Planting a cannabis garden is something that many people will want to do, but it’s important to know what to do when doing so. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that you’ll end up with a successful harvest.
Indoor vs. outdoor
While both are legal in some states, the choice of growing indoors or outdoors is a personal one. It’s a matter of preference, experience and budget. Some people believe that growing weed inside is the best way to go. However, for many, the benefits of outdoor growing outweigh the disadvantages.
Indoor growers have more control over the process, including the lighting and temperature. They can take advantage of cleanroom technology and pesticide-free mists. In addition, their product is typically higher quality.
On the other hand, an indoor grow has a lower yield. But it’s possible to produce a small amount of high-quality bud each month in a controlled environment.
The best part about an indoor grow is that it’s a more sustainable and economical option. The cost of electricity is much less than with outdoor growing. And the costs for seeds and soil will be a fraction of what it would be for an outdoor growing operation.
Having an indoor grow also provides a degree of protection against unwanted pests and pathogens. These are often present in outdoor growing facilities. Also, you can take advantage of the latest climate control technology.
Aside from controlling the temperature, humidity and lighting, you’ll also need to invest in fencing, soil, nutrients and more. As with any other type of grow, the best results are obtained by experienced cultivators.
While it may not be as juicy as a fresh bud, an indoor bud does have a superior terpene profile. Terpenes are a family of chemical compounds that form an aromatic bouquet. When grown outside, terpenes are more likely to evaporate. Without proper curing and drying, terpenes can be destroyed.
Aside from the terpenes, indoor and outdoor cannabis plants have other advantages. Indoor plants are generally more compact, have a smaller plant size and more dense buds.
Proper humidity and moisture levels
Managing the moisture and humidity levels in your grow room is essential to plant health. Too much moisture can cause mold or mildew to grow and a lack of moisture can lead to limp plants. You’ll also want to avoid excessive watering. Plants in the flowering stage need less moisture than those in the vegetative phase.
Keeping humidity levels low and temperatures high is important to maximize the uptake of nutrients by your cannabis plants. Excessive watering can cause nutrient burn, which may appear as yellow tips or brown edges.
The optimal moisture and humidity levels vary for different stages of the cannabis plant’s lifecycle. Plants in the seedling and vegetative stages need more consistent moisture than those in the blooming phase.
Using a hygrometer can help you monitor your humidity level. Using a thermometer can also help you keep a close eye on your humidity. In addition to these tools, small fans are useful to move air around your plant canopy.
Humidity control is particularly important during the first 3 to 4 weeks of flowering. Maintaining the appropriate humidity levels guarantees your plants are ready for the next step in the production process.
High humidity can increase the chances of bud rot. This is caused by excess water accumulation in the buds. If you notice brown mold on your colas, this can be a sign that your humidity level is too high.
Increasing the relative humidity can boost the chances of botrytis in late-blooming plants. As a result, you’ll need to reduce the humidity to 40 percent to 50 percent in the final three to four weeks of flowering.
Cannabis plants have large root systems to absorb water. However, they still need to be watered. They also need good light exposure to stay healthy.
Pruning
Pruning when cannabis planting is a simple process that can help you improve your yield. You can prune to make your plants stronger, and to encourage better branching and buds. However, you need to choose the best method for your plant.
For example, you can cut down your plant and remove dead branches. Then you can give it a boost by watering it and allowing it to grow.
If you don’t do this, your cannabis will be stunted, and you won’t get the high quality buds you want. This can be frustrating. That’s why it’s a good idea to watch your plant closely.
Topping is a technique that many growers like to use. It involves cutting the top of the main stem. Cutting down the top of the plant makes it wider, which allows it to produce more bud sites.
In addition, topping increases the density of buds on the lower parts of the plant. As a result, you’ll get a larger crop.
However, you should only do this once the plant is already in the flowering stage. After that, you should stop pruning. Over-pruning can make the plant weaker.
Many people confuse trimming with pruning. But they are actually different techniques. Trimming consists of removing small pieces of a plant’s growth during a blooming phase.
On the other hand, pruning involves cutting large sections of the plant. It’s done to clear space and to direct energy to parts of the plant that absorb light well.
Some people also opt to remove the inner leaves of a cannabis plant. These leaves are important for photosynthesis. They are also the source of nutrients.
Pruning is an age-old practice that has been used in the agricultural world for ages. There are several ways to prune your plant, but you should choose the one that is right for your marijuana.
Pesticides
When cannabis planting, avoid pesticides. They are not safe to use and can cause health problems.
While some marijuana growers will still use approved pesticides, others are choosing to use safer alternatives. These include permaculture techniques, organic growing methods and natural pesticides.
In addition to causing health problems, some pesticides are toxic to the environment. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of a pesticide, contact the WSDA Pesticide Compliance Program. The program will provide you with information on how to spray a product, and the best rate of application.
Although pesticides can be effective in controlling a variety of insects, they can also cause damage to the plant. Some are carcinogenic and have been linked to cancer.
If you’re considering spraying a pesticide, be sure to test a small patch of plants. Spray the product at the low rate recommended by the label. Wait three to five days to see if any damage occurs. Flag the plants as you spray.
Before using any pesticide, check to see if it has been approved for use in marijuana. There are a number of new pesticides that have been added to the WSDA list of allowable products.
Some of these have been designed for control of unwanted plants. Others are specifically for crop plants.
Some of these herbicides have been designed for ornamental plants. Many are also designed for soil applications. To improve their performance, some can be treated with adjuvants, including surfactants and spreader stickers.
The EPA has set the lowest toxicity threshold for pesticides. Despite this, there are still a variety of potential risks. It’s important to conduct research on the potential dangers of using these chemicals.
Locking and storing
If you are a legal cannabis user, you need to lock and store your weed in a safe place. This is just as important as storing other medications. It is essential to prevent theft and accidental ingestion, which could lead to addiction and even death.
A good storage solution should be air tight and jars are a popular choice. You can get a range of sizes and types, including transparent and opaque glass.
Another good option is a fireproof safe. These protect your investments, cash and cannabis. In addition, a strong, sturdy safe is not likely to be stolen from your home.
Stainless steel tubs are another popular option. They are very durable and can be locked with a plastic seal.
The right kind of glass can also keep your weed fresh. Opaque glass works best for storing buds exposed to light.
Glass and metal containers are good options for freezing cannabis. But keep in mind that these materials are not biodegradable.
Using a low-power LED light is a good idea, as the bulbs will be less likely to catch fire. You may want to consider using a humidifier pack to keep the moisture levels down.
If you use an odorless turkey bag, you should make sure the seal is tight. This will keep odors in and out. Also, be careful to avoid shaking the container, as this can cause the buds to crack.
For the best results, keep your plants in a cool, dry place. Temperatures should be below 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity should be below 65 percent.
Remember that the color of glass determines how much light and heat can penetrate. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right type.
