Growing marijuana is not an easy job. If you are thinking of planting your weed, here’s a quick guide on how to grow marijuana successfully. This article will cover the basics and may help get you started. Read more for tips about medical cannabis strains.
The Basics
Before we get into specific techniques, let’s talk about general plant care. Two main things need to happen every day: water and fertilization. Watering is essential because it helps keep plants healthy and provides much-needed nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.
Without proper watering, plants can quickly die from nutrition or dehydration. It also helps regulate temperature, which is essential during hot summer months. Fertilizer is another crucial element in maintaining good health.
While some people use regular household fertilizer (like Miracle Grow), others prefer organic alternatives such as fish emulsion. The choice depends mainly on where you live.
Watering Your Plants
While most plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, they don’t all thrive equally well when exposed to light. Therefore, if you want to ensure maximum growth with minimum effort, choose the correct location. For example, a south-facing window works best. It should have ample sunlight but shouldn’t receive direct sun.
Suppose you plan to buy starter plants and select varieties that do well indoors. Some popular ones include Blueberry and White Widow.
Once you’ve chosen your seedlings, place them near a sunny window or somewhere that gets adequate indirect sunlight. Make sure there isn’t anything behind the pots obstructing the light source. After a few weeks, move the plants out of their containers and onto soil or another medium.
Tip: When moving your plants, keep the root ball intact. That way, you won’t lose any roots. Also, be careful not to damage new leaves.
Fertilizing Your Garden
Although each plant needs different nutrients, generally speaking, plants grown outside receive sufficient nutrients through rainwater, while those produced inside usually rely on artificial means. However, this is only true to a certain extent.
Sometimes plants can suffer due to overfertilization. But on the other hand, too few nutrients can result in poor growth. So it’s recommended to follow these guidelines.
For best results, apply a balanced fertilizer once per week. Usually, 1 pound per 100 square feet is enough. Be cautious when using slow-release fertilizers since they can burn the foliage of young plants.
In addition, avoid over-application of fertilizer since it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and even death in extreme cases.
Make sure to mix the fertilizer into the soil before applying it thoroughly.
Some gardeners recommend adding a half cup of vinegar to their plants’ water supply every month to help deter slugs and snails. They say it does wonders! However, I haven’t tried it, so I can’t vouch for its effectiveness.
Other Tips And Tricks You May Want To Know About
There are many other tricks and secrets that experienced growers share. Here are a couple of hints.
Avoid overwatering since too much moisture can cause molding problems. Instead, try to maintain just the right amount of water.
Don’t forget to give your plants a drink! During the hottest part of the day, especially after watering, wait at least 2 hours before giving them more. Otherwise, they could become dehydrated. If possible, replace lost fluids with drinking water instead.
Consider using a small fan to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Humidity levels higher than 50% can encourage mold and mildew.
Keep the pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. A slightly acidic environment prevents algae growth.
Tip: Gently remove the old potting mixture when transplanting your plants from one container to another. Don’t pull hard; otherwise, you might damage the delicate root system.
Never repot a plant without cutting off the excess top growth.
Be careful not to disturb the plant’s natural balance.
You may notice that your plants seem weak. If you see yellowish stems, you’re probably suffering from nutrient deficiency. In this case, add a teaspoonful of liquid manure or composted cow manure.
Remember to cut no closer than 3 inches away from the stem when pruning. Cutting close to the stem can weaken it and create disease spots.
Cloning Techniques
The cloning technique is a simple method used to produce identical offspring. Clones are created by dividing tissue culture repeatedly until desired numbers are reached. Although it takes time, cloning allows for genetic manipulation. With cloning techniques, you can create unique hybrid strains.
This process involves first making a cross between two parent plants. Then, buds are taken from the mother plant and planted back into the original mother. These budding processes repeat themselves until you obtain what’s known as “nodes.” Nodes contain cells that divide into new plants.
To clone, find a healthy bud and remove a portion of the leaf around the node. Next, insert the end of a clean scalpel blade under the node and gently push it down. Once the tip breaks the surface of the bark, continue pushing downward slowly and steadily.
If done correctly, a callus should form around the node. Remove the callus and remove fresh bark from the host tree. Insert the callus between the bark and the wood. Replace the removed leaf above the node and wrap the area loosely with tape. Keep the tree moist and away from direct sunlight. Within a short period, buds will develop on the nodes.
Culture the clones in jars filled with peat moss, sand, and vermiculite. Feed the plants with a diluted solution of kelp meal. As the clones mature, the amount of space between the branches gradually increases.
Note: Do not attempt to transplant clones directly into your garden. Instead, store them in plastic bags and leave them in a shaded spot for a few days until they acclimate to outdoor conditions.
Medical Cannabis Strain Guide
Cannabis Sativa – Used primarily for recreational purposes. Popular among patients who are looking to relax and enjoy a pleasant high.
Cannabis Indica – Mainly used for medicinal purposes; this type produces more potent effects and is preferred for pain relief.
Hybrid Medicinal Strains – Hybridized versions of both C. Sativa and C. Indica; these hybrids tend to be less potent than either parent strain. But because of their adaptability and tolerance to harsh climates, they are often preferred by patients who need something between the two.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor? Which Is Best?
Marijuana grows easier outdoors than indoors. Why? Well, simply put, sunlight is free. And contrary to indoor lighting systems, full-spectrum sunlight is ideal.
Also, the plants can be harvested whenever they reach maturity. On the other hand, indoor cultivation requires electricity and energy costs. Furthermore, indoor plants are susceptible to pests and diseases.
However, most modern hydroponic systems allow users to cultivate marijuana indoors. Hydroponics automatically uses pumps and pipes to circulate water and nutrients throughout the plants.
Other Tips And Tricks You May Want To Know About
Use a deep tray with lots of holes. This keeps the soil loose while allowing oxygen to pass freely. Here are a few additional tips.
Most importantly, never harvest your crop yourself. Always consult a doctor or a licensed technician. It’s illegal to distribute or consume unlicensed medicine. Besides, you’ll save money in the long run.
Always pick your buds at the peak of their maturation stage. Harvest early to prevent loss of THC content.
Finally, always respect local personal possession, consumption, and distribution laws.
One last word of advice: if growing marijuana makes you uncomfortable, perhaps you’d better stick to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. No matter how addictive it may be, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug by the US government. It’s considered highly dangerous and harmful to human beings. Happy gardening! Have fun growing your marijuana! Remember, knowledge is power.
