TLDR
- Good Genetics = Good Weed – The genes a plant inherits from its parents dictate a lot of the final product. If you want potent, dense, crystally or purple buds, you need to start with strains that have the right genetics. Your skill as a grower of course has a huge impact too.
- Importance of the Grow Light – When it comes to cannabis, the quality and yield of the buds are highly dependent on the light that the plants receive. Grow lights are essential for indoor cultivation and are necessary for cannabis plants to reach their full potential.
- Weed Nutrients & Supplements – Organic growing is the way to go when it comes to cannabis cultivation. At smokingskunk.tempurl.host, we believe in using organic methods to provide the best possible experience for our customers and you can read up on PGR as to why we are passionate about this. That doesn’t mean you should not read up on Bulk builders, terpene enhancers and Bloom boosters.
- Techniques for Boosting Smell and Taste – Although you can get supplements to increase the levels of terpenes and terpenoids, a lot of issues stem from unwanted mould, bacteria, heat, Chems or Pesticides and improper drying. So get that right first, which brings us to the most important.
- How Temperature and Humidity impact Cannabis Growth – The environment a plant grow in impacts its cannabinoid profile. By manipulating temperature and humidity during the flowering stage, you can increase resin production (“trichomes”) as well as bring out colours like purple while preventing smells from burning away altogether!
- Give every Cola better Airflow – The more you allow your plants to breathe, the larger and thicker their buds will be. This is because cannabis seeds are wind-pollinated in nature which means airflow plays an important role in growth development during the germination stage through harvest time!
- Learn Growing Basics – The basics of cannabis cultivation are important to master in order to ensure that your plants are healthy and produce high-quality buds. However, the post-harvest process is also crucial in determining the final appearance and potency of your buds. Properly harvesting, trimming and curing/drying cannabis can make a big difference in the overall experience.
Improve the quality of your Cannabis Buds
Ever smoked some dank marijuana and pondered how on earth did they grow this?
Fear not, Marijuana has been cultivated by humans for centuries, and the art of growing cannabis plants is one that can be easily mastered with a little bit of practice. If you are looking to grow top-shelf cannabis, then there are a few things you need to know in order to help improve the quality of your buds.
In this blog post, we will be exploring some handy tips on how to grow high-quality cannabis plants. We will cover everything from choosing the right strain to how to set up your grow room, so whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, you will find something useful here.
So, let’s get started!
Good Genetics = Good Weed
It is important to use top-shelf genetics if you want to grow high-quality cannabis. You won’t get very far with any old bagseed and it is always worth paying that little extra for proven genetics. Not only will this improve the quality of your buds, but it will also make your life a lot easier as a grower. Trust us, it is worth it!
If you are looking for buds with certain characteristics then you need to find a strain that has the right genetics. For example, if you want potent, dense, crystally buds (lots of trichomes) then you need to start with strains that have these traits. Your skill as a grower of course has a huge impact too, but if you don’t have good genetics to work with then it will be much harder to produce.
In the beginning, even I was not aware of this and thought my clonal cuts and bagseed grows were amazing. But after using some quality genetics, I quickly realized how much better my weed could be!
You shouldn’t use clones just because they’re easy to obtain. Always check for quality before using them.
When you’re ready to get serious about growing cannabis, don’t just buy anything off the shelf. Instead, look for the best genetics available and don’t be afraid of research to ensure you’re buying from the best source. Quality costs more than cheap seeds, but the extra cash you spend on good genetics is well worth it considering what you’re going to get back in return!
Importance of the Grow Light
Your cannabis plants need lots of light to produce good yields, potency and resilience. If you’re starting a crop from seed or clone then it’s almost impossible if you’re using light bulbs that aren’t powerful enough because there is no way for them to compensate for the lack of quality lighting found on incandescent bulb heads, which makes this task extremely difficult when trying to achieve success!
The type of light you use can make a big difference in the size and density of your buds. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights, Light-Emitting Ceramics (LECs), and LEDs are all powerful options that can produce big results. HPS lights are especially effective at stimulating flowering, and LECs emit a broad spectrum of light that is ideal for vegging. LEDs are also very efficient, and they produce very little heat, which can be helpful in Zones where temperatures can get too high or if you need to save on eletricity. Whichever type of light you choose, make sure to get the right intensity and duration to produce the best possible results.
Strong, bright lights are what power the development of buds during their flowering stages. They are like “food” for the plant, providing the energy needed for photosynthesis. In fact, studies have shown that increasing the amount of light during the flowering stage can significantly increase the THC content of the final product. However, it is important to find the right balance. If you provide your flowering cannabis plant with too much light, it will actually decrease its potency and yield. On the other hand, if you don’t provide enough light, your plant will produce fewer and smaller buds. The key is to find a happy medium that will allow your plant to flourish without overloading it with light. Bright light is essential for growing healthy and productive cannabis plants.
Cannabis Nutrients & Supplements
At smokingskunk.tempurl.host, we take an organic approach to growing our cannabis plants. This means that we avoid using any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. While this approach can be more time-consuming and expensive, we believe it results in a higher-quality product.
The benefits of using organic nutrients and supplements are two-fold. First, they provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow big and strong. Second, they help to build up the natural resistance of your plants against pests and diseases.
However, before you go ahead and add any “special” nutrients, you first want to ensure that you’re providing your plants with the right basic nutrients at the right time.
The following are the base nutrients required during the flowering stage.
Low Nitrogen (N)
As any gardener knows, Nitrogen is essential for growing healthy plants. It provides both nutrients and support for roots, but also helps to prevent weed growth and regulate moisture levels. However, Nitrogen levels need to be quite low in the second stage of flowering when the plant has ceased growing vegetatively and buds are fattening up. You will need a lot of Nitrogen for the vegetative stage of growth but plants don’t need close to as much for making buds. Actually, nitrogen in high quantities during the ripening stage can affect your yields and have a negative affect on bud production. Therefore, it is important to give your plant relatively low levels of Nitrogen in the second half of the flowering stage. This will help to encourage bud production and maximize your yields.
Lots of Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plants, especially during the flowering stage. A lack of Phosphorus can cause plants to produce fewer flowers, or even no flowers at all. Conversely, a generous supply of Phosphorus can encourage plants to produce more flowers. In addition to promoting flower production, Phosphorus also helps to improve the quality of flowers by increasing their size and colour intensity. For these reasons, it is important to give plants plenty of Phosphorus during the flowering stage in order to encourage a bountiful harvest.
Potassium (K)
Often overshadowed by phosphorus, potassium is actually an essential macronutrient that helps to increase the number and quality of buds produced by each plant. Potassium plays an important role in regulating water uptake and photosynthesis, and it also helps to strengthen cell walls, which leads to healthier plants that are better able to resist disease and pests. While all plants need potassium, it is especially important for crops that are grown for their fruits or flowers, as these benefits can lead to larger, healthier yields. When applied correctly, potassium can be a powerful tool for increasing crop yields and improving plant health. Consequently, growers who want to maximize their crop production should give potassium the attention it deserves.
It’s important to give your cannabis plants the right nutrients during the flowering stage in order to get the best possible buds. Too much of any one nutrient can lead to problems, so it’s important to keep the levels balanced. In general, it’s best to feed a little bit less during the second half of the flowering stage. This can help prevent nutrient burn and also improve the taste of your final buds. Giving your plants the right ratios of nutrients will ensure that they stay healthy and produce high-quality buds that are full of flavour.
Flowering Stage Supplements
There are various types of supplements in the flowering stage, and each has its own purpose. Some of them contain sugars or carbohydrates, which help improve the flavour and aroma of your flowers. Others contain terpenes and ester compounds that give your flower buds their unique flavours and smell, including “raw” (just a general sweet scent), grape, lemon, orange, bergamot, etc. “Bloom enhancers” provide a number of non-nutrient additives that may improve a cannabis crop’s ability to produce cannabinoids or THC levels, so the plants don’t need to create them themselves. PK Boosters or “Shooting Powders” are a type of supplement that contains Phosphorus and Potassium, which are important for flowering. These supplements also sometimes contain sulfur. In general, these supplements should be used sparingly as they are usually very strong and you can overfeed! Additionally, every quality base nutrient you use should already contain plenty of Potassium (K) and Phosphorous (P). Boosters often contain other naturally occurring plant hormones to help stimulate flowering which are not listed on the label. The downside of these hormones is that they can sometimes cause plants to herm or grow male flowers, which can result in seedy buds. However, this typically only happens with strains that are already prone to herming.
Sometimes, blooms will contain a mixture of different kinds of ingredients. So let’s take a look at them one by one.
Sugar or Carbohydrates
A cheaper alternative to expensive sugar-based bloom boosters is black strap molasses. Giving this to your plant for the last few weeks prior to harvesting can make them grow bigger and smell/taste better. Molasses is a common ingredient in many commercial fertilizers, but you can also add it to your nutrient solution at home. Make sure to get the unsulfured molasses otherwise it could kill the microbes you are trying to feed. Just add about 1/4 of a cup per gallon to your nutrient solution. You also may read about spraying the molasses solution directly onto plants, however the residue can attract pests such as fungus gnats which is bad for your grow. Also as it is a sticky solution it can clog up your sprayers, which is frustrating.
Soil-based grows get the most benefit from molasses when added to your nutrient solution, although it can also be used in hyrdo grows. Adding the molasses by yourself? Make sure the pH of the solution is acceptable before feeding your plants – the sugars will make the pH more acidic. However, the benefits of black strap molasses – improved root growth, increased yield, and higher quality flower – make it worth a little extra effort. Plus, using molasses is a great way to support sustainable agriculture since it is a byproduct of sugarcane production.
If you are looking for something off the shelf there are a vast array of carbo options on the market that cover a wide range of flavour profiles like Citrus and Grape and look to companies like Advanced Nutrients and Botanicare for some examples of products. The Flowering stage is the most important time to use these supplements. They help build smell and flavour in the buds, which is essential for a great harvest. However, since they contain a small amount of magnesium, they should not be used during flushing. Flushing is the last 2-3 weeks before harvest when the smells have already been deposited into the buds. These supplements are cool because they contain amino acids and other enhancers, so you’re getting a lot of different products in one.
Bloom Enhancers or Bloom Booster Fertilizer
Bloom enhancers are a type of fertilizer that is designed to promote plant growth and blooming. There are a variety of bloom enhancers available on the market, and they typically contain a mix of amino acids, humic acids, vitamins, and trace minerals. Some bloom enhancers also contain unlisted ingredients, such as plant hormones which have come under fire. Bloom booster fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium, which are both essential for plant growth. While there is still some debate over which type of bloom enhancer is most effective, many growers find that using a bloom enhancer helps their plants to grow more quickly and produce more flowers.
Some people say that bloom booster fertilizer is just a marketing term since any fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus could be considered a bloom booster. Adding phosphorus to Soil that is already sufficient in the element, or adding it to one that is deficient in another nutrient will not improve plant growth and can make soil toxic.
In general, these products will all have different NPK ratios so which is best comes down to your soil and its needs. But here are some options you can consider,
PK Boosters & “Shooting Powders”
These “shooting powders” are very potent, so you have to be careful not to make any mistakes, the powder sachets usually contain enough for 25 gallons (94.6 Liters) which would only be 2.6 grams per gallon (3.8 Liters). While phosphorus and potassium are essential nutrients for healthy plant growth, it is important to use them sparingly. These elements are usually present in high levels in normal garden soil, so adding more than necessary can quickly lead to nutrient burn. Both phosphorus and potassium are important for flowering, but they need to be in balance with other nutrients in order to promote healthy plant growth. Too much phosphorus can result in stunted growth, while too much potassium can cause leaf yellowing and necrosis. By using a supplement that carefully balances these two elements, you can ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need without overloading them. This will help your plants stay healthy and produce beautiful flowers. Here are some options.
Techniques for Boosting the Smell and Taste of Cannabis
Cannabis plants produce chemical compounds called “terpenes” (or “terpenoids”) that create the smell and scent of their flowers. You can read more details about the types terpenes here.
Terpenes are a type of organic compound that is found in a wide range of plants, including many common spices and herbs like rosemary. Terpenes contribute to the unique flavours and scents of these plants, and they also play an important role in the taste and smell of cannabis. There are a variety of ways to increase the terpene content of your buds, so you can produce cannabis that tastes and smells great like using Rezin which is GreenPlanet’s trichome, flavour, and aroma enhancer. However, there are also a couple of common mistakes that can actually ruin the taste and smell of your buds that you could consider first.
Drying Methods – When it comes to drying herbs, there are two main goals: to preserve as much of the herb’s original flavour and quality, and to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. Unfortunately, if not done properly, drying can actually cause herbs to lose their flavour and develop an unpleasant “hay smell.” This is due to the presence of chlorophyll, which breaks down when exposed to heat or light. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to use a gentle drying method such as air-drying or dehydrating. This will help to preserve the herb’s delicate flavour and prevent the growth of mould or bacteria.
Mould – The last thing any grower wants is for their buds to get mouldy, as it renders them harsh and unsafe to smoke. Mould can be a particular problem during the flowering stage, as conditions are often ripe for its development. humid and humid environments, lack of air circulation, and high temperatures can all contribute to the growth of mould on buds. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to avoid these conditions if possible. In addition, regular inspection of buds during the flowering stage can help to identify any early signs of mould so that corrective action can be taken before the problem becomes too widespread. By taking these simple steps, growers can help to ensure a successful and mould-free harvest.
Bacteria – Growth of Bacteria most commonly occurs during the process of curing the buds and if they are too wet once jarred. This is because of the low-oxygen and damp/wet conditions. Bacteria will cause your weed to smell like ammonia, sweet, or rotting smells. Ammonia is often the first sign that something’s wrong. As mentioned earlier, it’s not unusual for dry-feeling buds on the outside to slowly start feeling moist as the moisture from inside the buds seeps out. This is why during your daily “burping” of jars it is important to inspect for dampness and ensure the bud is dry. If you notice your weed smells sweet, it might be due to bacteria growth as well. However, it could also be because of how the weed was grown or cured. If you notice your weed smells rotting, it’s a sign that bacteria has taken over and you should throw it away. Wet, low-oxygen conditions are the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, so make sure your weed is dry before storing it in jars.
Heat – Smell, taste, and potency are all important factors in determining the quality of marijuana. Heat is one of the most common causes of poor-smelling buds. That’s because heat can kill bud smell and make them harsh from when they first start forming all the way until they’ve been fully cured in jars. When it comes to great bud quality, it’s important to keep buds from ever getting hot (over 85°F (29.4°C) quickly reduces bud quality) at any point once they start forming. By keeping your buds cool, you can ensure that they retain their ideal smell, taste, and potency.
Things on your Buds – First and foremost, it is important to avoid spraying anything on the buds themselves. This includes foliar sprays, chemicals, and pesticides. While it may be necessary to kill bugs during the bud-forming stage, it is important to use the safest options available in order to avoid affecting the taste or smell of the buds. Additionally, synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) should be avoided as they can be deposited inside buds and make them unsafe for human consumption. Finally, it is important not to overload the plants with nutrients and supplements as this can also negatively impact the quality of the buds. By following these simple tips, growers can ensure that their cannabis plants produce high-quality buds that are safe for consumption that smell and taste great.
The Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Cannabis Growth
Temperature is one of the most important factors in determining the quality of your cannabis crop. In the flowering stage, daytime temperatures should be maintained at around 65-80°F (18-26°C). This range is ideal for most strains, but if you are using CO2, it is best to keep the temps at 80-90°F (26°-32°C). However, even with CO2, most growers recommend lowering the temps to 65-80°F for the last two weeks before harvest. Nighttime temperatures should be kept around 68-75°F (20°-24°C) to prevent bud rot and freezing temperatures. Keep in mind that some strains will only show their colour when night temperatures are cooler than during the day. By monitoring the temperature, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and produce high-quality buds.
High humidity makes growing cannabis difficult for many new growers.
Humidity can cause a lot of problems, including nutrient deficiencies and light/heat stress. However, just adding a little moisture to the air can make a big difference. During the vegetative stage, it is important to maintain higher humidity in order to reduce salt levels and encourage healthy growth. However, during the flowering stage, it is actually preferable to decrease the humidity in order to prevent mould and increase trichome production. For best results, keep the humidity between 40% and 50%.
However, the truth is that marijuana plants are surprisingly resilient and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. This is especially true when it comes to humidity levels. While it is certainly ideal to keep humidity levels within the recommended range, it is possible to successfully grow marijuana plants in high or low humidity, even if growth development is affected. This is the primary reason why many growers – especially new ones – forget about humidity altogether. Novice growers are also more prone to spending more money on nutrients, CO2 or supplements when controlling the humidity of their grow, so these make a much bigger difference in their final flowers. So if you’ve realized that your humidity is far higher or lower than what’s recommended, you may be able to make a simple, relatively cheap change to dramatically improve the vibrancy of your plants.
Most growers know that a relative humidity (RH) of 40-50% is ideal for the flowering stage of cannabis growth. However, there is one extra trick that can help to boost resin production and create higher-quality buds. Just before harvest, growers can drop the RH down to as low as 25% using a dehumidifier. This extreme dryness will encourage the buds to seal themselves with additional resin, resulting in a sparkling outer layer of THC-rich trichomes. Not only does this increase the potency of the final product, but it also helps to protect the buds from mould and other pests. So, if you’re looking to produce top-shelf cannabis, don’t forget to give your plants a little extra dryness in the final weeks of flowering.
Ventilation – Give every Cola better Airflow
Over time, even the best growers will see that poor air quality can be a big contributor to sub-par buds. By ensuring that your grow room has adequate airflow and ventilation, you can help to prevent this from happening. For smaller grow operations with 1-3 plants, an oscillating fan or two should suffice. However, for larger grows with hot lights, you’ll need a more robust exhaust system to ensure proper airflow. With a little bit of planning, setting up an efficient exhaust system is easy and well worth the effort.
Cannabis seeds are wind-pollinated in nature, which means airflow plays an important role in their growth development from the germination stage through harvest time. The more you allow your plants to breathe, the larger and thicker their buds will be. This is because airflow helps to remove any pollen that can interfere with the plant’s growth. In addition, airflow helps to circulate nutrients and water to the plant’s roots, providing them with the essential elements they need to grow strong and healthy.
Know your Basics about Cannabis Growth
Mastering the basics of cannabis cultivation is essential for any grower who wants to produce high-quality buds. One of the most important aspects of post-harvest care is drying and curing. When done correctly, drying and curing can make buds smell better, look better, and feel more potent. Furthermore, it helps to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique effects and smell. The extra effort required to dry and cure properly is well worth it for any grower who wants to produce top-shelf buds.
It’s important to be aware of the various mistakes that can occur during the process which can damage your plants. Nutrient burn, nutrient deficiencies and heat stress are all common problems that can occur, particularly during the flowering stage. It’s crucial to provide your plants with a good growing environment in order to avoid these problems and to ensure that they gain the best yields possible. By gaining a complete understanding of the basics of growing, you can ensure that your plants thrive and reach their maximum potential.
In summary, if you want to grow big, healthy buds, there are three things you need to do: learn everything you can, start with good genetics, and create the perfect growing setup. First, educate yourself on all aspects of cannabis cultivation. The more you know about the plant, the better your chances of success. Second, choose your strains carefully. Make sure you start with high-quality genetics that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Finally, create an ideal growing environment for your plants. Provide them with plenty of light, water, and nutrients, and control the temperature and humidity levels to create optimal conditions for growth. By following these simple tips, you can produce superior buds that are sure to impress.