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.
