Growing Methods
Setup: Choose a suitable location for your indoor grow space, such as a spare room, closet, or tent. Set up your containers or pots on trays to catch excess water and prevent spills. Ensure the area has access to electricity, ventilation, and enough space for your plants and equipment.
Containers: Select containers or pots that are large enough to accommodate the root system of your cannabis plants. Fabric pots, plastic pots, or smart pots are commonly used for indoor soil growing. Ensure the containers have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Soil: Choose a high-quality, well-draining soil or potting mix specifically formulated for cannabis cultivation. Avoid using garden soil, as it may contain pests, diseases, or imbalances in nutrients. Look for soil blends that are rich in organic matter and have good aeration to support healthy root growth.
Planting: Fill your containers with soil and plant your cannabis seeds or seedlings at the appropriate depth, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Water the soil lightly after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and promote germination.
Lighting: Provide your plants with adequate lighting using grow lights such as LED, fluorescent, or HID lights. Place the lights at the correct distance above the plants to provide the right amount of light intensity for healthy growth. Most cannabis plants require 18-24 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours of light during the flowering stage.
Watering: Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater or underwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot and other water-related issues. Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle to water your plants evenly and avoid disturbing the soil.
Nutrients: Supplement your soil with organic or synthetic nutrients to provide essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron) for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper dosing and application, and be mindful not to overfeed your plants.
Training: Consider using training techniques like topping, low-stress training (LST), or defoliation to shape and manipulate the growth of your plants. Training techniques can help improve light penetration, increase yields, and promote even canopy growth.
Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your plants and monitor environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and pH levels regularly. Look for signs of pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or other issues, and address them promptly to prevent problems from worsening.
Harvesting: Harvest your cannabis plants when they reach maturity, typically indicated by the development of trichomes (small resin glands) on the flowers. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect trichomes and determine the optimal time for harvest based on their color and clarity.
By following these steps and paying attention to the needs of your plants, you can successfully grow cannabis indoors using soil as a growing medium. Remember to research and educate yourself on best practices for indoor soil growing, and don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced growers or online resources.
Indoor hydroponic growing for cannabis involves cultivating plants in a soil-less environment where the roots are directly submerged in a nutrient-rich water solution. Here's a straightforward explanation of the indoor hydroponic growing method for new growers:
Setup: Choose a suitable location for your indoor hydroponic system, such as a spare room, closet, or dedicated grow tent. Set up your hydroponic system, which typically consists of a reservoir (container for the nutrient solution), a pump or aerator to oxygenate the water, and a system for delivering nutrients to the roots, such as a drip system or deep water culture (DWC) setup.
Containers: Instead of traditional soil containers, hydroponic systems use specialized containers or growing mediums to support the plants' roots. Common options include rockwool cubes, clay pellets (hydroton), coco coir, or perlite. These mediums provide support and stability for the plants while allowing the roots to access oxygen and nutrients.
Nutrient Solution: Mix a nutrient solution according to the specific needs of your cannabis plants' growth stage (vegetative or flowering). Hydroponic nutrient solutions contain essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron) needed for healthy plant growth. Ensure that the pH level of the nutrient solution is within the optimal range for cannabis (typically between 5.5 and 6.5).
Planting: Plant your cannabis seeds or seedlings in the chosen growing medium within the hydroponic system. Carefully place the roots in the medium and ensure they are adequately supported. If using rockwool cubes, soak them in water with a pH-balanced nutrient solution before planting to hydrate them and remove excess acidity.
Lighting: Provide your plants with adequate lighting using grow lights such as LED, fluorescent, or HID lights. Place the lights at the correct distance above the plants to provide the right amount of light intensity for healthy growth. Most cannabis plants require 18-24 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours of light during the flowering stage.
Watering and Nutrient Delivery: Monitor the nutrient solution levels in your hydroponic system and top up as needed to maintain the desired level. Ensure that the nutrient solution is well-aerated to prevent root rot and provide oxygen to the roots. Depending on the type of hydroponic system you're using, you may need to adjust the nutrient delivery rate to ensure the roots receive sufficient nutrients without becoming waterlogged.
Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your plants and monitor environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and pH levels regularly. Look for signs of pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or other issues, and address them promptly to prevent problems from worsening.
Harvesting: Harvest your cannabis plants when they reach maturity, typically indicated by the development of trichomes (small resin glands) on the flowers. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect trichomes and determine the optimal time for harvest based on their color and clarity.
By following these steps and paying attention to the needs of your plants, you can successfully grow cannabis indoors using hydroponics as a cultivation method. Remember to research and educate yourself on best practices for indoor hydroponic growing, and don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced growers or online resources.
Outdoor greenhouse growing for cannabis involves cultivating plants in a controlled environment within a greenhouse structure located outdoors. Here's an explanation of the outdoor greenhouse growing method:
Greenhouse Selection: Choose a suitable greenhouse structure for your cannabis cultivation needs. Greenhouses come in various sizes, designs, and materials, such as glass, polycarbonate, or polyethylene. Select a greenhouse that provides ample space, proper ventilation, and protection from harsh weather conditions while allowing sufficient sunlight to reach the plants.
Location: Select an appropriate location for your greenhouse, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, wind protection, and access to water and electricity. Choose a level area with well-draining soil and adequate space for the greenhouse structure.
Setup: Construct or assemble your greenhouse according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the greenhouse is securely anchored to the ground and properly sealed to prevent drafts and pests from entering. Install ventilation systems, such as fans or louvers, to regulate temperature and humidity levels within the greenhouse.
Growing Medium: Prepare the growing medium for your cannabis plants. Outdoor greenhouse growers typically use soil or soilless mixes such as coco coir, perlite, or peat moss. Ensure that the growing medium is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and pH-balanced to support healthy plant growth.
Planting: Plant your cannabis seeds or seedlings in containers or directly in the ground within the greenhouse. Space the plants according to their growth requirements, allowing ample room for airflow and sunlight penetration. Consider using raised beds or containers to improve drainage and soil aeration.
Lighting: Take advantage of natural sunlight to provide illumination for your cannabis plants. Position the greenhouse to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day, orienting it in a south-facing direction if possible. Supplemental lighting, such as LED or fluorescent grow lights, may be used during periods of low sunlight or shorter daylight hours.
Watering and Nutrients: Water your cannabis plants regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering frequency as needed based on environmental conditions. Fertilize your plants with organic or synthetic nutrients according to their growth stage and nutrient requirements.
Temperature and Humidity Control: Monitor and regulate temperature and humidity levels within the greenhouse to create optimal growing conditions for your cannabis plants. Use shade cloth or ventilation systems to prevent overheating during hot weather and provide insulation or heating systems to protect plants from cold temperatures.
Pest and Disease Management: Implement preventive measures to protect your cannabis plants from pests, diseases, and other environmental stressors. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action, such as applying organic pesticides or fungicides, to control infestations and prevent spread.
Harvesting: Harvest your cannabis plants when they reach maturity, typically indicated by the development of trichomes (small resin glands) on the flowers. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect trichomes and determine the optimal time for harvest based on their color and clarity.
By following these steps and paying attention to the needs of your plants, you can successfully grow cannabis outdoors in a greenhouse environment. Remember to research and educate yourself on best practices for greenhouse cultivation, and don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced growers or online resources.
Site Selection: Choose a suitable outdoor location with access to ample sunlight, preferably in a sunny and well-ventilated area. Consider factors such as soil quality, drainage, wind exposure, and proximity to water sources when selecting a site for outdoor cultivation.
Rain, wind, and hail can damage an unprotected plant. Make sure you get an area setup where plants can be sheltered if need be.
Preparation: Prepare the planting area by clearing away any debris, weeds, or competing vegetation. Till the soil to loosen it and improve drainage, or consider using raised beds or containers filled with high-quality soil or compost.
Planting: Plant cannabis seeds or seedlings directly into the prepared soil or growing containers. Space plants according to their growth requirements, allowing adequate room for airflow and sunlight penetration. Ensure that plants receive sufficient water after planting to establish healthy root systems.
Sunlight Exposure: Position cannabis plants in a location where they will receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. Consider factors such as shading from trees, buildings, or neighboring plants, and adjust plant placement accordingly to ensure even light distribution.
Watering: Water cannabis plants regularly to maintain soil moisture levels, especially during periods of hot weather or drought. Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or watering cans to deliver water directly to the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
Nutrient Management: Monitor soil nutrient levels and supplement as needed with organic or synthetic fertilizers to support healthy plant growth. Consider conducting soil tests periodically to assess nutrient deficiencies or imbalances and adjust fertilizer applications accordingly.
Pest and Disease Control: Implement preventive measures to protect cannabis plants from pests, insects, and diseases. Use companion planting, natural predators, or organic pesticides to manage pest populations and minimize damage to plants.
Insects, rodents, deer and other creatures love to munch on cannabis plants. If you are putting your plants outside, you will need to both monitor for, and defend against pests that want to make lunch out of your precious plants. Pesticides are available that have been formulated especially for cannabis and other fruits and vegetables that can protect your plants from insects without harming you or your family. Foxfarms' Don't Bug Me is a Pyrethrin insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers and is a great product to kill most unwanted insects, while being safe to use up to the day of harvest.
Diatomaceous Earth is another fantastic product to use in your garden. Bonide Diatomaceous Earth is a non toxic, "mechanical" Insecticide that works by absorbing the waxy coating on an insect's body. This coating is what keeps the insect hydrated and by removing this coating, the insect will rapidly dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth contains no chemicals or sprays, Simply mix into your soil or dust on the top layer of soil in your garden.
For larger pests like rodents or deer we recommend either a physical barrier like a fence or net, or a natural sterilized predator urine product like Deer Ban from Summit. Deer Ban uses naturally sourced coyote urine to frighten off deer, rabbit, turkey and even armadillos!
Support and Training: Provide support for cannabis plants as they grow taller to prevent bending or breakage of branches. Consider using stakes, trellises, or cages to support plants and promote upward growth. Train plants by gently bending or tying branches to encourage lateral growth and increase bud development.
Harvesting: Harvest cannabis plants when they reach maturity, typically indicated by the development of trichomes (resin glands) on the flowers. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect trichomes and determine the optimal time for harvest based on their color and clarity.
Note: If you are growing in a zone where the freeze could potentially come in mid october, there will be certain considerations you will need to take. If you are growing a photosensitive plant that has a 90 day flower cycle you will most likely not have enough time for your plant to finish flowering completely. Auto flowers or "fast" strains may be your best option unless you have a greenhouse or indoor area to finish your long flowering strains.
Security and Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding outdoor cannabis cultivation, including zoning restrictions, plant limits, and security measures. Take steps to protect plants from theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access by installing fencing, security cameras, or motion sensors if necessary.
Overall, outdoor open-air growing offers a natural and cost-effective method for cultivating cannabis plants in large quantities, taking advantage of the sun's energy and environmental benefits. With proper care and attention to environmental conditions, growers can achieve successful harvests of high-quality cannabis outdoors.
Growing Indoors: You can generally expect a higher quality product due to the level control you have over your garden. Plants are smaller, but tend to produce buds with higher levels of THC and terpenes. You garden will be safer from theives (they do exist) and pests when grown indoors, but more susecptible to mold and rot if the climate in the garden isn't controlled properly.
Growing Outdoors: Growing outdoors leaves a lot to nature unless using a greenhouse. The sun will provide more full spectrum light than any reasonable amount of electric lights and will cost you nothing. You're plants have the potential to reach enormous sizes and can produce pounds of buds per plant. You won't have to worry about when to start budding or provide air circulation, nature will do that for you. Plants are hardier and more resistant to mold and mildew, but you expose them to pests and herbavores like deer. Hail, heavy rain, an early freeze, and wind can also be a threat to your plants. Growing in a greenhouse can help reduce the risk of the weather or larger animals from disturbing your garden.
Growing cannabis indoors and outdoors present distinct environments and considerations for cultivation. Here are the main differences between the two:
Environmental Control:
Indoors: Indoor cultivation allows for precise control over environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and air circulation. Growers can create optimal conditions for plant growth throughout all stages of the cannabis lifecycle.
Outdoors: Outdoor cultivation relies on natural environmental conditions, which may vary depending on geographic location, climate, and season. Growers have less control over factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure, which can impact plant growth and development.
Light Source:
Indoors: Indoor growers use artificial grow lights such as LED, HID, or fluorescent lights to supplement or replace natural sunlight. Growers can customize light cycles and intensity to mimic the sun's spectrum and provide consistent lighting regardless of weather or time of year.
Outdoors: Outdoor cultivation relies on natural sunlight as the primary light source. Cannabis plants receive varying levels of sunlight depending on the time of year, latitude, and weather conditions. Outdoor growers must consider factors such as sun exposure, shading, and photoperiod changes when planning their cultivation.
Space and Scale:
Indoors: Indoor cultivation allows for year-round production in relatively small spaces such as grow tents, closets, or dedicated grow rooms. Growers can control plant density, spacing, and layout to maximize yield potential and optimize growing conditions.
Outdoors: Outdoor cultivation offers larger growing spaces and the potential for larger plant sizes and yields. However, outdoor growers may face limitations in terms of available land, zoning regulations, and security concerns. Outdoor cultivation also requires adequate sunlight, water access, and protection from pests and animals.
Cost and Investment:
Indoors: Indoor cultivation typically requires higher initial investment in equipment such as grow lights, ventilation systems, grow tents, and climate control devices. Operating costs may also include electricity for lighting and environmental control, as well as ongoing expenses for nutrients, soil, and pest management.
Outdoors: Outdoor cultivation generally involves lower upfront costs since growers rely on natural sunlight and environmental conditions. However, outdoor growers may incur expenses for land preparation, fencing, irrigation systems, and pest control measures. Additionally, outdoor cultivation may require ongoing maintenance and labor to address weather-related challenges and pest infestations.
Harvest Timing and Seasonality:
Indoors: Indoor cultivation allows for year-round production and control over flowering timing by manipulating light cycles. Growers can harvest multiple crops per year and stagger planting schedules to maintain a continuous supply of cannabis.
Outdoors: Outdoor cultivation is seasonal and typically follows natural light cycles, with plants flowering in response to changes in day length. Outdoor growers harvest once or twice per year, depending on the local climate and photoperiod.
Overall, the choice between indoor and outdoor cultivation depends on factors such as grower preferences, available resources, local regulations, and desired level of control over the growing environment. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, and growers may choose to utilize a combination of both approaches to optimize their cannabis production.
Growing cannabis in soil and using hydroponics are two distinct cultivation methods, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here are the main differences between the two:
Growing Medium:
Soil: In soil cultivation, cannabis plants are grown in traditional soil or soil mixes containing organic matter. Soil provides a buffer for nutrients and helps retain moisture, creating a supportive environment for plant roots.
Hydroponics: Hydroponic systems utilize soilless growing mediums such as coco coir, perlite, or rockwool. Plants are directly exposed to nutrient-rich water solutions, allowing for more precise control over nutrient uptake and oxygenation of the roots.
Nutrient Delivery:
Soil: Nutrients in soil cultivation are provided through organic matter and microbial activity in the soil. Growers often use pre-fertilized soil mixes or supplement with organic or synthetic fertilizers as needed.
Hydroponics: In hydroponic systems, nutrients are dissolved in water and delivered directly to the plant roots. This allows for more efficient nutrient uptake and faster growth rates, as plants can access nutrients more readily compared to soil cultivation.
Watering Frequency:
Soil: Cannabis plants in soil require regular watering to maintain soil moisture levels. Growers must monitor soil moisture and water accordingly to prevent overwatering or underwatering.
Hydroponics: Hydroponic systems require less water compared to soil cultivation since water is recirculated within the system. However, growers must still monitor water levels and nutrient concentrations to ensure optimal plant health.
pH and Nutrient Management:
Soil: Soil pH levels can fluctuate over time, affecting nutrient availability to plants. Growers must regularly test soil pH and adjust as needed to maintain optimal nutrient uptake.
Hydroponics: pH and nutrient levels in hydroponic systems can be tightly controlled, allowing growers to maintain precise pH levels and nutrient concentrations for optimal plant growth. However, regular monitoring and adjustment are still necessary to prevent nutrient imbalances or deficiencies.
Oxygenation:
Soil: Soil provides natural aeration to plant roots, allowing for oxygen uptake and root respiration. However, soil compaction or waterlogging can restrict oxygen availability to roots.
Hydroponics: Hydroponic systems ensure efficient oxygenation of plant roots through the continuous circulation of oxygen-rich nutrient solutions. This promotes healthy root development and enhances nutrient uptake.
Overall, the choice between soil and hydroponics depends on factors such as grower preference, available resources, and desired level of control over nutrient delivery and plant growth. Both methods can yield high-quality cannabis, but each requires different management practices and considerations.
