Need advice on 1st Autoflower Grow

High there everyone ? I'm not a new grower, but I can't say I'm real experienced either. I've done 3 grows over the past year but they were all photo period grows. I decided to try out some auto's for the 1st time so I could use some advice. I'll give you the run down of my set up. I'm just going to do 2 plants this time to get a grasp on things. I will use my 2' x 4' x 6' tent since it's only 2 plants & I already have photo period plants in my big tent. I was thinking of using my 2' (4 Bulb) & 2 - 2' (2-Bulb)
T-5's for germination for the 1st week or two. Then switching the T-5's out to a 600 Watt Meizhi LED after germination. Should I do it this way or should I just start out with the LED's ?
I'm growing in a 50% Bio Bizz Light Mix, 20% Coco Fiber, 20% Perlite & 10% Vermiculite Mix in 5 gallon cloth pots. I've always just planted my seeds directly in the soil before & I've only had 1 that didn't pop so far. But I'm not sure if I should do that with auto's. I could do the wet paper towel method if needed. But I'm not sure how soon to put them in the soil if I do the wet paper towel thing.
As soon as they pop ? after the root is 1/2" long ? When ?
I'll do the 20 / 4 light schedule. I have a Fan, Carbon Filter, Duct Muffler, Oscillating Fan & all the rest of my needs all set up & ready to grow.
Also, how long before I start adding nutes ?
I'm doing 1 Pyramid Seeds White Widow & 1 Heavyweight Wipeout Express to start out with.
Any tips would be deeply appreciated as I'm just dying to pop these seeds I got today & get growing.
Thanks !

 

[Dudeski]

Just use the led and straight into the soil. It's dark and moist in there just like the paper towel.

 

[Simplicio]

My opinion is that autos should be grown almost exactly like photos, except with 20-4 or 24-0 lights sprout to harvest.
Topping, training, etc all work fine.
Go easy on the nutes, 1/4 - 1/2 nute pushers' recommendations, and less for early seedlings.
I use RapidRooters, but believe that planting directly in the medium would be fine.

 

[bushmasterar15]

I'd just go with LED from the start that way you don't have to mess around switching later keeping it 30-36" from top of pot for seedlings and then adjust as needed. I've only done coco grows but I start my seeds soaking for 24hrs and they normally crack and show tail. At that time I place direct into their final pots about 3/8" down.

 

[Buds Buddy]

Thanks everyone. I can't believe how fast people reply here. I love it. On Cannabis.com it takes 3-4 days minimum to get a reply.... if you get one at all.

 

[Dudeski]

Well, we are a good bunch here. Pretty much active all the time. Start a journal and get to know some people. I think you will like the vibe!

Welcome to afn

 

[Buds Buddy]

I'll have to read some other peoples journals 1st so I know what to put in one. I usually just read the other stuff people ask questions about to get my answers & gain some knowledge. Never have read any grow journals yet because I'm usually looking for answers to something in specific. But I'm kind of settled in now so I guess it's time to read a few of them.

 

[MickJ]

Welcome to AFN, if you want to know what not to do, ask me. Lol

Sent from my comfy chair
[emoji41][emoji2956][emoji848][emoji12][emoji42]

 

[Dudeski]

Well, a journal will be a good place to keep answers to questions in one place. I occasionally just post information in mine as a place to store it safely, which isn't my brain!

 

[Buds Buddy]

I'm going to read a few journals over the weekend since I finally got some time off work. If I have any questions afterward I will surely get in touch with you. Thanks !
I do have a different question. Do Auto's sprout in about the same amount of time as Photo periods ? I planted 2 seeds 3 days ago straight into my grow medium in 5 gallon bags so I'm kind of wondering when something should be showing through the soil. I was thinking they might sprout faster since they grow so fast. My Photo's always take 5 - 7 days to show. I'm also not real sure about watering in this type of grow medium. I've always grown Photo's in Fox Farms Soils. I guess the Coco & Vermiculite retain water more so I'm thinking I should either give less water each time I water or water a little farther apart than usual. I put a gallon of pH 6.4 water through each pot 1 day before planting seeds. Since then I've added 1 - 24 oz. cup of water per day to the area I planted the seeds. Soil is not very wet; but I don't want to give too much water till I see something sprout. Then I would start increasing the amount of water. After I see 3 sets of leaves I usually start adding Nutes. Does all this work for Auto's ?