My first setup need advice and criticism

ok im a newbie and i want to know how im doin im only a few days in 3 to be exact, but i have just about one concern and that is when will i get my sprouts whenever i look at it feels like im doin something wrong im running under 400hps and im using MIRACLE GROW ORGANIC CHOICE mixed with about 30% perlite someone with a "green thumb" help a noobie out

THANX >=]

Does that soil have any added nutes or a slow nute release system, cause if it does, change it with simple potting soil for flowers. Otherwise you will definitely end up with nute burn.

If you have high temps change the aluminum foil to white paint or even better, mylar. Aluminum foil can cause spot burns if your temps are too high.

I hope those plastic seals on the cups have a whole lot of holes. Fresh air is more important to seedlings than high humidity.

Tell us more about your growth. What strain, what nutes, what temps or humidity, what space, any fans and filters?... you kno... tell us more...

well the seeds i got from a friend and they are a diesel haze cross, and i do have a fan constantly going but i do not know the exact temperature or humidity, and it is setup in my closet and the soil has 0.10% (N), 0.05% (P2 o5), 0.05% (K2O) and contains 0.97% slowly available (N). The soil also contains spaghnum peat moss,composted bark fines,natural fertilizer, and once again i mixed it with about 30% perlite

Hmmm... I don't know about that soil. Slow nute release is never your friend. It can burn your plant, you know. Just keep a close eye on those leaves.

yeh...im starting to doubt the soil but at this time of the year nobody really stocks up on soil but i did manage to see MIRACLE GROW POTTING MIX and an AFRICAN VIOLET soil and its day 4 and i still see no sprout im getting discouraged

kingkellz30 said:

yeh...im starting to doubt the soil but at this time of the year nobody really stocks up on soil but i did manage to see MIRACLE GROW POTTING MIX and an AFRICAN VIOLET soil and its day 4 and i still see no sprout im getting discouraged

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you'll have to go to a hydroponics store to get soil at this time of the year; otherwise, you're right, good soil won't be available until spring time.

Don't worry about the slow sprouting... it once took me 10 days til a sprout showed.

alrite man well ill hold on to faith thanx....but whats a real good soil to use because im about 2 plant more and i want to compare soils?

Next time don't sprout in soil period anyway. It is much better to use peat pellets (rapid rooters) They are inert and will let the things grow with just water until there is a full root ball and THEN and only THEN can you stick them in the miracle grow or whatever.

Most potting soil on the market is just too hot with nutrients for seedlings. They have all the nutrient they need to get started contained in the seed.

But don't try to transplant those now, don't touch them period. And you should back way off on that 400 light, you don't need that much light for a seedling, you could fry them. And make sure the temp is 80f or below at plant level with a thermometer.

Some may make it. But if I were you I would go get some peat pellets now and start more seeds in them just to be sure you get something started.
50% of what you plant is usually male unless those are feminized seeds and if you are unlucky it could be all of them if you only sprouted a couple.

Those peat pellets are like 5 for a dollar or cheaper.

Simple potting soil for flowers. Always used it, never steered me wrong or had a negative effect on my plants.

PS: ^ I agree with OregonMeds ^

you guys are alot of help and im going to go to the gardening store tomorrow and check out those peat pellets.how far should i have the light away from the seeds then?? i thought it was about 15 inches even though yesterday i did bring the light up a little becauce i noticed the perlite was turning a little crispy. i read so much about this and it seems i cant get it right but im goin to take advice from both of you thanks guys

For a well ventilated room a 400W HPS should be at some 12-15 inches. If you know you have heat build-up, raise it to 15-20 inches.

i raised it to 18 inches or so but i think i have a heat problem i have a fan in there but it seems to just blow hot air but im going to get it right its only a matter of time... by the way how often should i water these potentials ive been watering them every other day so far with barely any water probably between 25-50 ml

Watering frequency depends on soil and pot size. It's best to keep the soil moist, but not wet!

ok i thought so i was just making sure well tommorrow im going to get new soil and those peat pellets hopefully i can get something to work for me