Ok I have been here for some time and have learned so much. First and foremost I would like to thank all who have given me advice. From what I have learned there are so many questions a newbie ask when first growing. Most questions are easily answered (lights, Nutrients, Ph) But the one question that I feel needs to be answered, and is not in any FAQ is about soil. Now I know everyone is quick to say just get some Foxform, if not then Promix. But I tell you many newbies including myself, just don't have it available to us. The only solution is what is available at Walmart, Lowes, Homedepot, Kmart), and we all know what they sell - Miracle-gro. The biggest problem I see is that first time growers always burn seedlings and young plants with this soil. I had to figure out the hard way that with Miracle-Gro, the plants needs to be well established in another soil before being transplanted. Then it can handle the soil. And yes always start Miracle-Gro fertilers at 1/4-1/2 strength. I have followed this recipe and it works great for me. Also at the same time I see that a lot of people push organics. Now don't get me wrong, I agree with the whole organic system of growing, but once again, organic products are not available to me. So here is my plea Please help us out there that only have walmart, lowes, Homedepot at our disposal. Please help us that don't have the money for the foxfarm soil and nutrients. I know there is a simple soil solution for starting seeds, where the only supplies you need are at those stores. And then a soil solution for transplanting after the seedlings have grown enough. And a bonus would be a very inexpensive organic soil and fertilizer solution. I am pleading for the newbie, myself, and everyone else who has no choice but to get supplies from Walmart, Kmart, Lowes, & Homedepot. I hope many many experienced growers respond to this thread
You'll never believe this but mother nature doesn't have access to advanced nutrient rich soils from shops either, it also can't make bottles of expensive nutrients, so it has to rely on whats around and available. Your post has some merit in it, and it's as simple as this. Light, Air, Water, Soil, Seed - the 5 basic's of growing anything Now when you start buying your soil, or your nutrients or your distilled water your basically giving the plant the easiest ride to becoming the best they can be. Now for Marijuana, it's an extremely robust plant that can take quite a bit of abuse and still bounce back, for example i germinated a few too many seeds and what i didn't want I threw out into the compost heap. Well they sprouted in a few days, with no attention. If don't need the soil brand that everyone else uses or the nutrients or the right size pot, but these things can help the process along. Pot will basically grow in your pocket under the right circumstances. If you don't have soil avaialable then go out into the wilderness with a bucket and dig some up. look for dark coloured sandy soil, probably around some healthy looking plants. Then pick out the rocks and twigs and stuff and run a few buckets of water though it to make sure it's draining ok. I assure you that 90% of the problems new growers have is starting off too fancy, if your just learning don't go putting big bucks into the project. U just need a pot and some soil and a some seeds to get u started. Once u have that, use the paper towel method to germinate, put the seed in the soil (tap root down) and water, put some plastic cling film on top of the pot until the seed pops up and then take it off. Now your off and growing...