From seeds

[enterprisebbc]

This is my 2nd grow and Was hoping someone could touch on something that I see no info on. I am going to use direct dirt method with a hood, to seal in the water. Now 1. Is there a way to prevent the stems from getting to long after germination or should I worry about it as they like to fall over? Should they be in totall darkness until they sprout? Now how soon after they sprout do you go to full veg mode. I use 6500k flourescence. How close, is 4" ok? Thanks very much BBC

 

[jummejum]

Hi There and welcome here @

The only way to prevent stems from getting to long is keeping enough light/the light close to your plants. With Cfl's you can place em very close to your plants without hurting them. When seeds are planted in your growing medium you start the light circle "at least 16hrs of light."
light distance from plants is dependant on the wattage of bulb you're using.

 

[enterprisebbc]

got it

 

[KingJohnC]

You can place your Compact Florescent Light 5-6 inches from your seedling to minimize the amount that is will stretch. I would use a 18/6 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness lighting schedule. I read a study where lighting schedule versus root length was tested and plants grown under a 16/8 lighting schedule grew the longest roots, 18/6 was not tested. I was made aware of a study where lighting schedule versus growth was tested and plants give at least 5.5 hours of darkness grew the most. After having germination issue with Jiffy peat moss pucks and soil I switched to Rapid Rooters and have had much higher germination rates. Rapid Rooters seem to provide the seed with the perfect amount of air and moisture. I soak my seeds in pH adjusted water for 30-36 hours or until i see tap roots. I cut the Rapid Rooter mat into individual squares then I soak the Rapid Rooter squares in pH adjusted water for 15 minutes before use. then I the seeds into the Rapid Rooter square then place them underneath a light with 18/6 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. I do not use a humidity dome. I hand water with a syringe each day to keep the Rapid Rooter square moist. when I see roots emerge from the Rapid Rooter square I transplant to 5" pots in a mixture of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and mycorrhizae.

https://generalhydroponics.com Rapid Rooter

https://www.perfectgardens.com gh rapid rooter mat 98

https://www.accesshydroponic.com rapid rooter mat

 

[oldtokemaster]

also use an oscillating fan to strengthen the stems by the repeated wind action (on oscillate)..this will build thicker stems from the constant movement and provide air for growth..
just put a fan in next to plants...gently blowing back and forth across your grow area...keeps temps down also...