How to Start Growing Marijuana Plants

Up until a while ago, the growth of marijuana was illegal in almost every region. Stiff legislation concerning the growth of marijuana is however being relaxed worldwide and now, cannabis is cultivated in several states in the US. You should however note that there are still certain restrictions binding the cultivation of marijuana such as the number of plants you are allowed to grow, and the use of mature plants. You must find out what your state laws say about weed cultivation.

Growth Conditions and Life Cycle

While growing marijuana could be lots of fun, it can also be very challenging, so you must understand the steps to take to start growing as well as what to do if any problems arise.

One of the first things you need to understand is the correct climatic condition for the marijuana plant. They thrive in temperate conditions and grow in about 10 to 32 weeks. The exact maturation date will depend on the planting conditions as well as the size you’re aiming at. It should be noted that the marijuana plant dies after a year, after which you will have to replant if you plan to continue growing. Marijuana plants start off either as a seed or a clone.

The next stage is the seedling stage which is followed by the vegetative state. In the vegetative state, the plant only has the main stalk and leaves with no buds. The flowering stage is when the plant grows buds. This stage is an indication that the time for harvest is near. You can decide to grow your marijuana indoors or outdoors.

Outdoor Growth

Growing your weed in the field is relatively cheaper. And that’s mainly because you don’t have to buy major equipment you may need for indoor cultivation. The tradeoff to growing outdoors is that your operations will be determined by the seasons and local weather. All you need to grow your marijuana garden is a sunny spot in your home. This could be in your yard, your balcony, or rooftop. There are several different strains of marijuana with varying adaptability, so it is important that you do some research on which strains will thrive in your locality.

Growing your weed outdoors has several benefits, one of which is low cost. You do not have to invest in expensive equipment that you will otherwise need if you decide to grow it indoors. Outdoor growth also allows you to reap the maximum yield. Since you are outside, you do not have to worry about the marijuana plants growing too tall or big. This way, you will be able to reap big from each plant. Planting your weed outdoors will also make you feel good about saving the planet since you won’t make use of any equipment that could damage the environment.

To set up your outdoor marijuana garden, the first thing you have to consider is the climate. Ensure that your climate is suitable to plant marijuana and make sure you get the best strain for your region. The next step is to choose a suitable place for your plants. Make sure to choose a location where the plants will receive lots of direct sunlight. Although your plants will benefit from constant breeze, plant them near a windbreaker if you live in a windy region so they don’t get uprooted by the wind. You may have to keep your plants concealed with a wall or fence though, as most state laws require this. Also, do not forget the seeds! You need to get them from a high-quality source. Herbies is a good choice for a seed bank.

Indoor Growth

Although growing your marijuana plants indoors will cost more money, it will also put more control of the planting conditions in your hands. You can plant your marijuana all year round in an indoor garden as you do not have to worry about harsh weather conditions. For an indoor weed garden, you will have to provide a source of light and even the soil for planting the seeds. You will also have to provide equipment to regulate the humidity and surrounding temperature of your garden.

Since you control the conditions of your weed garden, you’ll be able to grow top-quality weed at all times. Plus, you’ll be able to harvest all year round, even during the winter season. You can also protect your crops better from thieves and the prying eyes of neighbors.

Planting marijuana indoors requires quite a bit of preparation. You will need a space to grow your weed. This can be a spare room, a basement, or a tent. It is advised that you use a space with a window if you plan on using a place inside your house. This is so that you will be able to direct airflow to remove the stench of the weed. In choosing a space, you have to consider the positioning of the different equipment you will have to install in the space.

You will have to regulate the interior climate of your space with the use of different equipment. In a hot climate, you may need an air conditioner to bring the temperature down while you will need a heater to increase the temperature in a cold region. You will also need to control the intensity of light that the plants receive. The plants will require different amounts of light depending on their stage of growth. The amount of light the marijuana plant receives dictates when it begins to flower. The plant needs 18 hours of light each day during the vegetative state and 12 hours during the flowering stage. Since light is so important to the development of the marijuana plant, you have to ensure that the planting space is sealed to external beams of light.

Harvesting Your Marijuana

Mature marijuana plants can be identified by observing the orange hair-like strands on the plant. When they start to turn curly, it is time to harvest. Once your plants are ready for harvest, you have two options.

The first is dry trimming where you chop the plants and then spread them to dry for a few days before you trim them. The second method involves trimming the plants immediately after they are harvested and is called wet trimming.