With the legalization of medical marijuana, and now recreational use of marijuana in several states, there is the opportunity for individuals not only to have access to cannabis but to potentially grow it in their own homes.
While there are some regulations and limitations on growing marijuana, every state does have the option for in-home cultivation.
However, many people don’t know their rights or think it’s difficult to grow. As a result, many people don’t take advantage of the opportunity.
But learning how to grow marijuana in your home does not have to be difficult.
Here’s the truth about growing your own marijuana and how to do it without any hassle or legal issues.
1. Choose Your Growing Method and Space
Before you start growing your own marijuana, you have to decide if you want to do an indoor or outdoor growing system.
If you’re thinking about growing indoors, it might be smart to consider deep water culture (DWC) as a method. This is where the roots of the plant will be fully submerged in water which can promote faster growth. You might also want to consider which space will be big enough to hold plants and equipment: tent, closet, cabinet, basement space, etc.
Although it might be tempting to want to start growing quite a few plants, keep in mind that the fewer plants you start with, the less upfront costs you’ll incur. Starting small will also give you the ability to make mistakes without incurring a large financial burden.
Other space considerations to keep in mind are accessibility, consistent temperatures, and humidity levels.
2. Be Clean and Remove Excess Light
After you choose your growing space it’s important to remember two crucial things to help plant growth: cleanliness and consistent light.
In terms of cleanliness, avoid fabrics and materials that are difficult to clean, such as wood or drapes. For light, not only do you need to invest in a lighting system that is efficient and consistent, but you’ll want to be sure that no other light is ‘leaking’ into your space. These light ‘leaks’ will confuse your plants and cause them to produce male flowers.
3. Choose Your Lighting and Fans
When you’re growing your own marijuana you’ll want to invest in a lighting system that works and is in the budget. Some lighting options are HID (High-Intensity Discharge), fluorescent, LED, or induction lights.
HID lights are the industry standard and produce very efficient light, but they tend to cost a bit more. Fluorescents are cheaper and better for smaller growing systems, but they are slightly less efficient. LEDs are top-tier, but cost far more than most.
And inductions are an older and less prevalent option, but they are very durable. What you choose is entirely up to your preference.
In terms of fans, you’ll want to guarantee that your plants are staying at a consistent temperature throughout the growing process, somewhere between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit, varying when your lights are on/off.
A best practice for determining what fan you’ll need is to turn on your lights and let the environment warm up. When you’ve reached a steady temperature, assess how much cooling you’ll need to stay within the ideal temperature range.
4. Monitor Your Equipment and Processes
One of the most important things for your plants is the light and dark cycle. Whether you’re using an automated system to turn off and on lights, fans, or set temperatures or you’re doing this yourself, you’ll want to make sure that lights are on 16-20 hours during plant growth and 12 hours during blooming.
5. Make Sure Your Plants Get the Right Nutrients
Producing high-quality cannabis flowers depends on what nutrients you’re giving them.
You’ll want to be sure that your plants get potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Secondary nutrients are calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron in smaller quantities. Getting the right ‘plant food’ is important, but you also want to make sure you’re not over-doing it. Nutrients are important, but you don’t want the plants to be oversaturated, either.
In terms of soil and water, getting something that’s mineral free is best.
Now You’re Ready to Start Growing Marijuana
The process of growing your own marijuana sounds difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you understand the basics of finding a good environment, getting the right lights and fans, and providing essential nutrients, you’re ready to go!
For more ideas on how to grow marijuana in your home, some of the best houseplants, and tips for plants in general click here.