Recreational weed is currently legal in 18 states, plus the nation’s capital. Dozens of other states have legislation in process, with a good chance of success.
It’s a cannabis lover’s dream come true, especially if you’ve wanted to grow your own supply. Now, you, too, can legally grow weed.
Of course, we have to remind you to check your state’s policies to be sure you’re on the right side of the law. But when you’re ready to grow your own stash instead of heading to the dispensary all the time, this guide breaks down each step for you!
1. Make a Plan
When you picture your cannabis garden in your mind, how big is it? Does your budget match your grow space and the upkeep? What do you plan on doing with your yields when they’re ready?
Before you invest any time or money into your weed garden, you have to know the answers to these questions. Growing weed isn’t extremely difficult or costly, but, like any plant, it needs some help to get started.
You’ll need the right lighting and temperature control tools for the size of your grow space. You’ll have to invest in growing mediums, ventilation tools, and nutrients.
In short, you need a plan. Sketch out the size of the room or field you plan on using. Research how big the cannabis plant you plan on using gets, and figure out what size planter you’ll need to hold it. Then, divide the size of the room by the planter’s dimensions.
This way, you’ll know how much soil you have to have to start out and how many overhead lights to invest in. You can always start small and gradually add more as you learn what you’re doing.
2. Pick a Medium
What you give your weed to grow depends on the growing medium you chose. Each has its pros and cons, especially when it comes to harvesting cannabis.
Some of the most common mediums include:
- Soil, the most popular medium. Weed grows well in organic soil, whether it’s inside or outside. Find a composted soil that is already enriched with nutrients and use it.
- Soilless, a type of medium that acts like soil but uses other nutrients, in a hydroponic fashion. Perlite, vermiculite, and anything else that allows a plant to grow without soil are included here.
- Hydroponics, a method of growing plants directly in water. This type of medium yields some of the fastest and largest growth, so be cautious of how much room you have if you choose this medium.
Some growers use aeroponics, where the plant’s root is in the air and kept moist with misters. Others prefer aquaponics, but because of the fish and other variables, this is not the method of choice for growing cannabis.
Whichever medium you choose, match the nutrients and feeding schedule with it.
3. Learn How to Measure the pH Levels
This step is crucial. Without the right pH environment touching the roots, your cannabis isn’t going to get the nutrients it needs.
You don’t have to do this all the time. When you fill up your reservoir container with water, test it before pouring any into the plant.
Or, if you’re using bottled water (which can get pricey), choose a brand with the right pH. Don’t trust it at first. Measure a few random jugs or bottles and make sure it’s the same pH advertised.
When the pH level at a plant’s roots is too low or too high, the plant can’t absorb the nutrients the way it’s supposed to. You might not notice a problem until your weed is flowering. You’re excited to use the bud, and then suddenly, you see signs of nutrient damage.
This problem can be avoided completely if you get a pH test kit and learn how to monitor the water you use.
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4. Root Your Seeds
It’s time to germinate your seeds. At first, they’re going to need some help. Products like Rapid Rooters are designed exactly for germinating seeds. The little seedlings need to stay moist and warm, so keeping them in the Rapid Rooter and on a heat mat designed for them can help.
When you see the seedling grow out of the Rapid Rooter, plant the entire cube in your medium.
Now, they’re working toward the vegetative state, where they grow their first sets of leaves. From there, they’ll keep growing until they bud. If you want them to vegetate and get bigger, set the environment up to mimic longer days. If you’re ready for them to bud, mimic longer nights.
5. Have a Storage Solution
Your buds are popping, nutrient-enriched, and ready to go. What are you going to do with them?
You do have to harvest them before they’re wasted. Don’t do anything until you see that the buds aren’t growing any new white hairs. You’ll see that the bud is thick and full, and you should be able to smell it.
When a little over half of the white hairs have become dark and curly, it’s time to harvest to get the highest levels of THC. If you’d rather have a more relaxing effect with your cannabis, wait until most of the hairs are dark.
The methods you use to store the cannabis flowers makes a major difference in how long it lasts. Get your supplies ready before harvest time, so you can enjoy the rewards of your hard work without stressing the storage options.
Conclusion
More and more people are opting to grow their own weed, making it easy to get the supplies you need. It’s not hard, but it does take preparation and TLC. These steps will get you started!
