It all starts with a single seed…

For whatever purposes you chose to grow cannabis, you will need either clones or seeds, preferably feminized. Often, this is determined by what is available to you. Then decide which grow method and medium is right for you.

Methods for growing cannabis for personal production include:

Outdoors:

• In a greenhouse or high-tunnel using standard dirt or coco coir, in large containers or in the ground.

• It’s important to always have proper ventilation, to avoid mold and mildew.

Indoors:

• Using standard dirt, this is the cheapest and most common method.

• There are several hydroponic methods including, deep water culture (DWC) and aeroponics, etc. Using an inert grow medium such as Rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, or coco coir.

• Indoor grow tents are also useful in some circumstances.

• Proper lighting and ventilation are also required.

Four Basic Steps for Growing Cannabis

Germination Stage: For best results, germinate the seeds using the paper towel method or in a cup of water (out of direct sunlight). This takes roughly 1-5 days, add seed to grow medium once it has opened. Place seedling in a grow dome and keep moist but not damp. Then place under a T5 fluorescent light initially.

Vegetative Stage: Once the plant has developed its fourth set of leaves, you can begin giving it bumper or vegetative plant food (often in part A and B). If growing indoors, use a 400 watt or 1000 watt grow light on an 18 and 6 light schedule. Let the plants grow for two months or until they reach to feet. By now, the plants should show it sex. Female plants will present with feather-like stigma (or pistils) protruding from the calyx of the plant. Remove any male plants at this time, unless you want to crossbreed your plants.

Flowering Stage: Begin giving plants blooming or flowering plant food (often in part A and B). For indoor growing, change the lighting schedule to 12 and 12. Continue growing for another 8 or more weeks, depending on the cultivar. Discontinue fertilizer during the last two weeks of growth. Feeding the plants only plain, PH water to flush out unwanted chemicals. Once the pistils have changed colour from white to orange and the aroma becomes more like skunk and less like fresh cut grass, the plants are ready to be harvested.

Harvest and Cure Stage: You can choose to trim your plants using the wet or dry method. Experienced growers and producers recommend trimming your plants once dried, as it is less damaging to the trichomes. Cut off branches, remove dead leaves, then hang dry (drying time depends on the flowers density and so on). Once the flower is dry to the touch, trim away the remaining leaves. Cutting the buds into a brown paper bag and allowing to dry and redistribute moisture for a couple. Store the cured flower in glass jars, away from light for best results and enjoy!