Going to start a small closet grow, questions?

EDIT: Updated question: K I have a new question, how big of a light should I get for 4 plants that will be about 2 feet tall? 150w, 250w, and i don't really thing i need it but 400w?

Here's all of the lights I would think about getting.
http://www.htgsupply.com/growlighttypes.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155



K I have a few good little guides i got online, i have all my equipment, and im basicly ready to grow.

i only have a couple of questions.

1. How should I start my seeds, I mean before they sprout how do I germinate them?

2. I live in a very dry climate (10%-30% humidity), would a regular household humidafier be good to get the room (and closet) to around 70% humidity?

3. How much does a light timer cost and how does it work (probably pretty simple but im asking anyway).

4. Should I just order my seeds online and wait a month for them to get here from Holland, there arn't any headshops or anything in my area.

5. I'd like to know more about strain selection, gendering, and some more advanced concepts that control your overall yield, but i guess that will come in later grows.

Any additional info would be great, thanks.

 

1. How should I start my seeds, I mean before they sprout how do I germinate them?

Fold them up in a paper towel, soak the towel with water, put inn ziploc, and leave in a room temp room for a few days. When the split and the tap root is coming out, place them root side down in a cup of dirt(with drain holes) and cover with a quarter inch of potting soil.

2. I live in a very dry climate (10%-30% humidity), would a regular household humidafier be good to get the room (and closet) to around 70% humidity?

Don't worry about it. The soil in the pots will boost humidity. Too much humidity is worse than too little because of mold. Just make sure to check the soil dampness regularily.

3. How much does a light timer cost and how does it work (probably pretty simple but im asking anyway). $6-10 bucks at ACE. Read the directions; yes, very simple.

4. Should I just order my seeds online and wait a month for them to get here from Holland, there arn't any headshops or anything in my area.
Order seeds. More reliable and likely better genetics than bagseed. It should only take 2 weeks.

5. I'd like to know more about strain selection, gendering, and some more advanced concepts that control your overall yield, but i guess that will come in later grows.

Google search and read through past forum posts. There is a lot of good information available for those willing to do a little foot work. Most questions have already been answered.

Good luck

 

cool, thanks a bunch ahisma

 

for growing indoors, i suggest checking out this source for everything you need to know about growing indoors

http://www.medicalmarijuanaeducation.com

 

K I have a new question, how big of a light should I get for 4 plants that will be about 2 feet tall? 150w, 250w, and i don't really thing i need it but 400w?

Here's all of the lights I would think about getting.
http://www.htgsupply.com/growlighttypes.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155

 

4 plants would take about 10square feet so that 400 watt would work well. although u could get by with 250. might have best results if you run a 250 and 150.

 

K since I'm a first time grower is it a bad idea to try to do such a big grow? I'm a part time gardener but that's about it as far as experince goes.

 

2ft X 5ft is not big. with a 150 and a 250 you get a good 30~40 watts per foot, which is where u need to be for them to flower. thats about the minimum space i would recomend for 4 plants indoors.

 

I need a new job :|

 

i used to get 150s and 250s at home depot like places fairly cheap. just have to do some simple minor wiring

 

Can you link a site or somthing that explains that process?

 

they are just outdoor hps security lights. so you got to wire the bulb outside the box, and wire on a plug. its all pretty self-explanatory when you look at it.

 

What if I just bought the HTS 250 watt light and did a smaller grow?

http://www.htgsupply.com/growlights.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155&typeID=56

I could get the 400 if i need to though http://www.htgsupply.com/growlights.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155&typeID=55

 

i didnt look at the links. its all about sq feet per watt. 1 plants gonna take up at least 2 square feet or your wasting your time. 25 watts per square feet it will flower, u just wont get nice full buds. 35watts is ideal for dense flowers. over 40 and your gonna run into problems. using more than 1 light, the 150 and 250, will give you better coverage throughout your space, then a single 400 source.

 

Holy shit I get what your saying, Now I need to figure out what my space is going to be.

 

Hmmmm........some sound advice from rasta, but.........it all depends on how you want to grow. do you want to do fewer plants with a longer veg time or do you want to do more plants with a short veg time? I like the SOG method personally......in my old cab i was doing 9 plants in a 3ft X 3ft area........my new area is 2ft X 4ft and i would be able to run 21 in that area.....although ill probably keep it around 16-18.....

As for light......multiple light sources are MUCH better than a single source......although if your just looking to do a few plants the 250 will work but you'll be happier with the 400, imo. If you have the funds available and would like to do multiple light sources i would suggest 2 150 watters for a smaller space.....2 250 watters if your able to get alittle more space.

It's really all dependant on the size of your area, how many plants you want to grow, and how quick you want to go from seed/clone to harvest. Growing fewer plants takes alittle longer and the yield is nice........but on the other hand you can get the same or better harvest in a shorter amount of time with more plants..........im just rambling now so ill stop here.......hope i was able to help alittle bit..

 

Ok how many watts per sq foot with the 250 and how many with the 400? And howmany sq feet total will it cover?

I don't know why you would know that but you see to be knowledgeable .

 

My space is about 2ft x 3ft, I'd be thinking about 2-4 Plants depending on how big they turn out and all that. And what light I get.

For 3 plants in a 2ft x 3ft space I think I'd go with a 250w. LINK! http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47994

 

maniac is talking about having small single stem clones and flowering them, u can definately cram a bunch in a small space, but then you need a large mother plant and a seperate room. for a nice first time grow figure 2sq ft per plant. dont worry about methods and websites, keep it simple. 4 pots, 3 or 5 gallon, 8 sq ft closed in space, 250 watts. unless u got the scratch to get 2 lights which i sugest, and have a bit more space so they are not crammed.

 

here is a basic/general guide......

a 250W can light a 2-3ft X 2-3ft area well (4-9 sq. ft.)

a 400-600W can light a 3-4ft X 3-4ft area well (9-16 sq. ft.) (obviously 600 being better)

a 1000W can light a 5-6ft X 5-6ft area well (25-36 sq. ft.)

For a 2ft X 3ft i would go with a 400W.......sure you'll need abit better exhaust but you'll be much happier than with the 250. Plus that gives you some room to play......if down the road aways you want to expand a touch you wont have to buy a new light.

I would personally try to shoot for 4+ plants in that area but it's all up to you. My first grow i did 6 plants in a 2ft X 3ft area and it wasn't a hassle at all.....pretty easy to take care of........i would also suggest getting a mostly indica strain for your first grow as they are much easier to grow than sativa's........another member here, lune, suggests AK47 for most first time growers and i agree.

That light that you linked is OK.......i would really suggest getting an air cooled hood/reflector. They just make growing so much easier......plus you can get the light closer to the plants. If you don't want to spend the funds on one of those hoods/reflectors than just make sure you have a fan blowing on the bulb at all times when the light is on.......those HID bulbs can get HOT!!!