First time grow. From winter prep to first season harvest

[dman049162]

This will be my first year growing in the spring of 2026. I think im making a grow diary right by making this thread.

My first thing was aquiring pots. Didnt care to spend the money on pots and my ground has too much bedrock which makes it difficult to dig...destroyed my buddies tiller a few years ago.

So instead of spending money I went to the nearby city to a deli shop that goes through a metric fuck load of picked spears( in the heart of Plattsburgh state off campus housing). They recycle picked buckets and typically stack them up before putting them in the dumpster. But they also upcycle them by giving them to anyone who asks! Many of us rural folks snag them for farm buckets or whatever reason we have for them.

In my case a free growing pot for this coming spring!

Big holes are half inch and small holes are 1/4 inch. I was gonna try to make them like airpots but got concerned it would totally backfire and found out when it was too late.

What does everyone think? I know to use something on the inside to keep the soil from running out. Some sort of screen or coffee filter I also read. Please give me your ideas for that!

 

[Oldchucky]

This will be my first year growing in the spring of 2026. I think im making a grow diary right by making this thread.

My first thing was aquiring pots. Didnt care to spend the money on pots and my ground has too much bedrock which makes it difficult to dig...destroyed my buddies tiller a few years ago.

So instead of spending money I went to the nearby city to a deli shop that goes through a metric fuck load of picked spears( in the heart of Plattsburgh state off campus housing). They recycle picked buckets and typically stack them up before putting them in the dumpster. But they also upcycle them by giving them to anyone who asks! Many of us rural folks snag them for farm buckets or whatever reason we have for them.

In my case a free growing pot for this coming spring!

Big holes are half inch and small holes are 1/4 inch. I was gonna try to make them like airpots but got concerned it would totally backfire and found out when it was too late.

What does everyone think? I know to use something on the inside to keep the soil from running out. Some sort of screen or coffee filter I also read. Please give me your ideas for that!

That should work! If you use something like ocean Forest or happy frog, I don’t think you have to worry about it coming out the holes! I think it’s easier to keep the roots happy in fabric pots! So I would spend the five bucks for a seven or 10 gallon fabric pot! Just two cents! Good luck with it!

 

[dman049162]

That should work! If you use something like ocean Forest or happy frog, I don’t think you have to worry about it coming out the holes! I think it’s easier to keep the roots happy in fabric pots! So I would spend the five bucks for a seven or 10 gallon fabric pot! Just two cents! Good luck with it!

Thank you and this at this time is pretty much for trial run for my first. If i get addicted to it i will do small and slow upgrading....not go out of my way type of thing.

 

[cpurola]

I thought like you did, that the potting soil would just pour out, but it doesn't. Well, it does a little bit at first until you wet it, then it doesn't come out at all.
I used these 4" pots and it worked great. More holes are better unless it compromises the integrity of the pot.

 

[Merkle]

With those buckets and lids for the bubble, have you ever considered going hydro instead?

 

[dman049162]

With those buckets and lids for the bubble, have you ever considered going hydro instead?

Have no clue about hydro lol

 

[dman049162]

With those buckets and lids for the bubble, have you ever considered going hydro instead?

Isn't hydroponic more complex in a sense science wise?

 

[Merkle]

Isn't hydroponic more complex in a sense science wise?

I find it to be much more than just science. The plants seem to do very well in hydro. The benefits definitely outweigh everything else for sure. Let me know if you are interested in this type of growing medium.

 

[dman049162]

I find it to be much more than just science. The plants seem to do very well in hydro. The benefits definitely outweigh everything else for sure. Let me know if you are interested in this type of growing medium.

Im interested for sure. But im mostly interested in learning about it as i always heard it to be complex as a whole. If it works for me i wouldn't mind it at all learning about it! Dont think of "wasting your breath" think of it as an inquiring mind wanting to weigh out the options.

 

[Merkle]

Have no clue about hydro lol

If you’re interested I could walk you through the set up. I have been doing hydro for a bit and had great success with this type of grow method.

 

[dman049162]

If you’re interested I could walk you through the set up. I have been doing hydro for a bit and had great success with this type of grow method.

First, what equipment would i need?

 

[Merkle]

Im interested for sure. But im mostly interested in learning about it as i always heard it to be complex as a whole. If it works for me i wouldn't mind it at all learning about it! Dont think of "wasting your breath" think of it as an inquiring mind wanting to weigh out the options.

Ok, no worries. I actually had a 5 gallon storage tub with a nice secure top which I drilled some holes in so I could set my net pots in. I then got an air pump with two air outlets. I invested in some nutes through Cronk nutes(micro, grow and bloom.) I am sure you already have a nice light so I won’t mention that here. The other items I invested in are a ppm tester( which you need to use everyday and a ph test kit. That is just about it. I went with Root Riot plugs to plant my seedlings in after they have popped. I secure them in the net pots with some clay pebbles.

 

[dman049162]

Ok, no worries. I actually had a 5 gallon storage tub with a nice secure top which I drilled some holes in so I could set my net pots in. I then got an air pump with two air outlets. I invested in some nutes through Cronk nutes(micro, grow and bloom.) I am sure you already have a nice light so I won’t mention that here. The other items I invested in are a ppm tester( which you need to use everyday and a ph test kit. That is just about it. I went with Root Riot plugs to plant my seedlings in after they have popped. I secure them in the net pots with some clay pebbles.

I have no equipment as of now other than the buckets and seeds. I found a 100w light on either lowes or walmarts Web site for like 20 bucks. Is tents or ventilation or any of those fancy setups needed?

 

[pnwbluntman]

I have no equipment as of now other than the buckets and seeds. I found a 100w light on either lowes or walmarts Web site for like 20 bucks. Is tents or ventilation or any of those fancy setups needed?

It depends on the quality and outcome you are looking for, you want better yields, you will have to invest in at least a decent light and probably a few ways to control your room. A tent makes controlling a smaller space easier. Same can be achieved in a full room. You will just need a bigger exhaust system to be able to handle cfms being moved for the size of room. As well as other things.

 

[dman049162]

It depends on the quality and outcome you are looking for, you want better yields, you will have to invest in at least a decent light and probably a few ways to control your room. A tent makes controlling a smaller space easier. Same can be achieved in a full room. You will just need a bigger exhaust system to be able to handle cfms being moved for the size of room. As well as other things.

Is there a way to vent without crazy equipment? Being totally new to this im trying economical ways before dropping boat loads of cash. To see if growing is even right for me.

 

[Merkle]

Is there a way to vent without crazy equipment? Being totally new to this im trying economical ways before dropping boat loads of cash. To see if growing is even right for me.

I set up a tent using a large cardboard box that I lined with Mylar reflective paper. I then constructed an apparatus to hang my light on. The buckets you have would be great you just have to create a way of pumping water into your system. I would Google DWC systems, if that is (the pardon the pun) root your taking.

 

[dman049162]

I set up a tent using a large cardboard box that I lined with Mylar reflective paper. I then constructed an apparatus to hang my light on. The buckets you have would be great you just have to create a way of pumping water into your system. I would Google DWC systems, if that is (the pardon the pun) root your taking.

Im open to any ideas just unsure of the direction i wanna go lol

 

[Merkle]

Im open to any ideas just unsure of the direction i wanna go lol

Ok, when you are ready and have made your decision let us know, we can discuss next steps on how to do this on a budget. Speaking of which, what is your budget all in on this project?

 

[dman049162]

Ok, when you are ready and have made your decision let us know, we can discuss next steps on how to do this on a budget. Speaking of which, what is your budget all in on this project?

Honestly im not sure. Im the type of guy if i can do it effectively the cheapest way possible im gonna do it cheap

 

[dman049162]

Ok, when you are ready and have made your decision let us know, we can discuss next steps on how to do this on a budget. Speaking of which, what is your budget all in on this project?

Sorry I just got done work