Category: Growing Marijuana

How to Grow Hydroponic Marijuana

Marijuana is typically grown in soil, but there are also types that are grown in water in the form of bath which is enriched with different nutrients. All of marijuana’s needed nutrients are being incorporated into the water making it grow at its best. Hydroponics let the water, air, and minerals get into the roots using the growing channels that will result in the fast growth of the plant. The following are some of the tips you can use in growing hydroponic marijuana. According to a local port angeles dispensary, here are some of the top thing to consider when growing cannabis:

• Know the 20-minute rule. The roots of the marijuana should only be submerged in the water every 20 minutes. Taking time more than this can cause the plants root to grow long and thick that can block the nutrients from reaching on the upper part of the growing cups. You do not want this to happen because it will cause negative effects on the growth of marijuana. It is advisable to check the length of the root every week to be sure that the plant is getting the nutrients it needs. Trim it down using scissors but be sure not to cut it too short. See to it also that you will not cut the unnecessary parts.

hydro lights

Lighting is Key for Proper Cannabis Growth

• Use High-Intensity Discharged Lamps. Many people that are growing hydroponic marijuana use HID lights and proved a lot of benefits from it. You must know that cannabis grows well from 420 to 730 nanometers which can be emitted by HID lamps. The important factor to consider here is the heat being released by this light. That is why you should have a proper ventilation system. Ballast is also required in HID, make sure you have it.

• Make sure the hydroponic solution is complete with nutrients. The marijuana will get all the needed nutrients from the hydroponic solution, which is why you must see to it that it is complete with all the nutrients required for the fast growth of the plant. You can ask assistance from the professionals and experts especially if it is your first time to make a hydroponic garden. You do not want the quality of your marijuana to be compromised with your lack of knowledge regarding this matter. This will just result to waste time, money and effort. You do not want this to happen, right? So make the hydroponic solution your main priority and everything will follow and fall into its place.

Knowing some of these tips will help you make the most out of your hydroponic marijuana. You only want quality cannabis especially if it is for business purposes. Growing marijuana in the first place should be coupled with the right procedure and techniques to produce the best result.

You should be well-prepared and equipped with the knowledge on how to maximize the growth of your hydroponic marijuana. If this is done properly, you will reap more benefits compared to marijuana that is planted in soil. The fast growth of marijuana plays an important factor in the industry, and this is possible through hydroponic planting.

How and When do You Prune Your Marijuana Plant?

People have been pruning plants since the dawn of time.  For most plants pruning keeps the plant looking nice and neat, but for some plants it actually helps produce higher yields.  If you want the best crop of marijuana you can get then pruning is essential.  But how and when do you prune your marijuana plant?  Here are some steps to help you get the best crop you can.

Cut the Dead Leaves

When your plant gets bigger the top leaves form a canopy this reduces the amount of light that get through to the lower leaves.  The lower leaves will start to die off as a result, start snipping them off as they turn yellow.  The top leaves will benefit from the dead leaves being gone.

Get Rid of Lower Branches

Before the plant gets too big, you can clip off a few of the lower branches.  You might think that you’re going to reduce the amount of bud you get but the lower branches are going to give you much anyway and by trimming them off your plant can send nutrients to the taller branches.  It will increase the growth and give you a better yield at the end.

Use Sharp Scissors

When you prune don’t rip off branches, use a serrated knife or dull scissors that make you saw at the plant.  When the plant is young this will shock your plant and it won’t be as healthy.

Snip the Tops

This may seem like some really bad advice telling you to snip off the top branches, it isn’t.  The top branches can restrict the growth of the lower branches.  If you remove them then it lets the rest of the plant grow fuller and bushier.  You’ve probably seen people pinch off the top to leaves of plants to make them grow, this is the same thing.

Never Prune When the Plant is Flowering

Once you finally have your plant flowering now is definitely not the time to start pruning.  At best you can cut off the dead leaves but that is about it. The plant is in a heavy growing stage and any pruning will give it a shock.  Some believe that shocking a plant actually forces it to grow faster, not a lot of evidence to support that theory, you can always test with just one plant.

If you want the best crop of bud possible then pruning is going to be your best option for producing lots of bud.  A plant needs to be taken care of and shown a little love.  Pruning right will give you a bumper crop, and that’s exactly what you want.

Start Off Growing Just One Plant

Most regular cannabis smokers have thought about growing their own plants at one point or another, particularly this time of year.  Most of you will give up thinking the whole process is too hard.  It isn’t.  It’s not called weed for nothing.  Marijuana can and will grow pretty much anywhere so don’t worry if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, you can still grow a pot plant.  Start off growing just one plant and you can take it from there.

First Things First

Before you start germinating seeds you need to understand one thing about marijuana plants.  They are flowering plants that bear “fruit” once a year and that is in the fall when daylight is much shorter.  If you’re planning on growing the plant indoors hydroponically then your plant needs to be exposed to light for more than 12 hours every day to keep it from flowering.  You can trick it into flowering early so you get some bud right away, but you will have terrible pot and very little of it.  So let it grow for a while.

The Equipment

Lamps and grow equipment can run you into some big bucks, but if you’re only planning on growing one plant you can get by spending a lot less.  The right lamp is where you will spend the most money.  You can grab a 250 watt HID bulb at almost any hardware store for about $30.  You will need a special light fixture since these are not going to fit into a regular lamp you have hanging around.  If you have windows with some good exposure you can rely on the sun for a good part of the day.   Bear in mind you need intense light if you want your plant to develop, so if you can use sunlight the 250 watt bulb needs to be on for the full 12 hours.  Here is an idea of the set up you’ll need.

Soil and Fertilizer

You don’t need to get fancy when it comes to container just find one that is breathable.  Don’t over water it or you can end up with bugs and mold…yuck.  As for soil, grab a small bag of organic soil and stay away from artificial nutrients like Miracle Gro, it will do more harm than good.  Peat will work well and you can get it everywhere fairly cheaply.

Time to Make it Bud

Once your plant is big enough to offer you a decent harvest it’s time reduce the amount of light.  Start by bring the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark every day.  Don’t turn off the lamp just yet, your plant is going to need it.  If you don’t have direct sunlight for these 12 hours then the lamp will be crucial, you may not have the option of putting your plant outside.  If you can put it in a closet with the lamp overhead that is usually best.  Set up a timer to turn off and on every 12 hours and you’re good to go.

That’s all there is to it, now enjoy the “fruits” of your labor.