New Grower How Many ?

[gioc27]

Gathering my supplies for my first grow this pay day thinking about buying my pots think I'm going with smart pots if any one else have any other suggestions please advise so how many should i buy I,m going with 600 watt mh/Hps

 

[hereb4]

Welcome to AFN!!
I tried some 3 gallon smart pots...4 under a 400hps....I love them!! the roots are much fuzzier and larger in overall mass,compared to plastic pots...I raised them up off the floor with flower pot trivets,and didn't let the sides touch. you have to water really slowly,or it shoots right through and out.
I imagine a 600 watter will really throw down....BTW...if you have room in the budget...a ph tester is a wise investment, IMO

 

[gioc27]

Definitely already purchased one from the local hardware store but I'm so freaked out about the PH thing will the PH perfect from Advance Nutrients work with autos also I'll be using OF

 

[Muddy]

Personally, I'm no fan of Smart Pots. I've tried them 3 times, both indoors and out, and have not really seen a difference between them and the plastic nursery pots I use. They dried out too fast for me, especially when I tried them under HPS lights. I also found that keeping them raised off the floor was a PITA in my small indoor space.

The AN pH Perfect nutes work very well with autos, IF, and it's a big if, your base water has a ppm below 120. As long as it's below that level they will work as advertised.

Be careful using the OF soil, especially for seedlings. It contains a lot of worm castings and guano and can be too hot for seedlings. Best to either start your seedlings in some Happy Frog or Light Warrior or mix the OF with either of those two.

If the pH meter you got is one of those Rapid Test type, they are fairly useless as they are notoriously inaccurate. Best to invest in a good electronic one like a Hanna Combo.

 

[gioc27]

Great thanks for the advice will look into a new PH meter do i mix all together or layer it ? These jiffy things for for sprouting seeds I've been reading about are they easy to use and do I just plant in to the pot after it sprouts or should i just go ahead and plant the seeds in mixed soil? Whats a good Auto to start with ?Thanks in advance for the help all my main components are almost all together after 20 years I'm give it a shoot

 

[Muddy]

Just mix it together. I just soak my seeds until they crack and I see the tap root starting to emerge. I fill my pots and water them the day before, then I plant the seeds right into them, 1/2" deep into the soil and cover them over with some finely screened peat moss. Keep them moist but not overly wet and they should sprout in a day or two.

Mi5 is a good strain to start with. Easy to grow, produces well and has a potent, well balanced high/stone.

 

[gioc27]

Sweet ! Few more questions if you dont mind I'm going to grow under 600 hps can i stick them in with that right away or do I have to buy another sort of a light fixture
Thanks for the advise much appreciated !

 

[Muddy]

You can put them under your HPS and they will do fine. Just keep the light high enough when they are young that you don't burn them. Keep it high enough that your node spacing is about 1". Once it hits full flowering, around week 6, then low it down more. Place your hand at the canopy top, palm down, and hold it there for 30 seconds. If it feels hot on the back of your hand, it's too hot for the plants.

 

[gioc27]

Got it ! Just seen a video on youtube said autos do not like red spectrum at the beginning should i add a few cfl in there whats your opinion one more thing do i need the filter right away or can i wait to buy one in a couple of pay days down ?
Thanks again

 

[Muddy]

All plants like more blue light for good veg growth. Where to add more blue depends on your HPS bulb. Some, like the Hortilux, already have an expanded blue spectrum built into them so no additional is required. Even if you're doesn't have that they will still probably do fine but some extras wouldn't hurt. You've got a little time on the filter. The smell won't get too strong till they are in full flower, around week 5-6.