New Grower Is Happy Frog too hot to start from seed?

[teamfdn]

I'm getting ready to start some DP Auto White Widow. The only soil I have is Happy Frog. Is it too hot to start the seeds in? I also have some perlite that I could knock it down with. Is there anything I can do with what I have, or do I need different soil to start them in? I also have a bunch of those coir starter plugs if that helps.

Thanks in advance all!

 

[Waira]

Hey bud- HF is fine to start in,.. it's a milder soil in their line-up....However, off-pH bags from them have been going around a lot lately-- very acidic! I got one that was 5.1 in the bag- :slaps: So, either try to have them check it at the store, if you don't have a quality soil pH probe (cheap-o ones at garden centers are crap inaccurate; only one trusted around here is the Accurate 8), or get one before you start the seeds,... this tool is indispensable for any typical soil grower, especially new growers! So much trouble can be prevented and/or fixed sooner and better with one of these,... forget the run-off method-- too many sources of measurement error,... OR try a different brand of soil that doesn't have a rep' for pH issues,... it'll come down to what your choices are locally....

 

[teamfdn]

Hmm...I have a BlueLab pH pen, so for now I can only adjust before I water/feed or test the runoff. I'll add it to my list of upgrades. Thank you for the info though, my main concern was being able to start with what I have.

 

[Trapper]

I always start in HF....70/30 with Perlite...tablespoon of Epsoma Garden Lime per gallon, couple dashes of Great White Mycos.

Works really well for me.

But yes, always check the pH at the store if possible...should be between 5.9 and 6.6 (IMHO)

 

[teamfdn]

After reading the "beware of ocean forest" thread, I tested my soil by mixing two parts distilled water with 1 part Happy Frog. Let it sit for a couple hours, filtered the dirt and tested the water. 6.4. I'm happy with that.

Thank you again AFN!!!

 

[Trapper]

Slurry method...

Now just add that Garden Lime and it will always be gently attempting to get to around 7 and your nutes
will continually be trying to bring it down.

The perfect wet to dry sweep - wet 6.1-6.2 to dry 6.7-6.8

Sweeping through the range to maximize the uptake and all the different optimal points for the micro/macro nutrients.