Ok, so I got on ebay and bought a little cheapo 150w HPS system to help prep my next batch for outdoors. It's cheapie little Valuline by C.A.P productions. I'll be using supplemental lighting along with it. But basically I just want to have them under that just long enough to develope a good root system and 3 sets of true leaves so HOPEFULLY they will be adequately strong by then to go out in the wilderness Here's the lamp: http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Mini-Sun-Light-150w-HPS-Complete-Grow-System_W0QQitemZ250771842077QQcategoryZ42225QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D370418475292%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7188275725375940668 I've heard some pretty cool things about the newer CMH bulbs and they seem pretty awesome, so I might try one of those for a shorty 12/12 from seed with a good hybrid. Well, just thought I'd share some of what I'm about to start with this year.
Yeah I already checked, they have them for 150's. BUT they still cost almost twice as much as a philips 400w HPS. like 21$ for a 400wHPS, and 35$ for a 150w CMH. But hell, it covers the entire color spectrum and I read somehwere that it penetrates really well.
wait, nope, double check on greenelectricalsupply.com says the 150 CMH bulb from GE is 40-45 bucks. there's two different types of the same thing, basically so there's a 5$ difference. I tell ya, the most expensive part of this hobby is the lighting.
yeah the higher wattages like 400w are pricey as hell like $350 on one of the sites I checked. So what's your thoughts on using this little lamp and some supplemental lights to prep some plants for outdoors?
It's a great idea to get your plants established before putting them outside. Personally though I would have gone with a 250 watt but a 150 will suffice just for getting them started, it just won't cover a very big footprint. Probably only effective over a 1.5'x1.5' area.
Well it is a VERY small space in the closet, probably about that size. Just let 'em root out in a large party cup. I woulda gone with a 250w, but I was looking for something under 100 bucks and couldn't find a 250w in that price range. I'll tell ya what tho.. I'm damn sick and tired of taking plants outdoors too early and having half the crop die before that get two set of leaves. Getting some strong garden fencing around these too.
Go with at least some three gallon containers. Solo cups will work but the plants will end up root bound and won't get big.
I'm not going for big, I'm going for big enough to go outside with a head start. They'll only be in my closet for 2-3 weeks.
