lighting lights too high and are there enough?

[smileyguy697]

The last few days I've been moving my sprouts to a new tray. I think I'm going to need need more space with more lights cause the ones on the outside of the tray are bending inward. Also there Is a couple that seem to be jetting upward super fast. Do you guys think there growing too tall already? Its only been a week. Or is it just because there different strains? The white devils tongue is the one that's growing like a weed. I think the lights are about 5 inches away.

Oh and is it usual for some to start with 3 leaves instead of two?

My Butch t

Also is this enough light to support too trays? Sorry for being such a noob. Just want to get it right!

 

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Hey many / what type of bulbs are you using ?

 

[sudostahp]

Light distance is totally fine. Get some air in there to strengthen them up and dry off the tops a bit.

That Infinity appears to be an interesting mutant. No clue what's going on, but it's interesting enough.

 

[smileyguy697]

There those t8 grolux tubes. I have some daylight bulbs but was going to put them in a different fixture. They look wet cause i just gave them a little water but i was planning on getting little desk fan for in there.

 

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Air circulation will be necessary. Light should be good for now. You might struggle as they get bigger. Can I ask about your soil, what type ? Looks heavy on the compost ?

- Mega

 

[smileyguy697]

Its schultz potting soil plus. Idk much about it. What do you think.

As for my garden i have a bunch of rabbits and put garden tractor loads in at a time think last year i put in 16 carts and 4 carts of chicken poop. Lol... Everything grew like crazy

Is the heavy compost bad at these stages? I Prolly should have gotten something else but i was trying to keep it cheap as possible.

 

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Not sure as I have never grown with Schultz. I have grown with soil mixes that where heavy in woody compost and didn't get the best result. However, you soil lists many things that I out in my mixes so you should be good. With the fertilizers already in the keep your eyes out for nut burn as you may need to go with a tamer soil as you plants develop.

Good luck with your grow and I can't wait to see those beauties as they develop ! You have some great varieties in there !

- Mega

 

[sudostahp]

Generally, lighter soils work best. Compost is easily compacted and it can make the germination process a bit tough. Your mix looks fine, but in my opinion it's a bit coarse for starting seeds.

I wish I had a tractor. Or the land that would make a tractor useful.

 

[smileyguy697]

Thanks man I'll keep you guys posted

I started them in those little peat pellets and moved them into you're mix once they sprouted.

Oh and that Butch is in dirt from a rotten log and rabbit poop. It was a trial thing but seems to be doing ok. Hopefully she blows up and is one hell of a plant. That rabbit poop works wonders!

 

[stc3248]

I don't know the lumen output of your bulbs? For example GE daylight 32w bulbs put out 2700 lumens per bulb, so a 2 bulb shop light would put you at 5400, just enough to keep them going. Really not enough to kick them in to high gear. I have grown under t8s and made them work though. CFLs are another option. My setup this year (cfl/t8) is putting out 49200 lumens for a 2'x4' shelf. Sooo...if you have room I would add another fixture or a few CFLs. If not, some reflective material on the back wall and across the front will help the outer plants get a little more light. Good luck! I'll be watching your results!!! Welcome aboard!

 

[amps]

Can't chime in on the lights but maybe on the soil.

I used Schultz last year when transplanting all my seedlings and they plain didn't like it. My tomatoes were OK but the peppers just didn't care for it. They were all slow to put on new growth and I found keeping the moisture right was a pain. When I finally potted up to Promix-BX, they exploded. Just my little experience.

 

[stc3248]

Hey smiley...just another suggestion on the lights. This is how I use my CFLs. Quick, easy and you don't have to be a rocket surgeon to make it work...

I use socket adapters and socket splitters to make plug in Y's...you can also go with just the socket adapters and a single bulb per plug then...

I plug them in to power strips like these standard bargain basement ones or....

like this 4 footer...

I know you just got another t8 up and running, but if you find they're still struggling this is a very quick, easy and cheap way to boost your setup a bit.

I run the 4' strip between two 4' T8s like this...

That's the 4 footer with the two T8s angled in on the sides...once I got the plants in there I lowered the lights way down.

Good luck buddy...have fun with your indoor grow. Its one of my favorite parts of the season.
Shane

 

[newpeppergrower1105]

the triple leaf is pretty cool for some reason a couple of my plants have fused leaves with two points and they are different types of peppers maybe im causing them to mutate

 

[bushwhackxj]

Your lighting situation will be just fine for now. I use T8s for the first while as well, although i have to switch to an HID part way before getting them outside, Im going to guess that the T8's will be good for about 2 months from seed.

Also you will find most of your seedlings will stretch like crazy like that until they get their first set of true leaves... So every time i transplant, i just plant them deeper and cover up the bare stock. If they continue to grow lanky even after having a couple sets of true leaves, then you're lighting is too high or insufficient.

 

[smileyguy697]

Your lighting situation will be just fine for now. I use T8s for the first while as well, although i have to switch to an HID part way before getting them outside, Im going to guess that the T8's will be good for about 2 months from seed.

Also you will find most of your seedlings will stretch like crazy like that until they get their first set of true leaves... So every time i transplant, i just plant them deeper and cover up the bare stock. If they continue to grow lanky even after having a couple sets of true leaves, then you're lighting is too high or insufficient.

That's exactly what i did. I just planted them deeper and left room in the pots to add soil as they grew. They ended up fine and are looking great! I actually went and bought hid lights yesterday. Just have to build something to hang them on!

Took this pic about a week ago. Those t8s worked just fine!