February 09, 2023 0 Comments
Topping a cannabis plant is a common horticultural practice that involves cutting the main stem of the plant to promote bushier growth and increase yields. This technique can be used to control the height of the plant, encourage branching, and create a more aesthetically pleasing plant shape. Topping is typically done when the plant is in the vegetative stage of growth before it begins to flower.
To top a cannabis plant, the grower makes a clean cut just above a node or the point where leaves emerge from the stem. This cuts off the main growing tip and triggers the plant to develop two new shoots, which will eventually become two separate branches. The grower may repeat this process several times, topping each new node as it grows to encourage further branching.
Topping a cannabis plant has several benefits. Firstly, it allows the grower to control the height of the plant, which can be important in smaller grow spaces. Secondly, it promotes bushier growth, which can increase yields. This is because a bushier plant will have more branches and nodes, each of which can produce flowers. Additionally, topping can also increase the overall quality of the buds, as the plant will focus its energy on producing fewer but more dense, high-quality buds.
Topping can also positively impact light distribution within a cannabis grow space. When a plant is topped, it encourages the growth of new shoots and branches, which can lead to a more even distribution of light throughout the plant. This can result in healthier, more vigorous growth and improve the overall quality of the buds produced.
Topping also provides the grower with greater control over the final shape of the plant. By carefully choosing where to make the cuts, the grower can manipulate the plant's growth patterns and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape. This can be especially useful in grow spaces where the plant is visible, such as in a grow tent or greenhouse.
However, topping is not without its drawbacks. The process of topping can stress the plant, which can slow down its growth and increase the risk of disease. Additionally, topping can also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, as the plant will need to produce new shoots and branches quickly. To minimize the risks associated with topping, it is important to wait until the plant has reached a suitable size and to use clean, sharp cutting tools.
To Get the Best Result
Finally, it's worth noting that topping is just one aspect of a comprehensive cannabis cultivation strategy. Other factors, such as soil quality, nutrient levels, light intensity and duration, temperature, and humidity levels, will also play a role in the overall health and productivity of the plant. To achieve the best results, growers should have a good understanding of all these factors and how they interact with each other.
Topping is a useful horticultural practice for cannabis growers looking to control plant height, promote bushier growth, and increase yields. However, it is important to understand the benefits and risks associated with topping and to perform the process properly to avoid damaging the plant. With careful attention to these details, topping can be an effective tool for improving the quality and yield of a cannabis crop.
February 08, 2023 0 Comments
The Cannabis plant is an annual herb that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is also commonly referred to as marijuana or hemp. The plant is composed of various parts, each of which plays a crucial role in its growth and reproduction.
The root system of the Cannabis plant is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. It is composed of a taproot and lateral roots, which branch out from the main root to provide stability and absorb more nutrients.
The stem of the Cannabis plant provides support and transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and buds. The stem is also responsible for producing new growth and flowers. The size, shape, and thickness of the stem can vary depending on the strain of the plant.
The leaves of the Cannabis plant are an important part of the plant's photosynthesis process. They are composed of a petiole, which connects the leaf to the stem, and a blade, which contains the photosynthetic cells. The leaves are usually green and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from broad and fan-like to narrow and needle-like.
The buds of the Cannabis plant are the most valuable part of the plant and contain high levels of the psychoactive compounds THC and CBD. The buds are formed from the flowering tops of the female plant and are composed of clusters of tightly packed flowers.
There are several other important structures that make up the anatomy of the Cannabis plant. These include:
Trichomes: Tiny crystal-like structures that form on the leaves, buds, and stems of the plant. They contain the majority of the plant's psychoactive compounds, including THC and CBD.
Pistils: Small hair-like structures that grow from the female plant's flowers. They serve as the plant's reproductive structures and are crucial for producing seeds.
Calyxes: The protective outer layer of the female plant's flowers. They protect the developing buds and contain the ovules, which produce seeds when fertilized by pollen from the male plant.
Stigmas: The reproductive structures of the male plant. They produce and release pollen, which is carried by wind or insects to the female plant's pistils.
The Cannabis plant can also be divided into two main types based on its anatomy and growth patterns: the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica strains. These two strains have different physical characteristics and growth patterns, as well as different effects when consumed.
Cannabis sativa strains are typically taller, with thin leaves and a lighter green color. They also tend to have a higher THC-to-CBD ratio, which results in a more energetic and uplifting effect when consumed.
Cannabis indica strains, on the other hand, are shorter and bushier, with wider leaves and a darker green color. They tend to have a higher CBD-to-THC ratio, which results in a more relaxing and sedative effect when consumed.
Whether growing sativa or indica strains, attention to detail and proper care are key to producing healthy and productive plants.
Aside from these differences, both strains have the same basic anatomy, with roots, stems, leaves, and buds that are essential for the plant's growth and reproduction. However, the way these parts grow and develop can be influenced by various factors, including the strain, the environment, and the growing conditions.
The anatomy of the Cannabis plant is complex, and each part plays a crucial role in its growth, reproduction, and overall health. Understanding the anatomy of the plant is essential for growers and cultivators who want to produce high-quality crops and maximize their yields. By paying attention to the various parts of the plant, growers can ensure that their plants receive the right nutrients, light, and care, which will ultimately result in a healthy and productive crop.
February 07, 2023 0 Comments
Growing cannabis is fun, but it’s far from easy. People with massive indoor growing systems didn’t immediately dive into their projects with state-of-the-art equipment and resilient crops. They started small, too. As they say, “we must learn to walk before we learn to run”. Getting the hang of growing marijuana on a small scale will provide the foundation for much larger endeavors in the future.
Before starting, be aware of your state’s marijuana growing laws. Alaska, Washington D.C., Colorado and Oregon all allow for a limited number of indoor plants, provided the grower is 21 years of age or older. However, several counties in these states have their own laws, so make sure to do the proper research before you start growing.
When growing small, it’s important to note that certain strains are more conducive to this than others. In this case, it’s important to choose a shorter plant. Indicas tent to be shorter than sativas, and can be easier to grow indoors. Choose your seeds accordingly.
Growing cannabis – even a single plant – isn’t like growing a flower. Specific equipment is needed in order to create the proper conditions for marijuana to thrive.
Lights can cost a fortune for large indoor growing systems, but this isn’t the case for a single plant. This doesn’t mean any old lightbulb will do.
A relatively inexpensive option is to start with a 250 watt HID (high intensity discharge) or metal halide (MH) bulb. While these bulbs are available for just $25 in any hardware store, they require special light fixtures which can cost as much as $200, and will require additional cooling as these lights tend to run hot.
Another option is to use fluorescent bulbs, but only to complement natural light. If an area in your home gets a great deal of sunlight, then this equipment will do; however, it doesn’t offer the same benefits of HID or MH lighting. Consider this a backup option if you’re short on cash.
Despite being more expensive upfront, a more complete lighting system investment would be a LED lighting setup. While the initial costs are more, they use considerably less energy and thus cost much less to run, and they provide the plants with the perfect spectrum of light which can ultimately improve yields.
A light timer is also needed, as the light/dark periods need to work on an automatic cycle. A high quality LED grow light will often include a built-in timer.
Soil
Just like with lights, marijuana can’t be grown in any generic soil. The best place to shop is at a plant nursery or hydroponics shop. The experts there can walk you through some of the options. As a general rule, look for organic soil containing things like guano or fishmeal.
Nutrients
While this may not make or break your project, a little boost never hurts. There are lots of great fertilizers and supplements available to help the cannabis plant thrive. Again, a hydroponics shop can tell you more, but some options are compost teas or mixtures to add nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium (to name a few).
PH Tester
A PH tester is absolutely critical. It allows growers to make sure the soil isn’t too acidic or alkaline. An imbalance in this area will cut everything off at the knees.
Grow Space
For beginners, the easiest choice here is a grow tent. Grow tents come in a variety of sizes, and make it much easier to completely control your own grow environment.
Plant Pot
During the seedling phase, the cannabis plant requires little space; however, once it sprouts, the cannabis needs to be transported to a container. A five-gallon bucket is a good choice, as it offers plenty of room for what the plant needs.
Fan
Ventilation is key to promoting the growth of cannabinoids and terpenes. For a single plant, one or two simple house fans will do. Creating some sort of ventilation system so air can continuously flow freely is critical.
Water
This is a given, but not just any water will work. If the water supply in your area contains chlorine, it’s best to purchase the water separately, as chlorine is detrimental to cannabis growth.
Process
Now with all the necessary equipment, it’s time to get started. Again, this is a very specific process.
Seedling Stage
Seed germination is the shortest step in the process. In fact, a sprout could pop up within a single day, but it’s best to give it three to five days before moving on to the next step.
The Vegetative Cycle
The period before the cannabis flowers and matures is called the “vegetative state”. It’s this formative period which determines how robust the harvest will be. This also means it’s the most critical time for the plant.
At this point, place the plant in the grow space and set the timer to keep the light going for 18 hours a day. Keep doing this for a minimum of three weeks. Some growers extend this to two months, but it’s not necessary to keep the vegetative state going for that long; however, the longer it lasts, the better the outcome.
Don’t overwater the plant. Wait until the soil is completely dry before adding more water. This is also the point where you can add nutrients as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Flowering Stage
Once the vegetative step is over, it’s time to trigger the flowering stage. This generates the buds which will eventually be harvested for smoking.
In order to trigger flowering, switch the light schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Depending on variables like the strain and genetics, this can take anywhere between five and sixteen weeks.
Harvesting and Drying
Once the buds are available, remove them from the plant and allow them to dry for seven to ten days. Finally, place them in airtight glass jars in order to “cure”. This can help get rid of unpleasant taste and increase the potency.
Learning how to master the growing the process comes with time and experience. However, once you’ve completed your first successful marijuana grow, each new seedling will get a little easier.
February 06, 2023 0 Comments
Nutrient burn, also known as "nute burn," is a common problem when growing cannabis. When cannabis plants receive too much fertilizer, they can't absorb all of the nutrients they need, and the excess can build up in the leaves and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and become crispy. This is especially true for young plants, which are more sensitive to over-fertilization.
The most common cause of the nutrient burn is the overuse of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Cannabis plants need nitrogen during the vegetative stage to promote healthy growth and development, but too much nitrogen can cause the leaves to become yellow and damaged. Other nutrients that can cause nutrient burn include phosphorus and potassium.
Symptoms of Nutrient Burn in Cannabis Plants
Symptoms of nutrient burn can include yellow or brown tips on leaves, leaf curling, and wilting. In severe cases, the leaves may die and fall off. To prevent a nutrient burn, it is important to carefully monitor the levels of nutrients in the soil or hydroponic solution and to follow the recommended dosages for the specific strains of cannabis being grown.
In case of a nutrient burn, the best solution is to flush the soil or hydroponic solution with plain water to remove any excess nutrients. This can help to reduce the symptoms of nutrient burn and allow the plants to recover. If the nutrient burn is severe, it may be necessary to wait until the next growing cycle to start again.
Overall, nutrient burn is a common problem that can be easily prevented by carefully monitoring the levels of nutrients in the soil or hydroponic solution and adjusting the dosage as needed. By following these guidelines, growers can ensure that their cannabis plants receive the proper nutrition for healthy growth and development.
Nutrient burn is a common problem that can occur when growing cannabis, caused by over-fertilization, using the wrong type of fertilizer.
Follow the recommended nutrient dosage: Overfeeding your plants can cause nutrient burn, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage for your specific nutrient brand and the growth stage of your plants.
Monitor pH levels: Nutrient uptake can be affected by pH levels, so it's important to monitor the pH of your soil or hydroponic solution regularly. The ideal pH range for cannabis is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water properly: Overwatering can also contribute to nutrient burn, so it's important to water your plants appropriately. Water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid letting your plants sit in standing water.
Check for signs of nutrient burn: Keep an eye out for symptoms of nutrient burn, such as yellow or brown tips on leaves, stunted growth, or leaf curling. If you notice these symptoms, adjust your nutrient dosage or flush your plants with pH-balanced water.
Use high-quality nutrients: Investing in high-quality nutrients can help prevent nutrient burn and ensure your plants receive the right balance of nutrients.
By following these tips, you can prevent nutrient burn in your cannabis plants and promote healthy growth and yield.
February 05, 2023 0 Comments
Does a bigger cannabis harvest mean larger blooms or denser buds? Why choose? When you have high-quality you can have both. Ready to supersize your cannabis colas? Read on.
For anyone totally new to growing we have to let you know it’s not a soft drink. The cola is the flowering top of the female cannabis plant. Also called buds, nugs, or flowers, colas contain the highest concentration of trichomes, which produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. In other words? It’s the part of the plant we harvest, process, and use to ease our minds, bodies, and spirits. The more you have, the more useable weed you have, so you want as many as possible, as big as possible, and as thick as possible!
There are a few factors.
Strain Choice
Naturally, some strains grow thicker than others. Sour Diesel and Amnesia Haze spring to mind. So selecting your clones and seeds for bushier breeds is step one, but it’s the only one with factors you can’t control yourself! The rest of these steps are all you!
Targeted Lighting
Outdoor growers, look away–the sun is already doing its level best. Indoor-warriors? Let’s talk.
White light = wasted photons. Point blank. Cannabis needs a targeted spectrum to grow to its best abilities, and flipping a grow light from a veg spectrum to a flower spectrum is just as important as adjusting the lighting schedule. The best blooms mean bigger, tighter, and bonus–higher in trichome concentration, so give them their best start with a better breed of grow light.
Proper feeding
This is where we come in. Just like any other living thing, cannabis needs the right combination of macronutrients and micronutrients to thrive, and we provide the right ones at a concentrated rate. No watering down means no paying for what already comes out of your tap.
The only catch? Too much fertilizer can burn your plants and prevent them from taking up the nutrients they need. Make sure to follow the nutrient instructions, or just give our NorCal team a call for an assist (or just to say hi).
Grow Training
Your cannabis can’t sit up and bark, but you can get your girls to grow in more productive ways with a little help.
Try training your plants with techniques like topping, bending, and trellising. These techniques let your plant grow horizontally, which increases the amount of light getting to each leaf, which in turn, lets your plant eat even more, and use that energy to feed you back. Bonus, this also increases number of flowering sites and ultimately leads to a bigger quantity of buds!
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to growing crazy huge colas in no time. Happy growing!
February 04, 2023 0 Comments
A watched pot plant never grows? If you're a newbie to growing, or growing with a new strain, different setup or different cannabis nutrients, the biggest question on your mind is 'how long is it going to take to grow this weed?'
We could blow smoke and tell you all things in time, but in reality, there are timetables you'll want to see if your plants are keeping to. For instance, a seed not popping after 60 days in warm, moist soil isn't an exercise in patience…it's just dead.
Here's what you can expect, roughly.
Germination (if starting from seed): 3-8 days
The germination stage will be completely invisible for a good portion of it. The plant's breaking out of its seed (AKA popping), sending down roots, and pushing a stalk through soil to break free and take in some nutrients. The first leaves you'll see aren't true leaves, but little nondescript nubs meant to take in light until the permanent growth comes in. You'll be able to tell those by their characteristic pot leaf shape. Germination is considered done when you have at least two pairs of those true leaves.
Seedling (or clone phase): 2 weeks
This is where you'll see the most dramatic growth as your plant keeps growing stronger. At this point, you've moved it from a bitty seed pot/mat to a suitably sized pot (think pint of ice cream), but not its permanent home (think lobster boil pot). Going too big too fast can lead to overwatering, overwatering leads to rootrot, and rootrot leads to tears. Your cannabis will be putting down bigger roots and growing bigger branches and leaves in this stage, but won't need to drink nearly as much as a fully grown plant. They'll be in this stage until the full number of 'fingers' on their palm-like leaves have formed–5-11 depending on the strain.
Vegetation: 2-20+ weeks
Once your plant has a good number of branches with big iconic leaves, it's time to go to the next pot up, which will be the plant's permanent home. At this stage, you can begin a nutrient cycle as your plant spends a few months bulking up. You want to spend the most time here because of the original function of flowers–reproduction. Technically you could purchase a clone and flip it into flower after only one week of vegetation and be finished with your grow in under 10 weeks. However, this will result in a very low yield due to the underdeveloped plant size.
Forcing a plant to flower prematurely is asking for sad, shrimpy yields from a plant pushed to be ready for 'courtship' before its time.
Flower: 8-11 weeks
This stage includes pre-flower, which is when you'll be able to tell your plants' genders and separate accordingly if need be.
Flowers will develop, grow, and finally ripen to the perfection you're after–but again, this stage cannot be hurried without hurting the final result. However, buds can be encouraged to grow sticky and strong with a different lighting cycle, and tailored nutrients.
In short, yes.
Cannabis is a relatively fast-growing plant from seed to harvest. Compare it with the years of waiting for any given fruit tree to develop, and you'll see what we mean. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the speed of growth, not all of which have to do with cultivation technique.
Some strains are just early bloomers, while some take their time! Check your genetics, and you'll have a more exact timeframe (though nothing natural ever goes perfectly on schedule).
Is it a full, generic white? Is it polluted with a non-lightfast grow tent? Is it too far away forcing your plants to grow taller stalks before they grow fuller leaves? All of these factors will lengthen the amount of time until the ripening flower stage, as well as lessen the quality of your grow. Give your girls bluer light in veg, redder light in flower, and keep the lights close enough to illuminate, but not burn.
Need something to do while you wait for your grow to grow up?
We just started a grower subreddit! Check out INSERT THE THING HERE, APRIL for sharing progress pics and canna-karma.
February 03, 2023 0 Comments
Have you noticed those three numbers at the top of fertilizers before? Hopefully yes, they’re important! Those numbers indicate the NPK. Adding nutrients to cannabis shouldn’t be a mystery, so if you’re wondering about the numbers you need to see on nutrients for your grow, read on!
NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The name uses the letters on the Periodic Table to form the acronym, hence why it's not NPP. These are three of the macro nutrients that your cannabis will need in the highest quantities (compared to other macros and micros) in order to grow healthy and produce big buds.
The numbers read as percent by weight of fertilizer. We pulled up a handy breakdown of the math involved, but if, for example, you see a 40lb bag of fertilizer that reads 30-15-15, that means 30% ie, 12lbs is nitrogen, 15% ie, 6 lbs is phosphorus, and 15% ie 6 lbs is potassium.
You might be thinking "Why not just go for the highest numbers possible? Won’t my cannabis grow even more nutrients that way? Isn't that the biggest bang for my buck?"
Short answer? No! It's an understandable misconception, but no. Cannabis can be overloved like any other plant, and giving your cannabis too much of anything can actually be harmful to their health. In the case of nutrients, you'll end up with 'Nute burn'-- damaged plant tissues from overdosing.
It depends on the stage of growth!
For lush, bushy foliage in the vegetative stage, we recommend a potassium heavy 8-4-13.
For big, dense, sticky buds in the flowering stage, more phosphorus and less nitrogen is needed in a 5-10-14 formula.
NPK is just one part of a healthy cannabis grow, however. Your plants will also need other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
The best way to make sure your plants are getting everything they need is to use a high-quality fertilizer that is designed specifically for cannabis. This will give them the perfect NPK ratio, as well as all the other nutrients they need to grow healthy and produce big buds.
Looking for a timetable of nutrients? You're in luck. Check out our ideal feeding schedule here and get your leafy ladies the nourishment they need!
February 02, 2023 0 Comments
Newsflash...pain is bad. Chronic back pain, aches from sickness, that last bad pinky toe stub–they all need help! Growing cannabis indoors to have a great source of anti-inflammatory pain relief on hand just makes sense. These eight strains are time-tested favorites for the achey AND the breaky, so if you're trying to wean off the Ibuprofen, try growing one or more of these cannabis strains for pain relief!
ACDC: This strain is perfect for working through the pain! It has few intoxicating effects, so if you're in a position where you have no choice but to push through, this is the bush to burn.
Blue Dream: Feeling feverish? Blue Dream is a A sweet smelling favorite, this potent, sativa dominant hybrid is great for full-body pain relief and nausea. Use this strain to make the most of your sick days and spend more time on catching up rather than throwing up.
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Granddaddy Purple: Need to stay in one place while you manage your pain? If moving is ill-advised, rest up with this legendary crossbreed. An indica heavy hitter, GDP is perfect for helping you relax and manage pain before bed, so this strain is perfect for ailments like broken bones needing bedrest!
Harlequin: Despite its amusing name, Harlequin's not about sending in the clowns. If you're feeling anxious about your pain levels, this CBD-rich strain will clear your head and your ouchies so you can continue to function without worrying about your condition.
Northern Lights: This strain is as famous for its resilience while growing as it is for its naturally super-resinous buds! A classic indica, Northern Lights provides deep relaxation, euphoria, and dissipation of muscle tension. This is the perfect strain for cramps and muscular injuries without turning to traditional opiates.
OG Kush: Had a long day? Leave the martini back in the 50's, and grab this green instead. A west coast favorite, OG Kush is perfect for managing pain at the end of a difficult shift–its high levels of THC mean that you'll be down for the count, but when you're at the tail end of tail-busting hard work, it's a great friend indeed!
Sour Diesel: Is that a truckstop we smell, or are you just taking your medicine? A sativa-dominant strain, Sour Diesel is perfect for elevating mood and providing full-body pain relief. Cheer up a sourpuss patient with Sour Diesel and watch the healing begin!
White Widow: Like Sour Diesel, White Widow can excite the unwell–taking their pain away and taking their mind off their pain and induing a state of increased energy and wellbeing. However if SD's pungence is a little much, White Widow's woody aroma will be a welcome change.
There you have it! Eight of the best cannabis strains for pain management, all available to grow right in your own home! Cannabis is a great alternative to traditional pain medication, and with so many different strains available, there's sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly.
Exercise your right to take charge of your own care, and happy growing!
February 01, 2023 0 Comments
Growing anything from seed is an exercise in patience. Growing cannabis from seed? Even more so. But not only is it NOT impossible, watching your medicinal harvest go from pop to pot is an incredible journey! Here's how to embark.
Once you've decided to take the plunge, it's time to choose your seeds. There are two ways of going about this. You can either buy them from a dispensary or order them online from a reputable seed bank. We recommend the latter because you'll have a wider selection to choose from and you can be sure that they're good quality.
Place the seeds in a cup of water and wait until they sink to the bottom. Then transfer them to a damp paper towel and seal it in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm, dark place until the seeds sprout.
Once you've got your seeds, it's time to get started! First things first: you need to germinate your seeds. The classic to do this is by using the paper towel method. Get a couple of sheets of paper towel and wet them until they're damp but not dripping. Place your seeds on one sheet, fold the other one over, and put the whole thing in a Ziploc bag. Put it in a warm place (like on top of your fridge) and check on it every day to make sure the paper towel stays damp. In a few days, you should see little white roots poking out of your seeds!
You’re also free to put your seedlings in a tiny pot with damp earth and wait for them to push themselves out.
If you’re focused on getting as much green per seed as you can, you might invest in a seed incubator! These specialty boxes keep your seeds moist, warm, and visible all at once–upping the odds on successful pops.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to check the PH levels of your water before moistening your planting medium. Ideal PH for cannabis seedlings is 5.5-5.8 on the scale (a nice yellow color in your testing vial).
If your water isn’t suitable right out of the tap (most growers’ aren’t), you can purchase adjusters, or even use reverse osmosis water from the bottle or fillable jug.
Your seedlings are ready to move to a bigger pot to continue growing once you see at least two pairs of true leaves on the tiny stalk. Cotyledons, ie the ‘baby teeth’ of leaves are the first two bits of green you’ll have seen as your plants emerged, but they are not true leaves. These little nubs are just there to get your plant a little light so it can make its real leaves–which will be serrated and multi-fingered like mini-versions of the iconic cannabis leaves.
Whether you’re planting in a soil pot, or a little hydrobucket, you’ll need to do so with care and freshly-washed hands to avoid contamination.
If you're growing in soil, get a small pot and fill it with soil, then make a small indent in the center. Gently place your seed in the indent, making sure that the root is pointing down, and cover it with soil. Water it lightly and put it in a warm spot.
If you're growing in hydroponics, you’ll very gently wrap the seedling’s roots around clay pellets, or between pieces of rockwool.
At this stage, you’ll want your lights bright and close. Too little light results in leggy seedlings growing towards inadequate sources, and later toppling under their own weight. Leave LED lights INSERT DISTANCE above, and CFM lights INSERT DISTANCE ABOVE for maximum effect.
You’ve got about 2-3 weeks of growth before your plant matures and enters its vegetative stage in earnest! Be sure to keep water pure, and lighting near so your seedlings get their best start! Be patient. Feeding isn’t necessary at this stage, and attempts to hasten growth will end in overwhelmed plants and frustrated growers.
But trust us, the wait will be worth it! Want to share your journey? Check out our Reddit community and shoot the seeds with like minded growers.
What are you most curious about when growing cannabis? How to nurture it and make it lively and productive, right? There are simple things you need to do for this.
Remember that your growing cannabis plants need the right balance of water, nutrients, and light to thrive and produce high-quality buds. A critical factor in achieving this balance is choosing the right nutrient delivery system for your cannabis plants. There are many methods to choose from, including hydroponics, soil, drip irrigation, and more.
In this article, we will try to explain how to choose the right nutrient delivery system for your cannabis plants.
Before choosing a nutrient delivery system, it is very important to consider the growing environment. If you're growing indoors, hydroponic may be the best option, as it provides precise control over nutrient levels and pH. On the other hand, if you are growing outdoors, the soil may be a better option as it can provide more natural nutrients and water retention.
Understand the Advantages and Limitations of Each System
Every nutrient delivery system has benefits and limitations. Hydroponics is known for its efficiency and ability to produce high yields, but it can be more complex and expensive to set up. Soil, on the other hand, is easier to manage and may give your buds a more natural flavor but may not give the same yield as hydroponic.
Drip irrigation is an excellent choice for those who want to conserve water and ensure an even distribution of nutrients, but it may not be suitable for all cannabis strains. Other nutrient delivery systems, such as aeroponics and deep water culture, have their own benefits and limitations, so it is crucial to explore each option in detail.
Different cannabis strains have different nutritional requirements. Some strains can thrive in hydroponic systems, while others may prefer soil. Understanding the nutritional needs of your cannabis strain is crucial to choosing the right nutrient delivery system. Research your own species to determine your preferred nutrient delivery system and nutrient requirements.
Choose the Right Fertilizer
Monitor Nutrient Levels and pH
Regardless of the nutrient delivery system, it is very important to regularly monitor nutrient levels and pH. Nutrient levels can fluctuate based on factors such as temperature and water quality, so it's crucial to ensure your plants get the right balance of nutrients. pH levels can also affect nutrient absorption, so it's important to keep the pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
Set Your Budget
Different nutrient delivery systems have different costs associated with them. For example, hydroponics can be more expensive than soil-based systems. When choosing a nutrient delivery system, it's important to consider your budget and factor in ongoing maintenance and operating costs.
Consider Your Level of Expertise
Some nutrient delivery systems, such as hydroponics, require more knowledge and expertise to install and maintain. If you're a beginner, it may be best to start with a simpler system, such as soil-based or drip irrigation. As you gain experience, you can move on to more complex systems.
Research Local Regulations
Before choosing a nutrient delivery system, it is very important to research local regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on certain types of systems or fertilizers, so it's important to make sure you follow local laws and regulations.
Get Advice from Experienced Breeders
If you are unsure which nutrient delivery system is right for you, seek advice from experienced growers. Online forums, social media groups, and local grower associations can be excellent resources for learning about different nutrient delivery systems and seek advice from experienced growers.
Top 5 Tips for Growing Healthy and Prolific Cannabis Plants
In this article, we will list the tips you need to know to grow healthy and productive cannabis plants.
Green Thumbs Unite: How to Grow Healthy and Productive Cannabis Plants
Provide adequate lighting:
Cannabis plants require a lot of light to grow and thrive. Make sure they get at least 12 hours of light a day, preferably from a high-quality grow light that mimics natural sunlight.
Water your plants properly:
Overwatering or overwatering can damage your cannabis plants. Water them when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure the soil has good drainage.
Use quality soil and nutrients:
The soil you use should be rich in nutrients and have a good pH level. In addition, use high-quality nutrients specifically designed for cannabis plants.
Control temperature and humidity:
Cannabis plants grow best in warm and humid environments. Aim for around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Humidity should be around 50-70% in the vegetative period and around 40-50% in the flowering period.
Prune and train your plants regularly:
Pruning and training your cannabis plants will help them grow in the right direction and produce more buds. Use techniques such as hilling, low-stress training, and defoliation to encourage healthy growth.
January 31, 2023 0 Comments
Tired of weak harvests? We sure were. No matter how much you love your ladies, increasing your cannabis yields is tantamount to getting the most out of your weed-work. But even though we don’t think you can ever have too many plants, you CAN grow smarter and bigger and better from just one plant!
There are a few key things you need to remember: proper nutrition, good lighting, optimal environment, and controlling pests and diseases. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Can anything grow when it’s not well-fed? Just like people, plants need the right balance of nutrients to grow big and strong. Proper nutrition is one of the most important factors in increasing your cannabis yield.
You'll need the right nutrients for each stage of your cannabis' growth, and the right amounts with a good feeding schedule. When it comes to adding nutrients to your plants, more is not always better. In fact, over-fertilizing your plants can lead to nutrient burn, which can stunt growth and reduce yields.
Find a balance between what your plants need and how much, and your harvests will increase!
Remember learning about photosynthesis in grade school? For plants, Light = Food. Good lighting is obviously another important factor in increasing cannabis yields, therefore great lighting gets you even more of what you need! Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow well–so find a light with the highest PPFP (ie amount of useable light) that you can.
In addition to amount of light, the type of light you need will depend on the stage of growth your plant is in. For example, during the vegetative stage, your plants will need more blue light, while during the flowering stage they will need more red light. Find a grow light that can flip between the two to help your yields multiply.
Believe it or not, we've progressed past the point of growing in a random closet. Your grow needs room to stretch out, proper ventilation, and a lightfast seal! Look into high quality grow cabinets and grow rooms to ramp up your yields, and give your grow a little privacy as it matures!
Cannabis grows quickly compared to many other plants! But every bite from a sap sucking bug, or inch given to fungal growth, is a loss to your plants' health and your harvest. Controlling pests and diseases is essential for getting big cannabis yields. Spider mites and aphids can wreak havoc on your plants, and diseases like powdery mildew can quickly destroy a crop. The best way to control pests and diseases is to prevent them from getting into your grow room in the first place. This means keeping your grow room clean and tidy, sanitizing your tools between uses, washing your hands, and using things like screens and filters on your ventilation system.
Is this all a lot? Yes! But when you have all the weed you can use, you'll see the worth in it easily.
By following these tips, you can increase your cannabis yields and get the most out of your plants! Bigger buds are just around the corner.
January 30, 2023 0 Comments
Cannabis has a long history of cultivation around the world! Growers today are building on thousands of years of knowledge about this amazing plant–here's how it got started!
Blurb: The history of growing cannabis goes back way past the 70's, man. Learn more now!
Not every cannabis grower likes to get precious about their hobby/trade/therapy, but when we say this is a storied tradition going back literally thousands of years, it's no exaggeration!
The hemp plant itself originated on the steppes of Central Asia, present day Western China. But while its cloth and cordage usage date back 4,000 years ago, it would be another 1,500 before actual psychoactive amounts of THC were found.
The altitude of a cemetary in the mountains is thought to have been a factor in the higher concentrations of THC found in the braziers of an ancient funeral, and tinkering to get those levels and its consumers more elevated began!
From there, cannabis use specifically for psychoactive purposes spread to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe via Silk Road trading. A pound of beads traded to the right growers could keep merchants and nobility alike lifted for the rest of their lives!
While scholars in the Middle East and peoples along the many trading routes of pre-colonial Africa were using (and banning!) cannabis for its euphoric highs, Western Europe and the freshly colonized Americas were still focused on opiates and alcohol for elevation. Hemp's arrival in the Western Hemisphere was as a cash crop for manufacturing rather than mind expansion.
Cannabis was an important crop in the early days of the United States, at some points required to be grown to further support colonial takeovers. In fact, hemp was such a valuable commodity that it was actually used as currency at one point!
It wasn't until the 1900s that recreational marijuana made its way to the US, via Mexico. The manufactured tensions between disenfranchised people during the Great Depression lead to the demonization of its use in the States, but the cannabis counter culture still took root!
Now, cannabis is grown all over the world for both medical and recreational purposes. The concentrations of beneficial cannabidiols has only gotten higher with breeding and breakthroughs in lighting and nutrition, and with more and more states legalizing its use, it's not going anywhere.
Want to see more folks growing their own? Check out the players in the first ever Grow Strong Cup–a cannabis cultivation competition where you get to judge!
January 29, 2023 0 Comments
When you hear ‘flushing marijuana’, be honest…do you think of getting rid of contraband?
As more states and countries relax their cannabis prohibition laws (and, we expect, in general), that definition is becoming a thing of the past! But legitimate flushing of cannabis is a grower tactic that deserves discussion.
Flushing is a growing strategy that involves completely stopping nutrient feeding two weeks to a month before harvesting, thereby encouraging the plant to use only what nourishment it has already taken in to reach the finish line. The idea here is that nutrients naturally stored in the plant will be fully metabolized, and that more of the plant’s natural components by cellular volume will end up in the end product.
Sometimes additives like lemon juice or Carboflush can be added to water to neutralize nutritious salts in the soil–making sure that the plants don’t continue to absorb what’s already soaked in.
Proponents contend that flushing leads to both better tasting weed, and a higher quality burn with less ash.
In that flushing removes nutrients from the soil? Yes. In a higher quality of smoke? We can’t say.
Old school growers, and their modern mentees swear that flushing is a necessary part of a higher quality high, citing increased smoothness and deeper flavors. However, on the other side, some growers say it isn’t necessary to stop supplementation, and that feeding right up until the first snip is working perfectly for them.
Ultimately, the only way to get close to a conclusion would be to stage a wide-scale blind taste test in adult-use states (no way this is going to be covered by a prescription), with flushed and unflushed weed. As to what neutral organization might fund that, we’re not sure.
But tastes still remain subjective, and so a true answer will have to stay a pipe dream for now.