How To Grow Weed?

TYPES OF WEED

Cannabis ranks as the 6th most valuable crop in the U.S. There are three main types of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each type has unique characteristics, including appearance, growth patterns, effects, and medicinal properties. Let’s take a look at each:

• Sativa: Sativa plants are tall and have narrow leaves. They provide energizing and uplifting effects and are great for boosting your focus, creativity, and sociability. Sativa strains are mostly used during the day and have higher levels of THC.
• Indica: Indica plants are shorter and bushier with wider leaves. They offer relaxing and sedating effects, promoting calmness, pain relief, and sleep. Indica strains are often used in the evening or at night and have higher levels of CBD.
• Ruderalis: Ruderalis is less common and known for its auto-flowering trait. It automatically transitions from vegetative growth to flowering based on age. Ruderalis strains are smaller, have lower THC levels, and are used in hybrid breeding.

HOW TO GROW WEED

Here’s everything you need to know to grow your own weed:

Soil Requirements

Having the right soil is essential for the health and productivity of your cannabis. Here are some key soil requirements:

• Retains moisture: The soil you use should hold moisture to ensure the plants can access water. Organic matter, such as compost, can help improve water retention.
• Nutrient-rich: Cannabis plants require a balanced and nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. Organic matter can help improve the soil’s nutrient content.
• Well-structured: Cannabis plants develop a robust root system. The soil should be well-structured and loose enough for proper root development.
• pH level: The soil’s pH level affects nutrient availability to the plants. For cannabis, go for a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. pH levels outside this range can result in nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. You can find pH testing kits at your local garden center or online.
• Avoid contaminants: Ensure that your soil is free from contaminants like pesticides. They can negatively affect your plants’ health.

Light Requirements

The right light conditions are essential for healthy plant growth, development, and high-quality buds. Let’s look at the key requirements:

• Light intensity: Cannabis plants require a high-intensity light source to thrive. The recommended light intensity during the vegetative stage is around 600 to 1000 PAR units. Increase the power to 1000 to 1500 PAR units during the flowering stage to support bud development.
• Light duration: Cannabis plants need a specific light cycle to transition between vegetative and flowering stages. Provide 18-24 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage. During the flowering stage, 12 hours should be enough.
• Light coverage: Distribute light evenly across the entire canopy. This promotes uniform growth and bud development. Keep a good distance between the plants and the light source to prevent light burn.

Water Requirements

Proper watering is essential for healthy cannabis growth. Water is vital to nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and metabolism. Here are some tips:

• Water quality: Use clean, pH-balanced water for irrigation. Keep the pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Consider using filtered water if your water source has a high mineral content.
• Watering frequency: This depends on plant size, growth stage, container size, and environmental conditions. As a general guideline, water your plants when the soil’s top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other issues.
• Watering amount: When watering, aim to saturate the root zone without causing too much runoff. This ensures that the entire root system receives sufficient moisture. Water until you see a slight amount of runoff from the drainage holes. This indicates that the soil is properly hydrated.
• Drainage: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and oxygen deprivation in the root zone. Your containers should have good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
• Watering schedule: Consider the environmental conditions when determining your watering schedule. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and airflow can affect the rate of water evaporation from the soil.

Nutrient Requirements

Cannabis plants need specific nutrients for healthy growth, development, and high-quality buds. These nutrients include:

• Nitrogen (M): Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth, leaf development, and plant vigor. It promotes lush foliage and green coloration.
• Phosphorous (P): Phosphorus is critical for root development, energy transfer, and flower formation. It plays a significant role in bud production and overall plant metabolism.
• Potassium (K): Potassium contributes to water regulation, enzyme activation, and nutrient transport. It supports overall plant health, stress tolerance, and bud formation.
• Calcium (Ca): Calcium is essential for cell wall structure, root development, and nutrient uptake. Just like people, your marijuana baby needs enough calcium to grow up big and strong!
• Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is a crucial component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. It supports energy production and healthy leaf development.
• Sulfur (S): Sulfur aids in the formation of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes. It contributes to plant growth and helps produce secondary metabolites.

Planting And Germination

Planting and germinating is the initial step in growing cannabis. Proper techniques and conditions during this stage set the foundation for successful cultivation.

Germination

Germination is the process of initiating growth from a seed. It involves providing the right conditions for the seed to sprout.

One common method is germinating cannabis seeds using the paper towel method. Place seeds between moist paper towels and keep them in a warm, dark location. Check regularly for signs of sprouting roots, usually within 24 to 72 hours.

Plant seeds directly into a growing medium such as soil or a seedling cube. Plant them about half an inch (1.3 cm) deep and cover them lightly with the growing medium. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist!

Planting

Once the seeds have germinated and sprouted roots, they’re ready for planting. Prepare the growing medium and containers beforehand.

Choose a high-quality potting or well-balanced soil mix formulated for cannabis cultivation. Ensure the medium is loose, well-draining, and rich in nutrients.

Choose appropriate containers that allow proper drainage. Fabric pots or plastic pots with drainage holes are good options. Ensure the containers are clean and have enough capacity for root development.

Make a small hole in the growing medium and transfer the sprouted seed into the hole. Cover the seed with a light layer of the medium and gently press it down to secure the seedling.

Water the seedling lightly – don’t be tempted to overwater! Maintain a moist but not saturated growing medium.

Pruning And Training

Cannabis growers prune and train their plants to shape their growth. This improves yields, allows more light to get in, and increases bud development.

Pruning

Pruning involves removing certain parts of the cannabis plant, such as leaves, branches, or buds. Some common pruning techniques include:

• Removing fan leaves:  Large fan leaves provide energy to the plant through photosynthesis. Remove some of the lower or shaded fan leaves. This will improve airflow, reduce the risk of pests or diseases, and direct energy toward bud development.
• Topping: Topping is cutting off the main stem’s tip, encouraging the growth of main colas. This technique helps create a bushier plant with more potential bud sites.
• Lollipopping: Lollipopping involves removing lower growth, such as small buds. Focusing on the upper canopy promotes larger, more robust buds by redirecting nutrients to the top of the plant.
• Defoliation: This involves removing fan leaves during the flowering stage. It can improve light penetration and airflow, allowing for better bud development and reducing the risk of mold or mildew.

Training

Training involves bending, tying, or manipulating the plant’s branches to increase growth and bud production. Here are some common ways to train your cannabis plants:

• Low-Stress Training: Gently bend the branches and tie them down to create a wide, even canopy. This helps increase light exposure to lower branches and promotes even bud development.
• Screen of green (scrogging): This involves using a screen or net to create a horizontal canopy. Weave the branches through the screen to allow even light distribution and support the growth of colas.
• Supercropping: Carefully bend the stems to create small breaks without fully severing them. This method encourages the growth of additional branches and increases bud sites.
• Mainlining: This method involves training the plant to develop a symmetrical structure with multiple main colas. This maximizes bud production.

Harvesting

The best time to harvest weed depends on the strain, desired effects, and personal preference. However, here are some general guidelines you can use to help determine the best time for harvesting:

Trichome Examination

The trichome examination is the most reliable method to determine harvest readiness. It involves examining the trichomes and the resinous glands on the buds. You can use a magnifying tool to help get a closer look at the trichomes, with a special focus on their heads.

Harvest when most trichomes are milky white or starting to turn amber for a more uplifting and energetic effect. The color indicates that THC levels are at their peak.

Wait until more trichomes have turned darker for a more relaxing and soothing effect. It means there are higher levels of CBN, a compound associated with calming.

Pistil Examination

Another indicator of harvest time is the appearance of pistils – tiny hairs on the buds. Initially, the pistils are white and stick out straight. As the buds mature, the pistils start to change color as follows:

• Harvesting too early: The buds are likely not fully developed if most pistils are still white. The effects may be more cerebral and less potent.
• Optimal harvest time: When about 70-80% of the pistils have darkened and curled inwards, the buds are ripe and ready for harvest.
• Harvesting too late: If most pistils have turned brown or amber, the buds may be overripe. This creates a soothing effect and potentially degraded THC levels. But if that’s what you’re into, who are we to judge?

Curing And Storage

Curing and storage are essential steps after harvesting cannabis. Curing is slowly drying and aging the buds to enhance their flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Well-cured and stored weed can maintain its potency and freshness for longer.

Here’s an overview of curing and storing marijuana:

• Place trimmed buds in airtight containers like glass jars after the initial drying process. Containers create a controlled environment where moisture and volatile compounds can redistribute within the buds.
• Fill the jars with dried buds up to around 75% capacity, leaving some air space. This creates airflow without too much oxygen exposure.
• Store the jars in a cool, dark place with a temperature of around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and a humidity level of 55-65%. This range prevents mold and mildew while allowing the curing process to proceed gradually.
• Open the jars for a few minutes daily to release any built-up moisture and allow fresh air exchange. This step, known as burping, helps prevent mold formation and ensures proper curing.
• The curing process typically takes a few weeks to several months, depending on personal preference and the desired qualities of the final product.

Once the buds are properly cured, they can be stored for long-term preservation without significant degradation in quality. Remember to regularly inspect the stored buds for any signs of mold, mildew, or pests. If any issues are detected, immediately address them and prevent further damage.

Pest And Disease Control

Disease and pest control is crucial to ensure the health and vitality of your plants. You need to keep an eye on your weed plants so that you can identify issues early on. Here are some tips for preventing and controlling pests and diseases:

Prevention

• Start with disease-free seeds or healthy clones from reputable sources.
• Maintain a clean growing environment by regularly removing plant debris, fallen leaves, and weeds that can harbor pests or diseases.
• Ensure adequate airflow and ventilation in your grow space.
• Isolate new plants or clones to observe them for signs of diseases or pests before integrating them with existing plants.

Disease Control

• Learn to identify common cannabis diseases such as powdery mildew, botrytis (bud rot), gray mold, root rot, and leaf spot diseases. Symptoms include discoloration, wilting, mold growth, or abnormal growth patterns.
• Practice good hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting your tools, containers, and growth areas.
• Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and other waterborne diseases.
• Implement good cultivation practices. Keep nutrient levels balanced and avoid excessive humidity. Space your plants out to promote healthy growth and minimize disease susceptibility.
• Consider using beneficial microorganisms or biological fungicides. These can help establish a protective barrier or compete with harmful pathogens.
• Choose approved organic fungicides and apply them according to the instructions if necessary. Follow recommended application rates and schedules to control the disease while minimizing environmental impact effectively.

Pest Control

• Familiarize yourself with cannabis pests like spider mites, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and fungus gnats. Look for signs of infestation like webs, leaf damage, tiny insects, or unusual plant behavior.
• Use an integrated approach by combining strategies for pest control, including:
  • Biological controls: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory mites that feed on pests. Use helpful nematodes for soil-dwelling problems.
  • Mechanical controls: Use physical barriers or sticky traps to catch pests. Handpick and remove pests when possible.
  • Organic insecticides: Choose organic and environmentally friendly insecticides if you have to use them. Apply them sparingly and follow the instructions to minimize harm to beneficial organisms.
  • Cultural practices: Maintain good garden hygiene by removing infected plant material. Practice crop rotation to reduce pest populations.
  • Monitor and early intervention: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and take immediate action if you notice any signs of infestation. Early intervention can prevent pests from multiplying and wreaking havoc!

CONCLUSION

Growing weed can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it’s no walk in the park. It requires knowledge, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding soil requirements, light conditions, water and nutrient needs, and pest control measures, you can create an ideal environment for your cannabis plants to thrive.

If you’d like to get more information on growing your cannabis plants, Embarc can help guide you through the entire process from seed to harvest. We wish you a successful and rewarding cultivation experience!