Feminized seeds are guaranteed to output female plants, so they’re preferred for beginner growers. But even better, is the autoflowering variety. Autoflower strains are genetically bred with a ‘wild’ version of the cannabis species, or ‘ruderalis’. This means, they have a faster growing cycle, are smaller in stature and easier to maintain due to their hardiness. Depending on which you choose, you’ll have to follow proper timing for growth according to the strain you decide to cultivate. If you’re cautious in starting from seeds, you can acquire autoflowering clones or plants, as well.
Seeds versus Clones versus Plants
Cannabis is a complex plant to grow, even from the start. There are three main ways you can begin growing. From seeds, from clones or from vegetative plants. Vegetative plants from a trusted grower are preferred, since you’ll be past the ‘infant’ stage of life. Growing from a clone, is the next best option as the term refers to a clipping from a proven plant that’s been nurtured to take its’ own roots. Seeds are by far the most complicated even from first purchasing.
There are two main types of seeds that you can grow into cannabis plants - regular, and feminized. Regular seeds have the possibility of growing into a ‘male’ plant vs. the female version you actually desire. That’s right, as if things weren’t complicated enough...it takes a specific gender of cannabis plant to output quality, THC rich flower that doesn’t have seeds. If you sprout a male, you’ll need to discard the plant completely as males don’t produce the bud you’re used to smoking, and can ‘pollinate’ your other female plants.
Outdoor Growing
You’ll have to consider heights, size and scent when growing outdoors with close or nearby neighbors. Most states have restrictions on keeping plants out of sight, and may need to be kept behind a locked entrance.
With outdoor growing, your plants will be more susceptible to pests, harmful weather conditions, and molds.
You’ll have to consider the best season for climate. Ideal temperatures for plants when flowering is 65-80 degrees F, so going beyond this range can affect your crop’s quality.
You can grow outdoors with significantly less equipment to start-up. For just the basics, you’ll only need soil, pots– if you’re not planting in the ground– and nutrients for feeding.
After considering these main environmental factors you can decide which is best for you. Of course, the type of plant you grow or start with can make a difference, too.
With farm-to-table and organic trends sweeping the nation, tending to your own garden has never been hotter. In fact, the ‘green thumb’ trend has even turned to cannabis, too. Widespread legalization now allows a growing population of adults 21 and over to cultivate crops at home, legally, in many states. If you’re part of this population and want to puff, puff, pass the fruits of your own labor...then our beginner’s guide to growing your own, is for you. Here we'll cover the basics to get started, and some tricks of the trade for home growing success.
When deciding to grow your own cannabis, whether one plant, two plants, or your State’s maximum (which is up to 12 for some) you’ll have to decide your location first. This will not only decipher what types of supplies you’ll need, but when you can get going too. If you need help deciding here’s a quick breakdown of each and important factors to consider.
Indoor Growing
You can use any small space (like a closet), grow tent, or room to cultivate crops indoors. Keep in mind, the lights will have to be turned off for up to 12 hours a day and the grow area should be ‘light tight’ to avoid seeds.
With indoor growing, you won’t have the power or energy of the sun, so you’ll have to invest in grow lights that are specifically designed for cannabis plants. This means, you’ll also see a spike in your utility bill if this may be a concern.
You can utilize soil growing systems, or hydroponics which is a soil-less method that’s said to maximize yields. Ensure your space has proper drainage, as you’ll be watering often.
You can grow indoors year-round, and can maintain ideal environment conditions like humidity, and temperatures while avoiding harsh weather.
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Tips for growing your own cannabis garden.
Green Thumb
Nourish to Flourish
Now, comes the fun part. Where along the journey to your plant’s harvest-date, you’ll nourish your plant to flourish. Like any plant, you’ll water your cannabis plant on a regular cycle. Unlike other plants, you’ll have to consider the pH of the water for cannabis. The correct pH of the water is vital for plants to absorb the nutrients you’ll be ‘feeding’ them, too. So, this is the first step to get down when feeding your weed.
Affordable pH test kits are available at most garden or grow stores, or you can upgrade your game with a pH pen. Either way, you’ll want to keep your water’s pH levels in the ranges below depending on what type of system you’re using to grow: soil 6.0 – 7.0 pH and Hydroponics 5.5 – 6.5 pH.
To keep your plant happy, you’ll have to maintain a healthy balance of watering - without overwatering, or underwatering. If your plants are in pots, this can be done pretty simply. Just lift up your pot and if it feels light, it’s time to water. If you’re growing directly in the ground outdoors, just ensure the soil is completely dry before you water again. As for nutrients, you’ll find a number of pre-mixed solutions that have ideal levels of the compounds that cannabis benefits from in their blooming and flowering phase. These solutions or ratios can be added to your water and should fluctuate depending on the health, timing or genetics of your plant. For the most part to ‘nourish to flourish’ your plants require the following nutrients and micronutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Copper.
So, if you’re a new grower - how do you know if your plant is healthy or not? Don’t worry, she’ll show you. Plants will display nutrient deficiencies, pH issues, or problems from pests and molds through the coloring of their leaves, and growth strength. If you’re noticing yellow leaves, brown or colored spots on your leaves, or limp stems - you should start troubleshooting what factor could be causing growth issues.
Harvest Time
Last, but not least...it’s harvest-time. You’ll basically know when your plants will reach the end of their life-cycle based upon the strain you are growing. Each gene has a general life cycle that is normally between 3-4 months. Autoflowering varieties are less, typically between 60-75 days. If you don’t have that information from your seed or clone breeder, then you can use your buds as a guide. When the 40-50% of the white hairs on the flower have begun to change colors, you’re good to go.
To harvest, you’ll clip off the stems and ensure proper drying and curing for smoking. Find a cool dark space with proper ventilation where you can hang the stems upside down to dry. Once the buds are ‘crispy’, you’ll trim them off the stem for the curing process. Manicure the nugs to remove all the excess sugar leaves (that aren’t meant for smoking) and put them in a jar. For up to 2 weeks, let the jars ‘breath’ for an hour or so a day to continue releasing moisture.
As a final tip, don’t try to speed this process up. Your plant will continue its biosynthesis where its exact cannabinoids can still transform. For example, THCA will convert to THC which means your plant can even become more potent when drying and curing.
Get your green thumb on!
Now that you have a beginner’s guide to growing cannabis...get your green thumb, on! Even though the process seems somewhat daunting at first, just remember - you’ll be treated to the fruits of your own labor, before you know it. Before you get going be sure to check your State’s exact regulations on indoor or outdoor growing, to be sure you’re doing so safely and of course, legally, too.
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