Hello All, I am new to growing, done lots of reading, and have built a small grow cabinet. The cabinet itself is up to par, ventilation, interior painted white, 400W HPS light system and the rest. My soil is the recommended amount of sterilized soil, sand, castings, fertilizer and pearlite. Temp ranges from 70 to 90. Seems I have the set-up for some nice plants but I cannot get past germination stage. Bought 10 seeds of a known strain online which came with 10 free. I have no problem germinating seeds but they die once transplanted into 16 ounce cup. I have tried numerous techniques, planted deep, not so deep, let germinate an extra day, slightly watered, over watered and others but NOT ONE has lived. I am germinating my last 4 of the 20 and need to get this figured out. Any insight would be much appreciated.
Is there a hole in the bottom of cup for drainage? Is yer light too close,too far away wouldn't kill that quick!>) maybe too much fert too early?>\ pics would help, >|
Yes, there are a number of holes in my cups, and the light is about 24 to 30 inches away. My pics right now would be of empty cups in a bright light. Once I actually have something to look at I plan on posting. I have read elsewhere that my soil has far too many nutrients for a seedlings. Going to try and transplant sprouts into simple potting soil and see if it makes a difference.
I did the 16oz. cup thing too... I used *ahem*MiracleGro*ahem* but it's ORGANIC!!!! soil that is recommended for roses and I mixed it with Organic MG Bone Meal and my sprouts were vigorous. I didn't have drain holes, didn't want 'em, liked the moisture to stay so the sprouts were guaranteed constant condensation. I used clear cups so I could monitor it so it was only enough, and not constantly sitting in water. It took my seeds exactly a week to germ and be the height I liked to plant. I left the soil loose, used my index finger and poked a hole in the middle about an inch deep(I'd say to my knuckle, but I have small fingers) put in one seed and just pushed the soil over, and begun my watering regimine: watering 5 tsp. once daily. Around the edges as not to disrupt the seed getting 'comfy'... hence tea spoons of water... Did 5 for a few days then started doing 5 a couple times a day... You gotta just figure it out... Transplanted them into big pots after 14 days... Hope this helps, may be a bit much info...
Thanks for the insight! I have figured out the germination thing and moving onto seedling problems! Who knew growing a weed would be so difficult. With patience, reading and all the assistance I get from this site I'll figure it out. Thanks Again!
