New Grower Newb grower autoflower indoor single 125w cfl tomorite miracle gro (feedback please!)

[MythticalMagic]

Hi, firstly, forgive my ignorance if any as I am new to Autoflower.net and forums in general.
I am a first time grower (newb) growing Royal Bluematic & Psychofruit (the smaller plant). I would very much appreciate some feedback, tips, knowledge and constructive crticism.

I am using a single 125w cfl, a PC fan, miracle-gro soil, Tomorite tomato nutrients and kitchen foil as a reflective surface in a space about 60-90cm x 180cm and about 4/5 feet high (Will update when I find my tape measure).

I am aware that more light would be better, more bulbs, more lumens etc and Im aware that the mediums Im using are debatable but have read about some decent results using similar setups.
I have done a lot of research so I know a little but Im also on a tight budget and decided it would be better for my own learning process to start out as basic/cheap as possible an build up my knowledge/setup from there.

Both are now 3weeks from sprouting which was 23/11/13 PF (Psychofruit) was planted one day after RBM (Royal BluemMtic). The RBM has 3 leaf sets an is begging to show white pistils the PF is the same but no pistils yet an is quite a bit smaller.

On 7/12/13 I began feeding Tomorite tomato nutrients at 1/4 strength with each watering which is every 3/4 days as I like to let the soil become almost completely dry.

I also began LST on the RBM yesterday (14/12/13) by taping the tip of a fan leaf to the edge of the pot as an experiment/attempt to increase yield and control height.

I know each strain is different but both say roughly 40-60g per seed. I highly doubt I will achieve this much but I'd be happy with 1/4 of that from each plant as a newb

Any thoughts?
P.S RBM = brown pot PF = smaller plant/black pot

Mythtical Magic.

 

[namvet25]

There not looking to bad son far for being in MG soil.Just make sure you keep your PH in line or you will have problems later on. You should be using some cal-mag also that will help with your PH.I also started out with a cheaper setup but gained a lot of info along the way.You wll gat better with each grow. I would try a different soil and some better nutes for your next grow,and some bigger pots. A few more lights will help a lot also. Keep us posted with your grow, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help. .:karma Cloud:

 

[MythticalMagic]

Thanks man! Thats good to hear. Duly noted. This is literally my first time growing anything.
When you say better soil do you mean organic?

 

[namvet25]

Thanks man! Thats good to hear. Duly noted. This is literally my first time growing anything.
When you say better soil do you mean organic?

Yes organic is better.Promix,sunshine mix are two of the top choices.Read the thread on fert and soil on our home page forums for more info.

 

[MythticalMagic]

Yes organic is better.Promix,sunshine mix are two of the top choices.Read the thread on fert and soil on our home page forums for more info.

Thanks! Will do.

 

[bigtm1987]

I'd remove the tin foil and paint your walls with flat white paint as it reflects more light

 

[wwwillie]

Hey and Welcome!!
They look pretty darn amazing so far man!! I really appreciate your dedication to making it work with what you have and with a small budget. I had dreams of that but lacking the self control and discipline, blew right past that point! . I am subbed up and can't wait for your updates.

 

[MythticalMagic]

I'd remove the tin foil and paint your walls with flat white paint as it reflects more light

Thanks for the tip, I didnt know that... :tiphat: Ill do that on my next grow. Gonna get some Barneys Tangerine dream and Pineapple Express.

 

[MythticalMagic]

Hey and Welcome!!
They look pretty darn amazing so far man!! I really appreciate your dedication to making it work with what you have and with a small budget. I had dreams of that but lacking the self control and discipline, blew right past that point! . I am subbed up and can't wait for your updates.

Thanks, Thats encouraging! You should go for it man. The love of weed an pride of smoking my own bud keeps me on it! Im also kinda impatient so Im doin as much as I can even 9-11 weeks is long for lol especially when most bud round my way is poor.

 

[WEEDOSHI]

Excellent, excellent start for your babies. They look nice,green & healthy. They'll reward you for that.

I'm surprised nobody has yet mentioned anything regarding the kitchen foil being used as a reflective material. Foil can cause what is known as "hot spots" and direct all light from the said hotspot to a certain part of the plant burning directly into it. That leaf/part of the plant will become irrecoverable because of the damage and can stunt the plant and cause issues later on. I learned this the hard way, lol.

You should look into purchasing some mylar material as it is a much, much better alternative to foil. Another issue I see is the lighting, I (imho) personally recommend to have at least 150w per plant if you're running CFL and want to maximize potential yield. You have a 125w CFL and that's fine for this stage of the plant (as its small) but when it grows, it's light requirements will change drastically and it'll require more energy (lighting wise) during the later stages of its life. But if you're on a tight budget, 125w might do the trick just with a bit of a smaller yield.

Your grow is looking really great so far. Goodjob. Karma your way!

Cheers.