The first mild feed
When
Hydro or unenriched mix needs fertilizer once the plant is growing, not while it is still a fresh sprout with no roots
Ratio
Start clones and young plants on about 1-1-1, 3-5-5, or 3-4-2 with micros, on the mild side
Stem
Keeping nitrogen lower than phosphorus and potassium favors a thicker stem and less stretch
Strength
Mild beats strong. Burn is harder to undo than a light mix
Three-day landing
Cool start
After transplant, hold air in the low 70s F (low 20s C) if you can
Why cool
Slower photosynthesis means less water demand, so roots are less likely to wilt
CO2
About 500 to 600 ppm is enough while they settle
Then step up
After about three days, raise CO2 toward 1,200 ppm, move nutrients to mid-range, and bring air to about 80 F (26 to 27 C)
Photoperiod for the next home
Stay indoor
24 hours of light is fine for plants that will flower indoors
Going outside
Cut to 18 hours of light and 6 of dark so the move is less of a shock
Some indicas
16 hours of light and 8 of dark indoors can further reduce an outdoor flip shock
Do not guess later
Set this before the plant is large. A sudden outdoor short night can flower a veg plant
Container and yield
Rule
Given the same care, the larger pot yields more
Indoor limit
Pot size is limited by the canopy slot, not by a myth that small pots are healthier
Plastic
Light, inert, and easy. Tapered pots slide out cleanly. Grow bags pack well outdoors
Avoid metal
Metal can react with the nutrient solution
Example footprint
Under a 600w or 1000w HPS in 12 to 16 sq ft, one plant can use up to about 50 gallons; sixteen plants fit in about 5 gallons each