Learn how to grow your own cannabis at home with this easy guide. You will need to purchase some supplies and have a little bit of space to get started.
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The Basics of Growing Cannabis
So, you want to grow your own cannabis? Whether you want to grow for personal use or you’re planning to start a commercial operation, there are a few basics you need to know. In this section, we’ll cover the essential information you need to get started growing cannabis.
The difference between indica and sativa
When it comes to choosing a cannabis strain, there are two main options: indica and sativa. Both have their own unique set of effects and benefits, so it’s important to know the difference before you make a decision.
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them perfect for those who need relief from pain or stress. They also tend to have a higher THC content than sativa strains, so they can be more potent. Indica plants are shorter and bushier than sativas, with wider leaves.
Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects. They’re often used to combat fatigue or depression, and can give you a boost of energy. Sativas tend to have a lower THC content than indicas, so they may not be as potent. Sativa plants are taller and thinner than indicas, with narrower leaves.
To sum it up, indicas are good for relaxation while sativas are good for energy. It’s important to keep in mind that these are generalizations – there are always exceptions to the rule! – but they can be helpful when you’re trying to choose a strain.
The difference between autoflowers and photoperiod plants
There are two main types of cannabis plants: autoflowers and photoperiod plants. Autoflowers are a type of cannabis plant that flowers automatically, regardless of the light cycle. This means that they can be grown indoors or outdoors, and don’t need to be timed with the seasons like photoperiod plants. Photoperiod plants, on the other hand, only flower when they receive less than 12 hours of light per day (usually in late summer/early fall), so they must be grown outdoors or under special lighting conditions indoors.
The difference between feminized and regular seeds
When it comes to growing your own cannabis, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what type of seeds to buy — feminized or regular?
Feminized seeds are guaranteed to grow into female plants, which is important because only female plants produce the buds that contain high levels of THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis). Regular seeds can grow into either male or female plants, so there’s no way to predict what ratio of each you’ll end up with.
Some growers prefer to start with regular seeds because they believe it produces stronger and more resilient plants. However, if you want to ensure that all of your plants are female (and avoid the hassle of having to sex them), feminized seeds are the way to go.
Getting Started
Growing your own cannabis is a great way to get high-quality marijuana without having to worry about where it came from or what pesticides were used on it. It’s also a fun and rewarding hobby that can yield some great results. But before you start growing, there are a few things you need to know. This section will cover the basics of getting started with growing your own cannabis.
Choose the right strain
Cannabis comes in many different strains, each with its own set of effects. To choose the right one for you, start by considering what you’re looking to get out of your experience. Do you want something that will help you relax? Energize you? Help you focus?
Once you know what effect you’re going for, do some research on which strains are most likely to give you that result. Be sure to ask your dispensary staff for advice—they can help point you in the right direction.
When you’ve found a strain that sounds like it will work for you, take some time to read up on it. Learn about its history, how it’s grown, and what others have said about it. The more informed you are, the better your experience will be.
Choose the right grow method
There are many ways to grow cannabis, but some methods are better suited for beginners than others. The three most common methods are growing cannabis in soil, in hydroponic systems, and in coco coir.
Soil is the simplest method and often the most forgiving, making it a good choice for beginners. Hydroponic systems can be more complex and require more attention, but they can also lead to faster growth and bigger yields. Coco coir is a newer growing medium that falls somewhere in between soil and hydroponics in terms of difficulty.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to start with high-quality materials and follow all instructions carefully. With a little patience and care, you can grow your own beautiful cannabis plants at home.
Choose the right grow medium
One of the most important choices you will make when growing cannabis is what type of grow medium to use. Your grow medium is where your cannabis plants will get most of their nutrients, so it’s important to choose one that is suited to your plant’s needs.
There are a few different types of grow mediums you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common grow mediums for cannabis are soil, coco coir, and hydro.
Soil is the simplest and most forgiving grow medium, making it a good choice for beginners. It is also relatively cheap and easy to find. Coco coir is made from coconut fibers and is similar to soil in its structure and nutrients, but it holds more water, which can be helpful in humid climates. Hydro refers to any grow medium that uses water instead of soil, such as hydroponics or aeroponics. Hydro systems can be more complicated and expensive than other systems, but they often produce higher yields.
No matter which grow medium you choose, make sure you buy quality products from a reputable source. Cheap or low-quality soil, coco coir, or other products can contain harmful chemicals or pests that will damage your plants.
The Planting Process
The most important part of growing your own cannabis is the planting process. You need to make sure that you plant the seeds correctly so that they will germinate and grow into healthy plants. There are a few things that you need to do in order to ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong.
Seed germination
The first step in growing your own cannabis is to germinate the seeds. This can be done by placing them in moist media such as coco coir, soil, or Rockwool and keeping them in a warm and humid environment. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into pots filled with a quality potting mix. Be sure to water them regularly and provide adequate ventilation and lighting. After a few weeks, your plants should be ready to harvest!
Transplanting
After your cannabis seeds have germinated and produced seedlings with at least 2-3 sets of leaves, it’s time to transplant them into larger pots. If you planted your seeds directly into the soil, you can skip this step and go straight to planting outdoors.
Before you transplant, make sure to harden off your seedlings. This means slowly acclimating them to life outside of their cozy germination chamber over the course of 10-14 days. Start by putting them outside in a shady spot for a few hours each day, then gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors and in direct sunlight.
When you’re ready to transplant, fill your larger pots with a high-quality potting mix or compacted garden soil. Gently loosen the roots of each seedling with your fingers and plant them at the same depth they were previously growing. Water well and keep an eye on your seedlings over the next week or so – they may wilt a bit as they adjust to their new homes.
The vegetative stage
The vegetative stage of cannabis growth is when the plant develops its above-ground structure – the leaves, stems, and branches. In this stage, cannabis plants grow rapidly with long internodes (the distance between leaves on the stem). Short daylengths (12 hours or less of light per 24-hour period) encourage vegetative growth, while long days (14 hours or more of light per 24-hour period) induce flowering.
During the vegetative stage, you should water your plants often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The size of your pot will determine how frequently you need to water; larger pots will need less frequent watering than smaller pots. Be sure to check the soil regularly and water when necessary.
Fertilizer should also be applied during the vegetative stage, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can damage your plants. Start with a basic fertilizer regime and increase the amount of fertilizer you use as your plants grow.
As your plants grow taller, you may need to provide some type of support for them. Stakes or tomato cages work well for supporting taller plants.
The vegetative stage lasts for as long as you want it to; most growers keep their plants in this stage for 4-8 weeks before inducing flowering. Once your plants have reached the desired size, shape, and density, you can begin flowering by lengthening the dark period each day until your plants are receiving 12 hours or less of light per 24-hour period.
The Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is when your cannabis plant grows its flowers. This is the final stage of growth before the plant is ready to harvest. During the flowering stage, you will need to provide your plant with extra nutrients and light. You will also need to monitor the plant closely to make sure it is healthy and not being affected by pests or diseases.
The flowering stage
Cannabis plants go through four main stages of growth: germination, vegetative, flowering, and harvesting. The time it takes to go from seed to harvest will vary depending on the strain you are growing.
The flowering stage is when the plant begins to produce flowers. The amount of time it takes for a plant to flower will depend on the strain, with some taking as little as 6 weeks and others taking up to 16 weeks.
In the vegetative stage, the plant is focused on growing leaves and stems. Once the plant enters the flowering stage, it will begin to produce buds.
You will know that your plant is entering the flowering stage when you see pistils (the tiny hairs) starting to grow on the buds. The pistils will turn red or brown as the flowers mature.
Harvesting
The current thinking is that cannabis plants have evolved to flower based on the amount of light they receive each day, or more specifically, the amount of time they are exposed to complete darkness each day (a period known as night time or nycthemeral dark period).
In nature, the days get shorter as autumn approaches. The shorter days and longer nights signal to the cannabis plant that winter is coming and that it’s time to mature and produce seeds so the species can continue.
For indoor growers, this process is mimicked by reducing the amount of light exposure the plant gets each day, until it’s getting 12 hours of complete darkness and 12 hours of light – which tricks the plant into thinking winter is coming. Some growers will then expose their plants to 24 hours of light for a week or so, before reverting back to a 12/12 schedule to induce flowering.
As the plant enters the flowering stage, you may see pistils (hairs) growing from the buds and sugar leaves. The stalk will thicken and become woodier as well. Let your plants grow until about 70-80% of the pistils have turned brown.
Drying and curing
Now that your cannabis plants have been harvested, it’s time to begin the drying and curing process. This is a crucial step in preserving the quality and potency of your buds, so be sure to take your time and do it right.
The ideal drying environment is a dark room with good airflow and moderate humidity. You’ll want to hang your freshly cut branches upside down by their stems, using zip ties or thin wire to secure them in place. Space the branches out so that they’re not touching each other, and make sure there’s enough room for air to circulate around them.
Allow the plants to dry for about a week, checking on them daily to make sure everything is going smoothly. The buds should be dry to the touch but still slightly sticky. Once they’re at this point, you can begin trimming away the large fan leaves. Be careful not to damage the smaller buds still on the stems.
After trimming, it’s time to start curing your cannabis. This can be done by placing the trimmed buds in airtight glass jars or containers, then storing them in a cool dark place for at least two weeks. During this time, “burp” the jars daily by opening them up for a few minutes to let fresh air in and prevent mold from growing. After two weeks of curing, your cannabis will be ready to enjoy!
