Day 1 - Seedling Phase Begins
Both Gorilla Zkittlez Autos have sprouted and are now officially in the Seedling Phase!
Actions Taken:
Light Setup
I set the Spider Farmer SF2000 to 40% intensity at a distance of 60 cm above the soil. I originally started at 30% intensity for the first two days, but I'll set it to 40% from the beginning next time in winter. I believe 40% is better, especially in winter, as it helps maintain a warmer tent environment. (30% gives about 20.5°C without heating here (Dec/Jan NL), while 40% brings it to around 21.5°C without heating on.)
Humidity Dome
I kept the domes (cut off plastic bottle tops with three holes on the top) on to maintain a high humidity level, targeting around 60-70%. While the tent's humidity is generally within that range, the dome helps keep the humidity around the seedlings a little higher, which should aid in their growth.
Watering
I've been lightly spraying (~0.05ml) the soil every evening with a few sprays from a spray bottle. This keeps the top layer moist but not soggy. I try to avoid over-watering, so I'm careful to mist lightly to maintain moisture without creating a soggy environment.
Environmental Conditions
The temperature has been a bit tricky with the cold weather lately (~0-5°C), so I've been aiming for a range of 19.5-22°C (room temperature is around 18.5°C). I didn't want to run the heating constantly.
Humidity
Humidity has been on target at 60-70%, as I placed a warm water bucket (around 4 times each day) in the tent. Best to use a black-coloured bucket, as it stays warm the longest.
Airflow
I made sure to keep gentle airflow around the seedlings by running the fan at low speed (on speed setting 1 the first two days, on the third day on speed setting 2 ). I placed the fan right above the lights.
Key Lesson Learned:
- Cold Months Growing: If possible, I would skip growing during the coldest months (a 3-4 month growing break) to avoid temperature-related challenges. But if, it’s better to start with higher light intensity in winter compared to summer. Although lower intensity uses less electricity, it’s important to consider the temperature control as well.