Hey everyone!
I’m plotting on my first grow. I’m gonna use autos the first few grows in a 2x2 tent that’ll go in my closet.
My questions are:
What all equipment would be necessary for best results?
Should I use nutrients, if so which nuits and which brand(s) would you recommend?
Do I need a separate space for vegging, or can I use the same space and make changes to environment?
@Durty30 Led is the best way to go for lights.
Nutrients are a personal decision, however fox farms has a great line up that’s fairly easy to use. I started with them, and had great results.
Changing the environment is easiest and cost effective. As long as you don’t take any clones. And start one plant at a time.
It all depends on what medium you are going to use, how much money you can spend on the equipment etc.
You will need:
lighting
pots
growing medium
cooling
extraction with filters assuming you dont want smells
Soil is easiest to start and I wouldnt recommend more than 1/2 plants (I have a 2x2) and 2 is about the max. I use DWC and Canna A+B with Canna PK13/14 for flowering personally and thats always worked for me but everyone has their own preference.
I planned on growing in soil. Should I be worried about humidity or pests? What about PH balance? My budget is around $1000 but I’d like as far under that as possible while still growing healthy plants.
Yes you should also be thinking about a PH meter for testing the water and a TDS meter to make sure you are not overfeeding. As @Covertgrower says fox farms do some good soil but you can just start with basic potting soil. Recommend fabric pots too. Its also worth having a temperature/humidity meter. Pests are a fact of life but if your soil is sterilised then you should be ok but always worry about pests but dont panic until you see the signs. Inside is a lot safer than outside
And when I say its worth having a temp/humidity meter… I mean its actually pretty important. If you have to skip something because of budget, make it the TDS meter and get a thermometer. Temeprature and humidity are really important in getting a good grow. My first grow was successful without TDS. But there are load of people on here that will help. Its a really good bunch.
Hello @Durty30 welcome to the forum! Youve certainly came to the right place for advice , help, critism, whatever it may be!..anyways i strictly only grow autos with great success so far! Although our setups are different youll have awsome results just dont try to hard lol …my setup is 5x8 running 2 x 400 watt hps strictly 12/12 from seed with 4 plants and using ph perfect nutes. they love it [ everyone grows autos on different light cycle ect] but mine is working great. . The phenos of the plants seem to be inconsistent so sometimes my yeilds could be 1oz to 8oz per plant haha but always good smoke! Best of luck growing
There are many ways to increase and decrease humidity without buying anything too much. As I say, it all depends on how much you want to spend really.
I use sponges inside a plastic bag to increase the humidity but its only an issue when the plants are young and dont have much root but I have a garden spray and just spray them with a mist of water. When its getting close to harvest it needs to be lower, around 30-40% but my tent doesnt get much above 40 without help anyway
I should also say that Autos are much more susceptible to over feeding and nute burn. Generally you want about half to 3/4 strength but depending on the strain you can go to 100%. Its always a learning experience I might sound like I know what Im talking about but I have had LOADS of help from the peeps on here.
For my 2x2, I have the HLG 100 4000k just for a veg tent. All I’ve done is brag about it, and seen phenomenal growth under it. I paired that with the ac infinity t4 exhaust, and a desk heater full time right now. Exhaust keeps the temp at 77 by automatically adjusting the fan. Again, only bragged about that as well. Hope that helps.
Thanks to everyone for your replies. They’re all really helpful. how does everyone feel about low stress training my plants. Should I try it? What should I use to tie the plant down and where on the plant should tie?
Its one of the best tools you can use for increasing yield. Pulling fan leaves aside to allow buds to get access to light is crucial. My last/first grow was an LST monster, and I was rewarded well for it in the end, 8oz from 3 plants in my first grow. I use a combination of plant twisty ties, and plant velcro tape and twine. Don’t use twine around the plant. I use the velcro to create a loop and use twine to LST to the fabric pot.
@Durty30 this depends on your region. Some people need humidifiers, some people need dehumidifiers.
Maybe this will help:
Vegging state the humidity can be pretty much anything, optimal numbers are 50% RH and up. If you don’t reach the target, it’ll still grow, just might have to water a little more often. Keep the dome on the seedling like it’ll escape, and you’ll do great. Lol
Flowering, as dry as you can get it. 50% and under. Dryer the better. Dry air brings out trichomes, and keeps you from getting bud rot. Nobody wants that. EVER. (I feel like I jinxed someone just mentioning it, SHH! These words are to be never mentioned again!)
ALWAYS have a fan moving air out of the tent with fresh air in, and a fan circulating INSIDE the tent also to keep leaves in motion.