Starting out my first little babies

[DalandeMD]

Ok. So, I've never done this before. I might be fucking up royally, and that's why I'm here today. To figure out what's going wrong before it's too late.

Unfortunately, no pics, since I'm broke and have no camera. Hopefully that will come later.

Started them out on paper towels, in the windowsill. Cooked some potatoes and used the water to give them some nutrient as well. Looked gross, but they seemed to like it.

Once they had a good start, put them in little 6-inch containers of Miracle Gro Organic Potting Mix in a pantry cupboard lined with foil, and a 100 watt fluoro hanging from the top, down to 2" above plants.

They grew like a mother at first.

I gave them some Miracle Gro for flowers, which probably didn't have enough phosphorus. Used about half of what was recommended so as not to burn. Maybe that's where I went wrong. I'd been watering regularly, but the lower leaves withered and died. Is this normal? They're also a little pale.

Since then, I've transferred them to 12" containers with the same stuff, and have been watering. Keeping the light on the whole time, mind you, and ventilating when I can. Pruned grow tips after they grew some leafage, and probably won't do it again, since I want to keep them small. Only problems I can see now, are some discoloration on lower leaves (again), and some limpness.

I'm thinking, since the space in the cupboard isn't very tall, I'll transfer to my closet sometime later (when they get too tall).

Any suggestions, tips? I've been trying to follow some guidelines I found on Erowid. I know these guys will take some time and patience. I can deal with that. I just don't want all my efforts to go to pot, so to speak.

Any advice is helpful, and with any luck, I'll be able to post pics in the near future. I'm such a proud mommy... you know there'll be pics!

[koshiva]

Its not really normal for the lower leaves to wither and die at such a young age especially. While the plant/s won't really miss those leaves much since new folliage is always comming on, the loss of those lower leaves could be indicative of some imbalance which if not addressed could escalate and continue to hinder the plants development...or even demise.

The key thing to be aware of at this stage is to make sure you do not (a)over water the plants, or (b) let them dry out completely.

Moist soil is best...not wet. Bone dry soil will kill your plants quickly.

Post up some pics and its much easier to guage how your new hobby is progressing.

Good luck with your grow!

[DalandeMD]

Thanks, Kosh and Turm!

Yeah, I might have forgotten to water them for a day or two, tops. I've got to get on top of that shit. Remember, though, that you're talking to a girl who can't remember to take her lexapro every day.

But I will try harder, for the children's sake.