard akreso.....I can't say much more than the others..Happy Farming

 

[akreso]

Day 5 - Well they say the waiting is the hardest part. No doubt that is true. I was convinced, as many are, my first seeds wouldn't sprout. But sprout they did! This afternoon after work I was treated to 2 of 3 plants sprouting up proudly - the Northern Lights/Big Bud Blend and Polar Express. Here is the Polar Express:



What is going on with number 3 - the Purple Ryder? Well she could be taking her time . . Or she might have gotten eaten by a mouse, as I found this little dig yesterday. Turns out I have a mouse or two have been lurking in my garage. I caught two last night after finding this little dig.



That little dig hole is just to the right of where I planted. I am afraid to investigate, so I will give her a few more days to see if she pops her head from the soil. .

But all in all, pretty excited about my first two ladies. Now the real fun begins.