Growing Tips for Cannabis sativa
Cannabis Growing Intro
Growing your own cannabis is actually pretty easy once you have the right information. Anyone with an interest in growing, with a few extra minutes each day can easily get started.
Growing cannabis can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those who want to ensure they are getting top-notch product while saving money. However, to achieve high-quality buds, it's important to have the right information, supplies, and techniques.
When most people think of cannabis, they are referring to the dried and cured buds from female hemp plants. These can be called weed or pot depending on how you want it styled; however marijuana is still a popular term for this type of material used in smoking sessions with others (and perhaps oneself!). The word “ganja” may also come up when discussing these items specifically.
Potent strains of cannabis are grown, harvested and dried before they can be used to vaporize or smoke for recreational or medicinal purposes. Optimally, the flowers are cured to maintain the quality of farmed cannabis, it must be stored at specific temperatures and humidity levels. This process is referred as curing which can take anywhere between one week up until two months for some types depending on how quickly they're processed after being harvested .The cannabis curing process has been found to preserve organically based products for longer term storage, which users find more palatable than its fresher equivalent.
Growing your own cannabis is more than just a pastime for many people. For those who need it or want to experience the plant without paying retail price, growing gives them plenty of options in terms of quality and variety while also saving time and money. So to help out our budding gardeners here are 7 tips to keep your weed on track.
7 Quickfire Cannabis Growing Tips
1. Choosing the Right Strain
- The first step in growing high-quality cannabis is selecting the right strain for your needs. There are numerous strains available in the market, each with its unique set of characteristics, such as growth pattern, yield, and potency. Some popular strains for beginners include Northern Lights, Blue Dream, and White Widow with Northern Lights particularly resilient. You can read more about genetics and Growing weed here.
2. Using the Right Soil
- Soil is a crucial component when it comes to growing cannabis. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Coco coir is also a popular growing medium for cannabis as it has excellent water retention, allows for better aeration, and is resistant to pests and diseases. Check out this guide on growing cannabis in coco coir for a step-by-step guide.
3. Providing Adequate Lighting
- Lighting is another critical factor in growing high-quality cannabis. The plants require at least 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness during the vegetative stage, and 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness during the flowering stage. LEDs and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights are some popular options for indoor growing.
4. Proper Nutrient Management
- Nutrients are vital to the growth and development of cannabis plants. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential macronutrients, while calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are secondary macronutrients. Micronutrients such as iron, copper, and zinc are also required in small amounts. Follow a feeding schedule and use only high-quality nutrients to ensure the best results.
5. Training Techniques
- Training techniques are used by growers to manipulate the growth pattern of cannabis plants to maximize yield and improve bud quality. Some popular training techniques include Low-Stress Training (LST), Screen of Green (SCROG), and Topping. Check out this guide on different training techniques used by cannabis growers to learn more.
6. Proper Harvesting and Curing
- Proper harvesting and curing are crucial for the development of high-quality buds. Harvesting should be done when the trichomes on the buds turn from clear to milky white or amber. The buds should then be trimmed and dried in a dark, well-ventilated area for 7-10 days. After drying, the buds should be cured for 2-4 weeks to improve flavor and potency. Check out this guide on how to store your cannabis in Thailand for tips and guidelines on how to properly store your cured buds.
7. Avoiding PGRs
- Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are synthetic compounds used to manipulate the growth of cannabis plants, resulting in unnaturally dense buds. While PGRs can increase yield, they can also cause harm to consumers and the environment. Learn more about PGRs and why you should avoid them in this article.
In conclusion, growing high-quality cannabis requires attention to detail, patience, and knowledge of proper techniques. By following these tips and guidelines, you can grow your own cannabis with confidence and achieve a bountiful and rewarding harvest in around 4 to 6 months for your cured smokable bud.
