Contents
Check out this guide on how to grow cannabis for beginners. Everything you need to know about growing weed, from the best strains to the best soil, is covered in this guide.
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Introduction
Cannabis is a versatile plant that can be grown for a variety of purposes, including medical and recreational use. Growing your own cannabis can be a rewarding experience, and it’s also a great way to save money. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about how to grow cannabis.
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is an annual, dioecious, flowering herb. The leaves are palmately compound or digitate, with serrate leaflets. The first pair of leaves usually have a single leaflet, the number gradually increasing up to a maximum of about thirteen leaflets per leaf (usually seven or nine), depending on variety and growing conditions. At the top of a main stem, cannabis branches into two distal types: allogens and autogens. It is dioecious, meaning it can be separated into male and female plants. The flowers are produced in panicles at the apices of stems; they may be bisexual or unisexual (that is, not hermaphroditic). Unisexual flowers contain both stamens (functional males) and carpels (functional females). Pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the male organ or stamen to the female organ or pistil.
Cannabis grows as an annual plant. In typical growing conditions, it reaches a height of 2–3 m (6 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in). When grown indoors under artificial light with additional CO2 , heights much greater than 3 m (9 ft 10 in) are achievable.
The benefits of growing cannabis
Cannabis has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the potential benefits of cannabis, especially as it relates to health and wellness.
There are many reasons why people choose to grow cannabis. For some, it is a way to save money on their medication. Others find that growing their own provides them with a higher quality product. And, for some, it is simply a hobby that they enjoy.
No matter what your reason for growing cannabis, there are many benefits to be had. Here are just a few of the potential benefits of growing your own cannabis:
You have complete control over the grow operation. This means you can control the environment, the nutrients, and the care that your plants receive. This allows you to create a high-quality product that is tailored to your specific needs.
You can save money by growing your own cannabis. Depending on where you live and the type of product you want, buying cannabis can be expensive. By growing your own, you can cut down on costs and keep more money in your pocket.
Growing cannabis can be a fun and rewarding hobby. If you enjoy working with plants and spending time outdoors, then growing cannabis may be right up your alley. Not only will you get to watch your plants grow, but you’ll also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor when you harvest your crop!
The basics of growing cannabis
Growing cannabis is a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some basic knowledge and understanding of the plant. This guide will teach you the basics of growing cannabis , from choosing the right strain to planting and harvesting your crop.
Soil
Soil is a natural medium that contains all the essential nutrients needed for plant growth. Cannabis plants can be grown in a variety of soil types, but some are better than others. The best soil for growing cannabis is a rich, loamy soil that is well-drained and high in organic matter.
Cannabis plants need a lot of nutrients to grow, so it is important to use a quality soil mix. There are many commercially available soil mixes that are suitable for growing cannabis. You can also make your own mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, compost, and perlite.
Once you have chosen a soil mix, it is important to prepare it properly before planting your cannabis seeds. The best way to do this is to mix the soil with some water and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the soil to absorb the water and expand, making it easier for your roots to spread out and take hold.
Light
Light is one of the most important factors to consider when growing cannabis. The type of light, intensity and duration all play a role in the final product. Cannabis needs full spectrum light for vegetative growth and flowering. During the vegetative stage, 18-24 hours of light per day is ideal. During the flowering stage, 12 hours of light per day is best.
To get started, you will need to purchase a grow light. There are many types and sizes of grow lights available on the market, so it is important to do your research and find the right one for your setup. Once you have your grow light, you will need to set it up in a way that allows it to evenly distribute light to your plants.
Cannabis plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day if they are grown outdoors. If you are growing cannabis indoors, you will need to provide artificial lighting for your plants using a grow light.
Grow lights come in many different shapes, sizes and intensities. The most common type of grow light is a fluorescent tube light. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and come in different sizes (T5, T8, T12) and intensities (high output (HO), very high output (VHO)). Another type of grow light that is becoming more popular among growers is LED lights. These are more expensive than fluorescent lights but use less electricity and last longer.
Once you have your grow light set up, you will need to provide a source of nutrients for your plants. Cannabis plants can be grown in soil or in hydroponic systems without soil. Soil is the easiest method for beginners as it requires less equipment and setup than hydroponics. Hydroponic systems can be more difficult to set up but often result in higher yields because the roots have direct access to water and nutrients. Hydroponic systems can also be automated with timers and controllers to make things easier for the grower.
Cannabis plants need different nutrients at different stages of their life cycle. During the vegetative stage, they need high levels of nitrogen to promote leaf growth. During the flowering stage, they need less nitrogen and more phosphorus to promote bud development. Nutrient levels can be controlled using commercial fertilizers or by adding amendments to the soil such as bone meal or blood meal before planting.
Once your plants have started to grow, they will need to be watered regularly. How often you water your plants will depend on the type of soil you are using as well as the climate conditions where you live (humidity levels). In general, cannabis plants should be watered when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch
Water
One of the most important things to consider when growing cannabis is water. Your plants will need a lot of water, especially during the hot summer months. You should water your plants at least once a week, and more often if possible. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may need to water your plants twice a week or even more.
It’s important to make sure that your plants have enough water, but it’s also important not to overwater them. Overwatering can cause your plants to become stressed and can lead to problems such as root rot. If you think your plant might be overwatered, check the soil around the plant. If it is wet or mushy, it is probably getting too much water.
To water your cannabis plants, you can use a watering can or a hose with a sprinkler attachment. Make sure that the water is coming out in a light shower rather than a heavy stream, and aim the water at the base of the plant rather than directly onto the leaves. After watering, give the plant time to drain before putting it back into its grow space.
Temperature
Cannabis plants are photosensitive, meaning that they respond to changes in the amount of light they receive. The most important factor for cannabis growth is temperature. Cannabis plants grow best between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees or rises above 95 degrees, growth will slow down. In extreme conditions, plants may die.
Air
Cannabis plants need a lot of fresh air. A cannabis grow room should have at least one air exchange per hour. That means all the air in the room should be replaced with fresh air from outside once every hour. To get an idea of how much air that is, one cubic foot of air (12″x12″x12″) weighs about 0.075 pounds. So, if your grow room is 10’x10’x8′ (800 cubic feet), you’ll need to add 60 pounds (800*0.075) of fresh air to the room every hour. To do that, you’ll need a fan that can move at least 60 cubic feet per minute (cfm).
Nutrients
In order to have healthy plants, you must give them the proper nutrition. Plants need Macronutrients which are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). They also need secondary nutrients which are Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S). Micronutrients, which are needed in smaller quantities, are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl).
Fertilizers
Fertilizers are a necessary part of growing cannabis – they help ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need to grow strong and produce plenty of buds. But with so many different products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your plants.
Here is a quick rundown of the three main types of fertilizer:
1. Synthetic: This type of fertilizer is made from chemical compounds and is often used by commercial growers. While it is very effective, it can also be damaging to the environment if not used properly.
2. Organic: This type of fertilizer is made from natural materials such as compost or manure. It is a much safer option for both you and the environment, but it can be more expensive.
3. Green manure: Green manure is a type of organic fertilizer that is made by planting and then plowing under green plants such as alfalfa or clover. This adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil, which can be very beneficial for your cannabis plants.
Compost
Compost, otherwise known as organic matter or “humus,” is a key ingredient in any good cannabis grow operation. It’s essential for healthy root growth, and it helps hold water and nutrients in the soil where your plants can access them. Without compost, your plants will be stunted and unhealthy.
There are many different ways to make compost, but the basic ingredients are always the same: carbon-rich materials (like dead leaves or wood chips) and nitrogen-rich materials (like manure or green plant matter). These two ingredients are combined and allowed to decompose into a rich, dark substance that is full of nutrients.
To make your own compost, you can either buy a commercial compost bin or build one yourself. Building your own is cheaper, but it takes longer for the compost to mature. Whichever method you choose, be sure to turn the pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
Once your compost is ready, you can mix it into your soil at a ratio of about 1 part compost to 3 parts soil. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive!
Pruning
Pruning your cannabis plants is a process of carefully removing certain parts of the plant to encourage new growth and to improve the overall quality of your crop. When done correctly, pruning can result in larger, healthier plants with more buds.
Topping
One of the most common and effective ways to shape a cannabis plant is called topping. Topping involves snipping off the very tip of the central stem, which forces the plant to grow laterally (out to the sides) rather than vertically. This adds more potential sites for flowering and ultimately increases your harvest.
Topping can be done at any time during vegetative growth, but it’s generally best to wait until the plant has 4-6 leaves on each branch (we’ll go over this more later). When done properly, topping doesn’t damage the plant or slow down growth; in fact, many growers believe that it actually makes plants healthier and heartier overall.
Here are some general guidelines for topping your cannabis plants:
Using sharp scissors or pruning shears, snip off the very tip of the main stem, about ½-1” above a set of leaves.
You can top multiple times if you want, but make sure to wait at least 2 weeks in between topping sessions.
You can also top individual branches instead of the whole plant; this is called “branching.”
Be sure not to remove more than 30-40% of the total foliage when topping or branch-topping; if you remove too much, the plant will have a hard time recovering and might even die.
Fimming
Fimming, or “FIMing,” is a cannabis pruning technique that involves pinching or cutting off the very tips of new growth. This forces the plant to grow outwards rather than upwards, resulting in a bushier, fuller plant. Fimming is typically done early on in the vegetative stage (before flowering begins), although it can be done at any time during the plant’s life cycle.
There are a few different ways to FIM a cannabis plant:
Topping: This involves cutting off the very top of the main stem, just above a set of leaves. When done correctly, topping will result in two new main colas (or “tops”) forming just below the cut.
Pinching: Rather than cutting off the entire top of the stem, you can simply pinch it between your fingers, which will have a similar effect of forcing the plant to grow outwards. Pinching is often considered to be a gentler way of FIMing since it doesn’t involve removing any actual plant material.
defoliation: This involves removing leaves from the lower parts of the plant, which can also help to encourage outward growth. Defoliation is typically only done during the vegetative stage and should be done carefully so as not to damage the plant.
LST’ing
LST stands for low stress training and is a type of pruning that involves manipulating the plant to grow in a certain way. This can be done by bending the branches or using a support system. LST can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants.
To LST, you will need to bend the main stem of the plant down so it is at a 45-degree angle. You can do this by hand or use a support system like a trellis. Once the main stem is bent, you will need to tie it down so it stays in place. You can use any type of material for this, but zip ties work well.
Once the main stem is bent, you will need to start bending the side branches so they are also at a 45-degree angle. You will need to tie these down as well. Continue doing this until all of the branches are bent.
LST can increase yields by up to 20% because it increases the amount of light that each branch receives. It also makes it easier to control the shape of the plant.
Harvesting
Now that your cannabis plants have finished flowering, it’s time to harvest the buds. This is when all your hard work finally pays off! You’ll need to be patient though, as harvesting too early or too late can drastically affect the quality of your buds. In this article, we’ll show you how to harvest your cannabis plants so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labour!
When to harvest
The most important aspect of harvesting your cannabis plant is timing. Knowing when to harvest your plant will mean the difference between mediocre weed and some of the best weed you’ve ever smoked, so it’s important to get it right.
The general rule of thumb is to harvest when around 60-70% of the trichomes on your buds are milky white. If you wait too long, the trichomes will turn amber and your bud will become less potent. If you harvest too early, your bud won’t be as potent as it could be.
How do you know when your trichomes have reached the right color? The best way to tell is to use a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope. This will allow you to take a close look at your buds and see what color the trichomes are.
You can also harvest based on the feel of your buds. When they are ready, they will be fragile and easily crumble when touched.
Once you’ve determined that it’s time to harvest, there are a few things you need to do to get ready. First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You will need a sharp knife or pair of scissors, as well as some sort of drying rack or hanger. You will also need some space set up in a cool, dark area where you can hang your buds to dry.
Drying
After you’ve cut down your cannabis plants, it’s time to dry the buds. Depending on the size of your harvest, this can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Drying is an important step in the harvesting process because it helps to preserve the potency of your buds. If you dry them too quickly, however, you risk losing some of that potency. Too slow, and your buds could start to mold or rot.
The ideal temperature for drying cannabis buds is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You also want to make sure that the room is well-ventilated and has plenty of airflow. A fan can help with this.
Hang your buds upside down by their stems in a cool, dark place. Check on them daily, and give them a gentle shake if they seem to be drying too slowly. Once they’re dry to the touch (but not crumbly), they’re ready to be trimmed and cured.
Curing
After your buds have been carefully trimmed, it’s time to start the curing process. Curing is essentially a slow-drying process that allows the chlorophyll in the plant to break down, and for the water content in the buds to reach an equilibrium with the atmospheric humidity. This results in smoother, more potent, and better-tasting cannabis.
There are a few different ways to cure your cannabis, but the most important thing is to do it slowly and patiently. The ideal curing environment is one that is cool (60-70°F), dark, and has good air circulation. A garage or basement is usually perfect for curing cannabis.
To cure your buds, you will need:
-A glass jar with an airtight lid (Mason jars work great)
-Freshly trimmed cannabis buds
-A hygrometer (optional)
Curing cannabis is a simple process: just put your trimmed buds in a jar and check on them every day or so to make sure they’re drying evenly. You can optionally add a hygrometer to the jar to help monitor the relative humidity (rH) levels inside. Shoot for an rH of around 60-65%.
As your buds cure, they will gradually become drier, more fragrant, and more potent. After about 2-4 weeks of curing, your cannabis will be ready to enjoy!
