Growing questions

[aussiekraut]

I just had a rather successfull first attempt in growing some weed. Now I noticed a few things and need clarification.

 

I started a few plants in about September last year and all grew about 6ft tall, so I was quite pleased with the results. I knew I made a few mistakes like using too small pots (yeah I know, the next lot goes into the ground). Two of the plants were girls and I got about 2 ounces of goodies from both of them. For a first attempt, not bad I guess.

 

As soon as I knoew the sexes of the plants, I started to clone the females and 4 of my 5 clones actually survived my "cut, dip in rooting hormones and straight in the dirt"-approach, which is a bit surprising. What I noticed though is that they don't seem to grow. One of them is about 3 months old and still only the size of a young seedling. I have an idea why that's the case but more about this in a bit.

 

I also started another 4 seedlings about 4 months ago and got another 2 girls from them. This is where it gets weird. The tallest of the newer plants is about 3 ft, the smaller about 6 inches and they both are flowering! The bigger of the two has a few promising buds on it but the little one only sports a tiny cola. Why is this happening? Because it's the time of the year, where the amount of sunlight tells the plant to flower, no matter what? Does this also mean that even in Qld, outdoor growing is not happening during Winter? I was kind of hoping I could utilise my little greenhouse to keep the ganja growing

 

Is this why my clones aren't taking off either? Because it is too late in the year? Will they survive in the greenhouse until spring?

 

Does any of you seasoned growers have the answers to my questions? I really got into my plants. I've spent lots of time in the garden, I even started growing tomatoes and other stuff because of it besides, tomatoes and corn make a good visual cover.

[freddie]

This is where it gets weird. The tallest of the newer plants is about 3 ft, the smaller about 6 inches and they both are flowering! The bigger of the two has a few promising buds on it but the little one only sports a tiny cola. Why is this happening? Because it's the time of the year, where the amount of sunlight tells the plant to flower, no matter what?

 

They are flowering because of the time of year. Yes you are right about shortened day lenght causing plants to flower NO MATTER WHAT. The first plant I ever grew finished at about 12 inches in height looking like a little buddha stick because I planted late in the season. The only way to avoid this is to keep them indoors with extra light (more hours of light) and put them outside in winter when you want them to flower. Queensland would be one of the few places you could grow in winter if you plan it right.

[aussiekraut]

The only way to avoid this is to keep them indoors with extra light (more hours of light) and put them outside in winter when you want them to flower.

 

Will the plant survive the move outside? I've read somewhere that they can go into shock when moved from indoors to outdoors?

 

Queensland would be one of the few places you could grow in winter if you plan it right.

 

That's something I've kind of been counting on. Just the "light" problem screwed me over. Nature is more clever than we think At least I've learnt something new hehe.

 

What sort of light would be suitable if I wanted to supplement with artificial light? I'd like something as energy efficient as possible, not because I am cheap but because my electricity bill is already sky high. Plus I don't want to have this sudden jump in power consumption that tends to bring these uniformed people to the door...

[freddie]

Will the plant survive the move outside? I've read somewhere that they can go into shock when moved from indoors to outdoors?

It should be O.K. If you are worried then introduce the plant to the outdoor environment gradually. Take them outside for a few haurs a day then increase it.

 

What sort of light would be suitable if I wanted to supplement with artificial light? I'd like something as energy efficient as possible,

Compact flouros.

[Rose Gardener]

Compact flouros.

 

 

I use CFL's myself. Compact Flouros as Freddy said...

 

I'm not having any problems with them, mind you this is my very first ever grow!

 

They don't get any where near as hot as those other types of light, altho I did under estimate how much heat they do give off in a small chamber!

 

I'm using 4 x 20w 4100K CFL's. Cost me all of $18 with a lil change.

 

~Rose.

[aussiekraut]

I'm using 4 x 20w 4100K CFL's. Cost me all of $18 with a lil change.

Where would I get them if you don't mind me asking? I noticed you're in BrisVegas yourself. Any good place to go? Or will some place like Bunnings do the trick?

 

Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions but I am rather ignorant in these matters

[loylty gets u nothing]

bunnings have a 48w fluoro cfl

nelson is the brand

i think they are 28$

cool white makes for a great light

all the best

bil

[Rose Gardener]

Where would I get them if you don't mind me asking? I noticed you're in BrisVegas yourself. Any good place to go? Or will some place like Bunnings do the trick?

 

Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions but I am rather ignorant in these matters

 

I picked mine up from Woolies. $8.98 for a twin pack. Cool Day Light the box says.

 

Personally I find the four of them more than bright enough for my lil cupboard (kinda like a nursery) but plan on doubling the number for when I transfer my plants into my drobe...

 

As for asking stupid questions. My father has always said, There's not such thing as stupid questions, only stupid answers.

 

We all have to start somewhere. Gods know I'm still asking a lot of questions and learning.

 

On the subject of lighting. My original plan was to get 3 foot fluro tubes. about 4 of them. And of the $60+ variety... The kind with the high red and blue spectrum of light. Unfortunately that plan fell thru due to lack of dollars. But from what I have seen around the web, what I am using is more than good enough to get a fair personal grow happen.

 

I wouldn't mind investing the the 48w one's Bufo mentioned. Could then use less lights, or either that have the more lights with blinding goodness! Tho I think a plant can only use so much light, but I spose too much is better than not enough.

 

~Rose.

[aussiekraut]

Thanks heaps guys

 

I guess I will have to take a trip to Bunnings on the w/e

 

Then I'll have to clean out my messy wardrobe. Get the computer parts out and some plants in hehe. It will be an El Cheapo solution but i'll give it a shot. How about the smell? When I have stuff in there to dry, the whole room smells big time. Not the house though as long as i keep the door shut. If I intend to flower outdoors, I should get away without filter right?

 

Damn I have a lot to learn But learning by doing is the way to go. If only the wait to see results wouldn't be that long

 

AK

[Medusa]

Everything comes to he who waits.