Growing Cannabis at Home
If you're like most first-time growers, you may identify with all of the above. Luckily, you've come to the right place! In the GrōHaus Learning Center we break it down and make it simple. In this section, you'll find answers to the most common questions new growers have as well a list of the supplies you'll need, grow cycle timeframes, and more. For more detailed breakdowns in specific categories, you can find more in our Cannabis Grow Learning Center Hub.
With GrōHaus, your dreams of growing your own cannabis at home can finally become a reality. We're here for you every step of the way - from seed to harvest and beyond!
Growing cannabis at home offers several benefits:
Quality Control: You have full control over the growing conditions, ensuring the plant receives optimal nutrients, light, and care, which can result in higher quality cannabis. You also have complete control over the fertilizers and pesticides that are used on your crop, eliminating the worry of being exposed to commercial greenhouse chemicals.
Cost Savings: While initial setup costs can vary, growing cannabis at home can save money in the long run compared to purchasing from dispensaries, especially if you consume it regularly. A simple outdoor setup can be done for as little as $75 and can produce a lot of cannabis flower over the course of a season. Even an indoor setup for a few hundred dollars can end up saving you thousands a year vs buying flower from a dispensary.
Variety: You can choose from a wide range of cannabis strains to grow, tailoring your selection to suit your preferences for flavor, potency, and effects.
Convenience: Having cannabis plants at home provides easy access, reducing the need to visit dispensaries or rely on external sources.
Learning Experience: It can be a rewarding hobby that allows you to learn about plant cultivation, gardening techniques, and the cannabis plant itself.
Safety and Security: Growing at home can provide a discreet and secure way to obtain cannabis, particularly in areas where its use may not be widely accepted or legal.
Privacy: Home cultivation offers privacy for individuals who prefer not to have their identification scanned into databases at dispensaries, ensuring a discreet method of obtaining cannabis.
Personalized Use: You can harvest and use your cannabis according to your own schedule and needs, ensuring freshness and potency.
Environmental Impact: By growing your own cannabis, you can minimize the environmental impact associated with large-scale cultivation and transportation.
Overall, home cultivation offers not just the practical benefits of cost savings and quality control, but also the satisfaction of nurturing your own plants and enjoying a personalized cannabis experience.
If you want to start small, we recommend the Mars Hydro TS600 2'x2' Tent Kit. This kit will have just about everything you need to grow whatever you wish! Just provide soil, seeds, and access to electricity & water, and you will be growing in no time!
Growing your own cannabis can lead to significant cost savings over time. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings.
Initial Investment: Setting up a basic indoor or outdoor grow setup requires an initial investment in equipment such as grow lights, tents, pots, soil, nutrients, and seeds or clones. This initial cost can vary widely depending on your setup. The average beginner tent kits can start as low as $254.95.
Long-Term Savings: Despite the initial investment, growing your own cannabis can save money in the long run, especially if you consume it regularly. The cost of purchasing cannabis from dispensaries or dealers can add up quickly, whereas growing your own allows you to produce your supply at a fraction of the retail cost.
Cost Per Gram: On average, the cost per gram of cannabis purchased from dispensaries can range from $10 to $20 or more, depending on quality and location. By contrast, the cost per gram of homegrown cannabis can be significantly lower, often averaging between $1 to $5 per gram when factoring in all expenses. The average cost to produce a pound of premium medical grade cannabis flower is right around $475 which would last the average user a year or more!
Economies of Scale: As you gain experience and expand your grow operation (if desired), economies of scale can further reduce the cost per gram. Larger harvests from more plants can spread out initial costs over more yield, making each gram even more cost-effective.
Quality Control: Growing your own cannabis allows you to control the quality of the product. You can grow premium strains with optimal nutrients and care, potentially producing higher-quality cannabis than what is available commercially at a similar or lower cost.
Personalized Use: Home cultivation allows you to grow strains that cater to your specific preferences for flavor, potency, and effects, further enhancing the value and satisfaction of your cannabis experience.
Overall, while the upfront costs of setting up a grow space can vary, the potential for long-term savings by growing your own cannabis is substantial. It provides not only financial benefits but also the satisfaction of cultivating your own supply and enjoying a personalized cannabis experience.
Growing cannabis at home can be a rewarding experience that requires some initial preparation and ongoing attention. Here are key considerations:
Understanding Basics: You'll need to grasp fundamental concepts such as light cycles, nutrient requirements, and proper ventilation. Many resources, both online and in print, can help guide you through these aspects.
Setup Requirements: Setting up a suitable growing environment involves choosing the right space, acquiring necessary equipment like grow lights and ventilation systems, and selecting appropriate growing mediums.
Maintenance: Cannabis plants need regular care, including monitoring for pests, adjusting nutrient levels, and ensuring adequate watering and airflow. Developing a routine can make these tasks more manageable over time.
Legal Compliance: Check local laws and regulations regarding home cultivation. Some areas may have restrictions on the number of plants you can grow or specific requirements for indoor cultivation setups.
Learning Curve: While there is a learning curve, many first-time growers find the process educational and enjoyable. Experience gained from each harvest can improve your skills and results in future grows.
Support and Resources: Utilize online forums, local grow shops, and community groups to connect with experienced growers who can offer advice and troubleshooting tips.
In summary, while growing cannabis at home requires effort and attention to detail, it is a feasible and fulfilling endeavor with the right knowledge and preparation.
Setting up a grow room for cannabis cultivation can vary widely in cost depending on factors such as the size of the room, the equipment chosen, and whether you opt for a basic setup or a more advanced one. Here’s a general breakdown of potential costs:
Basic Setup:
- Grow Tent: Prices can range from $50 to $300 or more, depending on size and quality.
- Lighting: LED grow lights can start at around $100 for small setups but can range up to $500 or more for larger, more powerful lights.
- Ventilation: A basic exhaust fan and carbon filter setup might cost around $100 to $200.
- Growing Medium and Containers: Soil or hydroponic systems will vary in cost but could start around $50 for soil and pots.
- Nutrients: Basic nutrients for cannabis plants might cost around $50 to $100 for a full grow cycle.
- Miscellaneous: This includes items like timers, pH testing kits, and other small accessories, which could add up to around $50 to $100.
Total for Basic Setup: Approximately $400 to $1000, depending on choices and quality of equipment. The average beginner tent kits can start as low as $254.95.
Advanced Setup:
- High-Quality Grow Tent: $300 to $600 or more, depending on size and features.
- High-Intensity Grow Lights (e.g., HID or high-end LED): $500 to $1000 or more.
- Advanced Ventilation System: $200 to $500 for high-performance fans and filters.
- Hydroponic Systems or Premium Soil: $100 to $300 or more, depending on complexity and quality.
- Specialized Nutrients and Additives: $100 to $200 or more for premium brands.
- Climate Control Equipment: Such as heaters, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers, which could range from $100 to $500 depending on needs.
- Automation and Monitoring: For example, automated watering systems or advanced environmental controllers, which could add several hundred dollars.
Total for Advanced Setup: Potentially $1500 to $5000 or more, depending on the scale and complexity.
It’s essential to research and plan according to your budget and specific growing goals. Starting with a basic setup and gradually adding more advanced equipment as you gain experience is a common approach for many growers.
The time involved in growing cannabis at home can vary depending on several factors, including the strain being grown, the growing method used, environmental conditions, and the desired yield and quality of the final product. Here's a general overview of the time frame involved in the cannabis cultivation process:
Germination: Germination is the process of sprouting cannabis seeds, which typically takes 1-7 days. Once seeds have germinated, they are ready for planting in the growing medium.
Vegetative Stage: During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants focus on foliage growth rather than flowering. This stage typically lasts 3-6 weeks, during which plants require regular watering, nutrients, and adequate lighting.
Flowering Stage: After the vegetative stage, cannabis plants enter the flowering stage, during which they develop buds. The flowering stage can last 6-12 weeks or more, depending on the strain and desired maturity of the buds. Some indica-dominant strains may have shorter flowering times, while sativa-dominant strains may take longer to mature.
Harvesting: Harvesting occurs once the buds have reached their desired level of maturity and potency. This typically occurs at the end of the flowering stage and can take place over several days to weeks, depending on the size of the harvest.
Drying and Curing: After harvest, cannabis buds must be dried and cured to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor and potency. Drying typically takes 7-14 days, while curing can last 2-8 weeks or more, depending on personal preference.
Overall, the entire process of growing cannabis at home can take approximately 3-6 months from germination to harvest, depending on factors such as strain, growing method, and environmental conditions. It's important to be patient and attentive throughout the cultivation process to ensure the best possible results.
Most of your time commitment comes in milestones. Setting up the grow, planting germinated seeds or clones, training your plants, trimming & pruning, and harvest & curing. Plants will tend to take care of themselves as long as they are given what they need, so the typical everyday involvement depending on the system you're using can be 20-40 minutes a day. Adding smart monitoring and automation can reduce this amount of time even more.
Inbetween milestones, your time will be spent monitoring your plants for insects, checking water conditions, and just enjoying watching your plants grow and thrive!
Growing Space: Choose a suitable location for your plants, whether it's a spare room, closet, grow tent, or outdoor space. Ensure the area has access to electricity, ventilation, and water sources, and that it can accomodate complete darkness for 6-12 hours per day.
Seeds or clones: Obtain high-quality cannabis seeds or clones from a reputable source. Clones are cuttings taken from a mature cannabis plant, while seeds are the reproductive units of the plant.
Grow lights: If you are growing indoors, you will need a grow light. For larger grows, you may need multiple grow lights but the average home-grow tyically only requires one light of the appropriate wattage/lumens. LED, fluorescent, or high-intensity discharge (HID) lights are commonly used for indoor cannabis cultivation. It is important to provide adequate lighting for your plants during the vegetative and flowering stages. Determine the appropriate wattage and coverage area based on the size of your grow space.
Growing medium: Choose a suitable growing medium for your plants. Options include soil, coco coir, and hydroponic systems. Each medium has its own pros and cons, so research and choose the one that suits your preferences and expertise. Prepare the medium according to manufacturer instructions and fill your containers.
Containers: Select appropriate containers or pots to house your cannabis plants. Ensure they have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Fabric pots or plastic containers with drainage holes are commonly used to promote healthy root growth.
Nutrients: Cannabis plants require essential nutrients for healthy growth. You can use pre-formulated cannabis-specific nutrient solutions or opt for organic alternatives. Nutrients typically include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with trace minerals.
pH Meters: Maintain the pH level of the growing medium within the optimal range using a pH testing kit. This ensures nutrient availability to the plants. Cannabis plants thrive in slightly acidic conditions with optimal pH levels between 6.0-6.5 for soil and 5.5-6.5 for hydroponic systems.
Ventilation and airflow: Proper airflow is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use fans, exhaust systems, and intake vents to maintain fresh air circulation.
Temperature and humidity control: Monitor and control the temperature and humidity levels within the recommended range for cannabis cultivation. This typically ranges from 70-85°F (21-29°C) and around 40-60% humidity.
Pruning and trimming tools: Keep your plants well-maintained by having pruning shears, scissors, and other trimming tools for trimming leaves and branches.
Pest and disease control: Be prepared to address potential pests, insects, or diseases that can affect cannabis plants. Organic or chemical-based pest control solutions may be necessary.
Support Structures: Provide support for your plants as they grow taller and develop heavy buds. Trellises, stakes, and netting can help support the weight of branches and flowers, preventing breakage and maximizing yields.
Watering Equipment: Water your plants regularly with a watering can, hose, or drip irrigation system. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.
Remember to research local laws and regulations regarding home cannabis cultivation, as it may vary depending on your jurisdiction. Additionally, educating yourself on proper cultivation techniques is essential for successful and responsible cannabis growing.
By gathering these supplies and following proper cultivation practices, you can create a successful and rewarding cannabis growing experience at home!
Ease of Use: Soil cultivation is generally more forgiving for beginners because it provides a buffer against overwatering, nutrient imbalances, and pH fluctuations. Soil acts as a natural medium that holds nutrients and provides a stable environment for plant roots.
Less Equipment Required: Soil cultivation typically requires less specialized equipment compared to hydroponics. With soil, you don't need complex irrigation systems, pumps, or nutrient reservoirs, making it simpler and more cost-effective for beginners.
Natural Nutrient Source: Soil contains organic matter and beneficial microorganisms that help break down nutrients and make them available to plants. This natural nutrient source can simplify nutrient management for beginners, as soil provides a rich environment for plant growth.
Forgiving of Mistakes: Soil cultivation allows for a margin of error, making it easier for beginners to learn from their mistakes without jeopardizing the health of their plants. Overwatering, pH fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies are less likely to cause catastrophic damage in soil-grown plants compared to hydroponics.
While hydroponics offers faster growth rates and more precise control over nutrient delivery, it requires a steeper learning curve and greater attention to detail. Beginners may find it overwhelming to manage factors like nutrient concentrations, pH levels, and water quality in a hydroponic system.
Ultimately, the best method for beginners depends on their preferences, resources, and willingness to learn. Starting with soil cultivation can provide a solid foundation for understanding plant care and cultivation principles before venturing into more advanced growing techniques like hydroponics.
For a deeper dive into the types of growing methods, visit our Growing Methods module in the GroHaus Learning Center.
Visit our Indoor Soil Grow Checklist or our Hydroponics Grow Checklist to learn more about what you'll need for each type of grow operation.
The amount of space needed to grow cannabis indoors depends on several factors, including the number of plants you plan to cultivate, the size of the plants at maturity, the growing method used, and the equipment you'll be employing.
Here's a general guideline:
Number of Plants: Determine how many cannabis plants you intend to grow. For example, a small-scale operation may involve growing just a few plants for personal use, while a larger setup could accommodate multiple plants for commercial purposes.
Plant Size: Consider the size of the plants at maturity. Indica-dominant strains tend to be shorter and bushier, while sativa-dominant strains can grow taller and more slender. Dwarf or compact varieties are also available for growers with limited space.
Growing Method: Choose a growing method that suits your space constraints. Options include soil-based cultivation in pots or containers, hydroponic systems, or vertical growing setups like a SCROG (Screen of Green) or SOG (Sea of Green) method.
Equipment: Take into account the space required for grow lights, ventilation systems, and other equipment. Ensure there is enough room for proper air circulation, access for maintenance, and space to adjust lighting height as needed.
Available Space: Evaluate the available space in your chosen indoor location. A spare room, closet, tent, or cabinet can all be utilized for indoor cannabis cultivation, but the size of the space will ultimately determine the number of plants you can grow and the layout of your setup.
As a rough estimate, a small-scale indoor grow space for personal use may require as little as 2-4 square feet per plant, while larger operations may allocate 4-10 square feet or more per plant, depending on factors like plant size and growing method. It's essential to carefully plan and optimize your space to ensure adequate room for plant growth, equipment installation, and maintenance activities.
GrōHaus carries a wide range of grow tents to fit your space, however big you want to go. Check out our selection of Grow Tents & Grow Tent Kits!
Setting up your first grow room for cannabis cultivation involves several key steps to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. Here's a basic guide to get you started:
Choose a Suitable Space: Select a room with enough space to accommodate your plants and equipment. Ensure the room has access to electricity, ventilation, and water sources.
Set Up Ventilation: Install an exhaust fan and ducting to remove stale air and control humidity levels. Consider adding intake fans or vents to provide fresh air circulation.
Control Lighting: Choose appropriate grow lights for your space, such as LED, HID, or fluorescent lights. Position the lights at the correct distance above your plants to provide adequate coverage and prevent light burn.
Manage Temperature and Humidity: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity levels. Maintain temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60% during vegetative growth and 40-50% during flowering.
Ensure Proper Drainage: Use waterproof trays or saucers to catch excess water runoff and prevent water damage to your floors. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
Choose Growing Medium: Decide whether you'll use soil, hydroponics, or another growing medium. Prepare your chosen medium according to manufacturer instructions and fill your pots or growing containers.
Select Nutrients: Choose high-quality fertilizers and nutrients formulated specifically for cannabis cultivation. Follow feeding schedules and dosage recommendations to provide your plants with essential nutrients throughout their growth cycle.
Monitor pH Levels: Test the pH of your water and nutrient solution regularly using a pH meter. Cannabis plants thrive in slightly acidic conditions, with optimal pH levels between 6.0-6.5 for soil and 5.5-6.5 for hydroponic systems.
Implement Pest and Disease Prevention: Set up preventative measures such as sticky traps, beneficial insects, and regular inspections to prevent pest infestations and disease outbreaks.
Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your grow room clean and organized to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure healthy plant growth. Regularly sterilize equipment and surfaces to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and pathogens.
By following these steps and continually monitoring and adjusting your grow room setup as needed, you can create an optimal environment for successful cannabis cultivation.
Check out our Grow Room Set-Up module in the GrōHaus Learning Center for a deeper dive into Grow Room Set-Up.
Vegetative Stage: This stage typically lasts 3-6 weeks, during which the plant focuses on foliage growth. Some growers may extend the vegetative stage for longer to allow plants to reach a desired size before flowering.
Flowering Stage: Once the plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage, which lasts 6-12 weeks on average. During this time, the plant develops buds, which gradually mature and become ready for harvest.
Harvesting: The optimal time to harvest cannabis buds depends on the strain and desired effects. Harvesting too early can result in underdeveloped buds with lower potency, while harvesting too late can lead to degraded THC levels and a more sedative effect. Most growers harvest when the majority of trichomes (tiny resin glands) on the buds have turned cloudy or amber in color.
Drying: After harvest, the buds are trimmed and hung upside down to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. This process typically takes 7-14 days, during which moisture is gradually removed from the buds.
Curing: Once the buds are dry, they are placed in airtight containers (such as glass jars) to cure. Curing involves slowly releasing moisture from the buds over several weeks to improve flavor, aroma, and potency. Curing times can vary but generally last 2-8 weeks or more, with many growers aiming for a minimum of 2-4 weeks.
Overall, the entire process from germination to cured cannabis flower can take approximately 3-6 months, depending on the specific strains and growing conditions. Patience and attention to detail during each stage of cultivation and curing are key to producing high-quality cannabis.
Cannabis: High-quality cannabis flower or trim is the primary ingredient for making concentrates. Choose strains with desirable characteristics such as high cannabinoid content and terpene profiles suited to your preferences.
Solvent: Depending on the extraction method you choose, you may need a solvent to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. Common solvents include:
Butane: Used in butane hash oil (BHO) extraction.
Ethanol: Suitable for ethanol extraction methods like QWET (Quick Wash Ethanol Technique) or QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol).
CO2: Utilized in supercritical CO2 extraction, a more advanced and expensive method typically used in commercial settings.
Extraction Equipment: The equipment needed will vary based on the extraction method. For example:
• Butane extraction requires a closed-loop extraction system, vacuum oven, and purge setup.
• Ethanol extraction may involve a mixing vessel, filters, and a rotary evaporator for solvent recovery.
• CO2 extraction utilizes specialized machines designed for supercritical CO2 extraction.
Safety Equipment: Working with solvents can be hazardous, so it's essential to prioritize safety.
This may include:
• Protective gloves, goggles, and clothing to prevent contact with solvents.
• Adequate ventilation or a fume hood to prevent the buildup of flammable gases.
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit in case of accidents.
Filtering and Purging Equipment: After extraction, you'll need equipment to filter and purge the concentrate to remove any residual solvents.
This may include:
• Filter papers or screens to remove plant material and impurities.
• Vacuum oven or vacuum pump to purge residual solvents from the concentrate.
Packaging: Once the concentrate is fully purged and ready for use, you'll need suitable containers for storage. Glass jars or silicone containers are popular choices for storing concentrates.
Optional Accessories: Depending on your preferences and extraction method, you may also need additional accessories such as scales, measuring tools, heat sources, and stirring implements.
Making your own concentrate is an advanced level process that is not recommended for beginners. Before attempting to make cannabis concentrates at home, thoroughly research the extraction method you plan to use, prioritize safety, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding cannabis extraction.
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