Anyone know how to find a growing mentor?

[MtRainDog]

To get started from ground zero, I'd break the problem up into a handful of major categories:

1. Space (size, ventilation/airflow, controlling temperature/relative humidity)

2. Growing Medium (do you want your plants to grow in soil, coco, or a hydro setup?)

3. Lighting (nowadays most people are going with LED setups. DIY builds are great. Lots of good retail options on amazon, etc.)

4. Genetics (really the least important part for now. A general idea of what type of end product you want is all you need. Sativa? Indica? OG's? Cookies? etc)

Someone above suggested splitting your area with 2 separate tents (one for veg, one for flower). For indoor growers this is likely going to be better than 1 large tent because at some point you're going to want to start new seedlings/clones while other plants are flowering.

Maybe a 4x4 and a 2x2,

or 4x2 and a 4x2,

there's a lot of ways you could divvy that space up.

 

[Jim Dandy]

Remember first consideration: Security!
Best not to tell anyone, except us....

 

[Str8firehomey]

Gonna be honest with you, genetics arent really gonna mean shit til ya know how to read a plant and give it what it wants. Its a decent starting point, but a great grower can make bagseed into gold while a mediocre grower can piss all over an easy self growing plant by trying to be too attentive, shit like that. That said, lots and lots and lots of great genetics around nowadays. Guessing that thats a small room and not a tent? Okay, couple things you're gonna need, air exchange, some decent LED lights (i aint gonna touch that, others here can tell you SO Much more about led's than I can) since thats what you wanna run, and I think its a better choice provided you dont need the additional heat you can get with HID lighting. I like running the HID in my big closet space cause it gets way colder in there. Do you have anything to read the rooms temps and humidity? That will also be important, as are means to adjust that. Plant food is pretty easy, i'd go with something like Jacks 2 part or similair. I used to go HARD for mega crop but i dont any more, they've changed the recipe too many times.

I think that yeah, that should be a good starting place for now. Environment is important, get that dialed in and you will have a lot less headaches getting everything else to go right.

Thanks for the response! I have been looking at smaller grow tent kits as well as grow cabinets. Any input regarding the grow cabinets? I was looking at something called a super flower cabinet. I was also looking at a 3x3 grow tent kit. This would be going in a larger room in my finished basement, and this is all the real estate I have to work with.

 

[Str8firehomey]

I would start with soil. FoxFarmsOcean Forrest and add 20% perlite to it. Going for great genetics is a good choice, my advice would be to start with the best quality feminized beans that budget allows. They have an advantage for you at this point, you can read up/learn all about males and females while you're growing the fems and you will be getting weed on your first grow!
A 6'x 6' x 80" space sounds flat out wonderful. It's a big space, I'd think about getting a tent, like a 3x3 at some point. You can veg and then flip to flower in the same space for now to get a feel for things. Work on your fans, lights and other peripherals now. In the soil mix above you will easily make it into flower ( maybe the whole way) before you have to consider what nutes you want to buy. Keep it as simple as possible for now.

Awesome thank you so much! Any thoughts on the super flower grow cabinets? W superponics?

 

[Gentlemancorpse]

Thanks for the response! I have been looking at smaller grow tent kits as well as grow cabinets. Any input regarding the grow cabinets? I was looking at something called a super flower cabinet. I was also looking at a 3x3 grow tent kit. This would be going in a larger room in my finished basement, and this is all the real estate I have to work with.

That cabinet is pretty slick but also seems pretty pricey, and I'm not a huge fan of the Kind LED lights it comes with. And not a fan of the grow tent kits either, because they usually include some sub par components. Since your considering the cabinet you clearly have a decent budget, so this is what I'd put together for a 3x3....

Light:

Model 4VS

High quality LED Grow Lights built in the USA using top quality components. 3 Year Warranty, high PAR/PPF output, low heat, close canopy operation, silent no fans, dimmable operation.

timbergrowlights.com

Tent:

CLOUDLAB 422, Advance Grow Tent 2x2, 2000D Diamond Mylar Canvas, 24" x 24" x 48"

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

Ventilation:

CLOUDLINE T4, Quiet Inline Duct Fan System with Temperature and Humidity Controller, 4-Inch

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

A couple clip on fans or a small tower fan for air movement in the tent and then whatever you want to use for a medium. I haven't done much with hydroponics lately so if you want a pre-built hydro system best to ask someone else about that part. But all those components I listed above are way better quality than what comes in the kits.

 

[GhestViewingLimit]

That cabinet is pretty slick but also seems pretty pricey, and I'm not a huge fan of the Kind LED lights it comes with. And not a fan of the grow tent kits either, because they usually include some sub par components. Since your considering the cabinet you clearly have a decent budget, so this is what I'd put together for a 3x3....

Light:

Model 4VS

High quality LED Grow Lights built in the USA using top quality components. 3 Year Warranty, high PAR/PPF output, low heat, close canopy operation, silent no fans, dimmable operation.

timbergrowlights.com

Tent:

CLOUDLAB 422, Advance Grow Tent 2x2, 2000D Diamond Mylar Canvas, 24" x 24" x 48"

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

Ventilation:

CLOUDLINE T4, Quiet Inline Duct Fan System with Temperature and Humidity Controller, 4-Inch

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

A couple clip on fans or a small tower fan for air movement in the tent and then whatever you want to use for a medium. I haven't done much with hydroponics lately so if you want a pre-built hydro system best to ask someone else about that part. But all those components I listed above are way better quality than what comes in the kits.

Amazing setup right there. I’m sure the AC tents will be available soon in the other sizes. I loveeee my AC fan and at that price point I’d try their tents!

As to the rest, I’d keep it simple. Just get a few pots, a bag of promix or coco, a starter nutrient package and some misc supplies like a pH pen, trimmers, etc. Btw get Chikamasa’s for trimmers.

 

[Gentlemancorpse]

Amazing setup right there. I’m sure the AC tents will be available soon in the other sizes. I loveeee my AC fan and at that price point I’d try their tents!

As to the rest, I’d keep it simple. Just get a few pots, a bag of promix or coco, a starter nutrient package and some misc supplies like a pH pen, trimmers, etc. Btw get Chikamasa’s for trimmers.

Yeah, it's hard to go wrong with coco and a simple dry nutrient like Veg+Bloom or mega crop.

And all of those accessories are key too, glad you brought that up, totally slipped my mind. The Bluelabs soil pH pen is the best all around one I've used, does liquid, soil or coco so just super versatile

 

[Ramjet159]

Cal Mag ............ someone’s gonna say this to you at some point so I may as well just chuck it in . It’s like the Messiah of most problems. Carry on

 

[jaguarlax]

That cabinet is pretty slick but also seems pretty pricey, and I'm not a huge fan of the Kind LED lights it comes with. And not a fan of the grow tent kits either, because they usually include some sub par components. Since your considering the cabinet you clearly have a decent budget, so this is what I'd put together for a 3x3....

Light:

Model 4VS

High quality LED Grow Lights built in the USA using top quality components. 3 Year Warranty, high PAR/PPF output, low heat, close canopy operation, silent no fans, dimmable operation.

timbergrowlights.com

Tent:

CLOUDLAB 422, Advance Grow Tent 2x2, 2000D Diamond Mylar Canvas, 24" x 24" x 48"

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

Ventilation:

CLOUDLINE T4, Quiet Inline Duct Fan System with Temperature and Humidity Controller, 4-Inch

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

www.acinfinity.com

A couple clip on fans or a small tower fan for air movement in the tent and then whatever you want to use for a medium. I haven't done much with hydroponics lately so if you want a pre-built hydro system best to ask someone else about that part. But all those components I listed above are way better quality than what comes in the kits.

I would definitely agree with the suggestion to go with tents over boxes. I think the environment will be easier to control in a tent, in addtion they are much more adaptable to hang and mount equipment. Once you start to get things going I think you will see what I mean. In my opinion, this process is incredibly personal, and I think the best way to approach this thing is to dive in head first. Get some plants in the ground under a light you can afford, pickup some base nutes off the interwebz and start observing. That is the best way to learn imo, the plants will teach you everything you need to know. Throughout the process you will be able to pick up little tips and tricks here from the pros by reading through our grow journal section. Thats is what I like to do anyways. I pick up so many neat little things just by watching the guys post their work. The devil really is in the details. My setup must have changed 20x over since my original tent purchase a few years back. I'd hate to see you spend a ton of money on one of those fancy boxes, just to discover something else will be more effective.

 

[Smokieokie]

Awesome thank you so much! Any thoughts on the super flower grow cabinets? W superponics?

Just a fair warning and just my 2 cents, but I would stay far far away from superponics cabinets, tent set ups, bubble buckets and any of their crap. Their customer service is horrible and products are cheaper elsewhere individually. And like gentlemancorpse said, I'm not a fan of the kind led either. The light itself will grow weed, just not worth the money. This is coming from experience. The system leaked everywhere, the pump is way under powered and return lines are too small. If you want a GOOD hydro setup, build your own.

 

[Ramjet159]

Let’s not forget the beginning of the journey where for around $100 you’d do well to pick up one of these little beauties to nurture your maternity ward to greater things . Old school but do a fantastic job in my humble opinion.

 

[Capt's Farm]

Honestly don't buy a kit or box... you get more bag for your buck looking around...

If I had a tower up and was on the net.i would of given you links to everything I would use...
I'm like jag
I have changed everything for 18 months now..
Started with the 1 tent then I had 3 then a grow room...

It never ends...

If you don't mind China

Straight up go with Kingbrite and Vicky for the light's....
You can save money on the soil..
Yes Fox Farm is good stuff.. but for a 3rd of the money you can get the yellow bag of Lowe's sta green and get the same plants..and not add perlite..so there is a Big Savings..

If you need meters
Just bite the bullet buy blue lab or something else like it..spend a few bucks here...

Food man you can go crazy or you can just use something simple..
I Use and buy form mbferts.com

Very good price and I like helping the little guy...

Pots...fleebay for fab pots you can find deals 10 for 10 in gals, 10 for 18 in 5's

If I was you I would run 1 and 3gal pots cause of your size.. but I like 5's

Crack your beans..you will need a heat mat and temp control...
Solo cups or something like it..

If you run soil, you should be able to run veg 4 weeks in gal with just watet..you have ro water or is this going to be something else you need stuff for.

There's alot of little things that will add up to about 500 bones..

So a $$ amount would of been nice cause I would of took the time to put up links. but that takes time..

Best thing I can say is buy a Great light and buy Good Gear..you get what you pay for most of the time...

You need timers and the list just goes on....

 

[Willie]

Awesome thank you so much! Any thoughts on the super flower grow cabinets? W superponics?

My thoughts are is that it looks like a rip off. Seems very expensive for what you get. And a tent will do the same thing. So for me, the answer is "no effin way". Basically a 2x3 tent they call a cabinet with some other crap you don't need for $1800......feck that noise

 

[Capt's Farm]

I'll finish the soil deal real fast..
I would top the plant around 4 weeks let it go 2 more..
Transplant to your 3 gal a week later you will went to have mpk on hand a hit them with it...
That soil will get you about 3 weeks into flower, then your on your own for feed..

 

[Capt's Farm]

My thoughts are is that it looks like a rip off. Seems very expensive for what you get. And a tent will do the same thing. So for me, the answer is "no effin way". Basically a 2x3 tent they call a cabinet with some other crap you don't need for $1800......feck that noise

I'll build a room for 1800 bucks Fuck That...

 

[Willie]

I'll build a room for 1800 bucks Fuck That...

you bet......they offer a kit to turn that box into

SuperRoom 2′ x 4′ Dryer Tent Kit​

lol......it's a rack for $895 "on sale"..........hurry, lmao

 

[Str8firehomey]

My thoughts are is that it looks like a rip off. Seems very expensive for what you get. And a tent will do the same thing. So for me, the answer is "no effin way". Basically a 2x3 tent they call a cabinet with some other crap you don't need for $1800......feck that noise

Ok well I certainly won’t go that route. Thank you for enlightening me! I’ll get a tent, buy some leds, and read up some more as far as what else I’ll need to buy. I’m sure this is a checklist of some kind on here that would guide me in the right direction?

 

[Str8firehomey]

Honestly don't buy a kit or box... you get more bag for your buck looking around...

If I had a tower up and was on the net.i would of given you links to everything I would use...
I'm like jag
I have changed everything for 18 months now..
Started with the 1 tent then I had 3 then a grow room...

It never ends...

If you don't mind China

Straight up go with Kingbrite and Vicky for the light's....
You can save money on the soil..
Yes Fox Farm is good stuff.. but for a 3rd of the money you can get the yellow bag of Lowe's sta green and get the same plants..and not add perlite..so there is a Big Savings..

If you need meters
Just bite the bullet buy blue lab or something else like it..spend a few bucks here...

Food man you can go crazy or you can just use something simple..
I Use and buy form mbferts.com

Very good price and I like helping the little guy...

Pots...fleebay for fab pots you can find deals 10 for 10 in gals, 10 for 18 in 5's

If I was you I would run 1 and 3gal pots cause of your size.. but I like 5's

Crack your beans..you will need a heat mat and temp control...
Solo cups or something like it..

If you run soil, you should be able to run veg 4 weeks in gal with just watet..you have ro water or is this going to be something else you need stuff for.

There's alot of little things that will add up to about 500 bones..

So a $$ amount would of been nice cause I would of took the time to put up links. but that takes time..

Best thing I can say is buy a Great light and buy Good Gear..you get what you pay for most of the time...

You need timers and the list just goes on....

Black dog led any good?!

 

[Capt's Farm]

If you're buying in the states..
I would go with
HLG

Man the 3 links that @Gentlemancorpse
Put up are in point...
Timber light's

These are where I would look if I had the cash at start up..cause this is where you want to be..

Yes there is other's out there... but you can get this stuff on sale right now...

Any light will grow a plant, but this is where I would be..if I didn't buy from Vicky.....

 

[Capt's Farm]

It sounds like you're going to use your sump pump room for your grow area??

Also sounds like you can afford to do it right the 1st time. HLG ..... IS WHERE I would start...