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Here’s a guide on how to grow the best cannabis. You’ll need to know the right techniques and have the right tools to get started.
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Planting
The best time to plant your cannabis seeds is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. You will need to start them indoors if you live in an area with a short growing season. Give them plenty of light and water, and they should sprout within a few days.
Choose the right location
One of the most critical choices you’ll make when growing cannabis is deciding where to grow it. The best location for your garden will have several key characteristics.
First, it should have plenty of sunlight. Cannabis is a sun-loving plant, and it will need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow properly. If you can’t provide that much sun, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting.
Second, the location should have good ventilation. Cannabis plants give off a lot of heat and moisture when they grow, and they need a space with good airflow to stay healthy.
Third, the location should be secure. You don’t want your plants to be visible to passersby, and you also don’t want animals or children getting into them. A locked room or greenhouse is ideal.
Finally, the location should have easy access to water. Cannabis plants need a lot of water to grow, so you’ll need to be able to water them regularly without hassle.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your garden, you’re ready to start growing!
Prepare the soil
The best way to prepare the soil for cannabis is to use a soil mix. You can find these at most gardening stores. Make sure to get a mix that is specifically for cannabis, as other mixes might not be ideal for the plant.
Once you have your soil mix, you need to prepare it for planting. This includes mixing in some organic matter, such as compost or manure. This will help the soil hold moisture and nutrients, which is essential for healthy plants. You also need to make sure the pH of the soil is between 6 and 7. If it’s too high or low, the plants will not be able to absorb nutrients properly.
After the soil is prepared, you’re ready to plant!
Plant the seeds
Plant the seeds 0.5-1 inches (1.3-2.5 cm) deep in the soil, using twice as many seeds as you want plants. Space each seed 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) apart, in rows that are 18-24 inches (45.7-61 cm) apart if you’re growing several plants at once. If you have plenty of space and want to grow just a few plants, space them 6-8 inches (15.2-20.3 cm) apart in rows that are 30-36 inches (76.2-91.4 cm) apart[1].
Place the seeds in moistened soil, then tamp it down so the soil makes good contact with the seeds. You can soak your planting area overnight before planting to make sure the top layer of soil is moist[2].
Water the seedlings regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy[3]. Too much or too little water can both damage the delicate seedlings.
Growing
Growing your own cannabis can be a very rewarding experience. Not only will you have a never ending supply of your favorite herb, but you will also save a lot of money in the long run. Growing your own cannabis also allows you to control the quality of your product, as well as the THC content.
Water the plants
Cannabis plants love water, but they don’t like to stay wet. The best way to water your plants is to give them a good soaking, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can check the moisture level of the soil with your fingers. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, give it a few more days.
Over- watering is one of the most common problems growers face. If you water too often, the roots of your plants will start to rot. This can cause all sorts of problems, including nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth. If you think your plants are being over-watered, let the soil dry out completely and then check the roots. If they’re white and healthy, you’re doing great. If they’re brown or mushy, you need to cut back on the watering.
fertilize the plants
To ensure your cannabis plants have everything they need to grow big and strong, you should fertilize them regularly. While some growers opt for organic methods, such as using compost or worm castings, others prefer to use chemical fertilizers. No matter which method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and don’t over-fertilize, as this can damage your plants.
Prune the plants
As the plants grow, you will need to prune them. This is done to remove any dead leaves or branches, and to encourage the plant to grow in a certain way. When pruning, be sure to cut at a 45 degree angle so that the plant can heal properly.
Harvesting
The most important part of growing your own cannabis is the harvest. This is when you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But, if you don’t do it right, you could end up with a disappointing harvest. Let’s go over some of the things you need to do to ensure a successful harvest.
Cut the plants
Cannabis plants are ready for cutting when the flowers have matured and most of the pistils have turned from white to brown. One way to tell if your plant is ready is to look at the trichomes under a magnifying glass. If they’re mostly cloudy with a few amber ones mixed in, your plant is probably ready. Another way to tell is by the feel of the buds. If they’re springy when you squeeze them, they’re not quite ready yet. If they offer slight resistance and squish easily, they’re good to go.
When you’re ready to cut your plants, use sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife. Cut each branch about six inches below the main cola (the biggest bud). Be sure to handle your plants carefully so you don’t damage the buds.
Hang the plants
Once the plants have been cut down, it’s time to hang them upside down so that the air can circulate around them and dry them out. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the climate and temperature. Be sure to check on the plants regularly to make sure they are not drying out too quickly or too slowly. The ideal moisture content for cannabis is between 10-15%.
Dry the plants
Dry the plants in a dark room with good airflow. Do not put them in direct sunlight, as this will cause the THC to degrade. Hang them upside down by their stems, or lay them on racks. If you have a large number of plants, you may need to dry them in shifts. Check the plants daily, and remove any that are drying too slowly or starting to mould.