Cannabis Cultivation Guide

Cannabis Cultivation Guide

GrōHaus carries everything for an indoor cannabis grow — from first seedling to final trim. This guide walks through the gear categories and how they fit together, whether you're running a 2×2 tent or a full room.

What You Need to Grow Cannabis Indoors

Grow Lights

LED grow lights are the standard for modern indoor cannabis. Look for full-spectrum fixtures with high PPFD output and thermal management. HID (HPS/MH) remains popular for large canopies. CMH/LEC offers full-spectrum efficiency between LED and HID.

Grow Tents & Structures

Grow tents create a controlled environment with reflective walls and integrated ventilation ports. Choose a size that fits your space and light footprint.

Climate & Environment

Cannabis thrives in specific temperature and humidity ranges at each growth stage. Proper airflow and CO2 management are critical for dense, healthy buds.

Nutrients & Additives

Cannabis has different nutrient requirements in veg and flower. A base three-part system plus Cal-Mag covers most grows. Organic options available for soil grows.

Hydroponics

Hydroponic systems deliver nutrients directly to roots, resulting in faster growth and larger yields compared to soil. DWC, RDWC, and NFT are popular for cannabis.

Propagation & Cloning

Preserve genetics and start fresh plants from cuttings. Aeroponic cloning machines, rooting gels, and propagation trays are all available.

Harvest & Processing

Trimming machines, drying racks, curing containers, and extraction equipment for post-harvest processing.

Meters & Testing

pH and EC meters are essential for hydroponic and soil grows. PAR/PPFD meters help dial in light intensity.

Beginner vs. Advanced Setups

Beginner: 2×2 or 3×3 Tent Setup

Start with a complete grow tent kit that includes a tent, LED, and inline fan. Add a pH meter, nutrients, and soil or coco. Expected investment: $400–$800 for a functional setup.

Advanced: 4×4 to 8×4 with Full Environmental Control

Dedicated grow light matched to canopy size, VPD-controlled environment, CO2 injection, RDWC or coco/drain-to-waste, automated dosing. Requires more monitoring but maximizes yields.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does cannabis need?

During veg, cannabis thrives on 18 hours of light per day. During flower, switch to 12/12. PPFD targets: 400–600 µmol/m²/s for veg, 800–1200+ for flower in a CO2-enriched environment.

What's the best grow medium for beginners?

A quality potting mix like Fox Farm Ocean Forest or similar buffered soil is the most forgiving for new growers. Coco coir offers faster growth but requires closer attention to nutrients and pH.

What pH should my water/nutrient solution be?

Soil: 6.0–7.0 pH. Coco/hydro: 5.5–6.2 pH. Use a digital pH meter and calibrate regularly. pH drift is one of the most common causes of nutrient lockout.

How do I control odor?

A properly sized carbon filter paired with an inline fan running at slightly negative pressure (pulling air through the filter before exhausting) is the most reliable solution. Size the filter to the CFM of your fan.

When should I harvest?

The most reliable method is checking trichomes under magnification. Clear trichomes = too early. Milky white = peak THC. Amber = degrading THC, more sedative effect. Most cultivars are ready 8–12 weeks into flower. Use a jeweler's loupe or digital microscope for accurate assessment.