Newbie here-Easy questions (pics inside)

[bala]

Hey Guys

 

So this is my first grow EVER. its amazing to watch it grow.

 

So I germinated seeds using paper towel method and planted them.

 

Took about a week for the root to break through and start sprouting

 

Seed strain : not sure

 

Time elapsed so far : 3 weeks(see pics)

 

Grow area : Outside - changing to indoor during vegetative stage

 

 

Stealth level needed : high

 

My questions are :

 

1. Is it is already in its vegetative state or still in the seedling stage?

 

2. What kind of lights should i use at the seedling/vegetative stage and flowering stage? (CFL's /HID's/LEDS's?) - any link to a cost efficient eBay lights that I can purchase?

 

3. When is it ready for me to do 12/12 to bring it into flowering stage?

 

4. By looking at the leaves in my most recent pic , through experience are their any deficiences that are apparent?

 

Right now it is growing outside in a pot, and i bring it in at night....however once it reaches its vegetative stage i want to transplant them into 3 seperate pots and put them under some lights in my shed.

 

Thanks in advance for any help

Edited May 7, 2013 by bala

[DoctorWho]

1) They're still in the seedling stage.  They probably won't hit the vegetative stage for a few weeks.

 

2) While they're still small you could get away with just using a CFL.  Personally I would keep them outside during the day and put them under the CFL of a night to keep them in vege as the sun is not only free but is just about perfect for them spectrum wise.  Once they get a little bigger though you will either want to get a high watt CFL (130w - 200w) or a HID like a 400w MH.  I can't be bothered going on ebay again today, but just don't buy anything made by growlush as they're shit.  Do that and you'll be alright.

 

3) Technically you could go 12/12 now.  Ideally though you'll want to wait until the plant takes up around 1/3 of the space you have to grow in as some plants can triple in size especially when grown from seed.

 

4) They look fine to me.  Keep up the good work

[bala]

1) They're still in the seedling stage.  They probably won't hit the vegetative stage for a few weeks.

 

2) While they're still small you could get away with just using a CFL.  Personally I would keep them outside during the day and put them under the CFL of a night to keep them in vege as the sun is not only free but is just about perfect for them spectrum wise.  Once they get a little bigger though you will either want to get a high watt CFL (130w - 200w) or a HID like a 400w MH.  I can't be bothered going on ebay again today, but just don't buy anything made by growlush as they're shit.  Do that and you'll be alright.

 

3) Technically you could go 12/12 now.  Ideally though you'll want to wait until the plant takes up around 1/3 of the space you have to grow in as some plants can triple in size especially when grown from seed.

 

4) They look fine to me.  Keep up the good work

Cheers. Many thanks for the advice

[bala]

One more ques-what's the chance of those 3 plants roots tangling? Can I leave them for another week before transplanting to a bigger pot?

[DoctorWho]

The sooner you move them the better, but it could be done if you were super careful about things.

[bala]

The sooner you move them the better, but it could be done if you were super careful about things.

cheers  will move them ASAP

[bala]

Transplanted

[DoctorWho]

Good work.  Doesn't look like you put them through any stress at all

[canetoad]

Can't offer any advice on lights etc, as I'm dedicated outdoors grower.

 

At this stage you wont pick up any deficencies; they are surviving on nutrients from the seed. Don't be in a rush to move them to bigger pots. The right time is when you see root tendrils start to escape through the bottom holes of the pot. 

 

You want to encourage a vigorous root system. Don't get caught up in talk of 'rootbound'. What that actually means is the roots are completely filling the container leaving no room for nutrients, soil or medium. These are nowhere near that stage. Leave them where they are until they are at least 30cm tall or more.

 

If they are in potting mix, invest 6 or 7 bucks in a bag of dolomite lime from Bunnings. Sprinkle half a teaspoon on each pot and water. This will counteract the naturally acidic nature of potting mix. Without it,  you will find the plants growing scrawny and thin when they reach 10cm or so.

[bala]

Transplanted

Can't offer any advice on lights etc, as I'm dedicated outdoors grower.

 

At this stage you wont pick up any deficencies; they are surviving on nutrients from the seed. Don't be in a rush to move them to bigger pots. The right time is when you see root tendrils start to escape through the bottom holes of the pot. 

 

You want to encourage a vigorous root system. Don't get caught up in talk of 'rootbound'. What that actually means is the roots are completely filling the container leaving no room for nutrients, soil or medium. These are nowhere near that stage. Leave them where they are until they are at least 30cm tall or more.

 

If they are in potting mix, invest 6 or 7 bucks in a bag of dolomite lime from Bunnings. Sprinkle half a teaspoon on each pot and water. This will counteract the naturally acidic nature of potting mix. Without it,  you will find the plants growing scrawny and thin when they reach 10cm or so.

Cheers for the advice

 

Unfortunately already transplanted hem as above due to people saying that the roots roots will tangle..

 

Will definetly pick up the mix you suggested..

 

The only reason I'm taking it inside is due to stealth reasons and the fact that there isn't enough sunlight for it to grow

 

How do u deal with the lessening of light as it gets closer to winter?