Tag: transplanting
What is a Rice Root Aphid? – The Latest Pest Haunting Indoor Cannabis Growers
Pests are an inevitable part of any agricultural endeavor, and as the cannabis industry expands, new agricultural pests emerge. In the cannabis industry, battles with thrips, spider mites, and even the cannabis aphis are all too familiar. A pest known to infest outdoor grass crops, the Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale, or rice root aphid, has recently been discovered on indoor Cannabis sativa crops.
Cure Your Plants for Maximum Potency
You won't want to lose yield on that passionate investment you made in cannabis. It goes a long way to make sure you recoup your investment and get a good profit for every dollar invested. So, you want to make sure you get the processes right –from seedling and transplanting to tendering, harvesting, and curing. Yes, curing! Only a few cannabis farmers pay the right level of attention to the curing process.
Many marijuana farmers simply ignore the curing stage and stop processing at the drying stage. No, drying your cannabis harvest is not enough; you need to learn the perfect method to cure them too! You might call ‘curing' a different type of drying, but the fact is, Curing is different from outright drying.
Curing Cannabis Buds –What You Should Know
The Curing process is arguably the most overlooked stage of cannabis cultivation. Although overlooked by many, it is very important, especially when you are planning to store your harvest. We'll recommend that you always cure your cannabis before storage. Curing, as a slow drying process, eliminates moisture from your harvest using a controlled drying space. When there is enough moisture during curing, the plant retains its cannabinoids and terpene composition. In addition to preserving your harvest, curing is known to give your cannabis harvest an improved aroma and smoke. Frankly speaking, the range of benefits you can get from curing is limitless. Many things about cannabis cultivation involve the right skills and procedures. Curing your cannabis is not excluded.
Just as you need a controlled environment to grow and nourish your plant, you will also need a controlled humidity environment to cure your harvest. You must have complete control over the internal environment during curing. Drying and Curing are similar in many aspects; however, the differences are distinct. Your sample should become over-dried before proper curing is completed. If this happens, you might need to slightly re-hydrate your harvest for curing to continue. Experienced cannabis farmers may reintroduce fresh buds, orange or lemon peels, or other fresh vegetables into the curing sample. You can also re-moisten the buds by directly applying clean water sprayed or applied via a towel to the buds. You must be sure the introduction of moisture if needed, does not introduce pathogenic organisms into the buds.
The instrumentation for curing cannabis buds is simple. Sometimes, the size of containers and other equipment needed depends on the number of buds you have selected to cure at once. The preferred container for curing cannabis buds is the wide-mouthed glass jar. Your selected glass jar should also preferably have a rubber seal. You should avoid plastic or wooden component coming in contact with the buds directly. These materials are slightly porous and might interact chemically with the phenolic acids and terpenes of your buds. If this happens, the integrity and potency of your cannabis harvest might likely become compromised.
How to Properly Cure Your Cannabis
The curing stage begins when you are sure your cannabis stock has been drying consistently for about a week. The time frame depends on the size of your buds. You might decide to hang your buds upside down for the drying process carefully. If there is not much space for hanging your buds, you might also alternatively lay them flat on a dry surface. Once you are satisfied with the drying process, your harvest is ready for curing. Here is your 6-step guide to curing your cannabis.
1. Separate the Buds From the Branches
You start by separating your buds from the branches. Some farmers prefer to separate the buds earlier during the drying process. If you don't belong to this class, then carefully trim your buds and separate them from the branches. Be careful not to be too forceful. Too much stress can burst the trichomes and reduce bud potential.
2. Transfer to a Container
This is where the real process starts from. On separation, your buds are then transferred into the wide-mouthed glass jars you have prepared. The jars should provide a controlled environment needed to store your buds at an ideal humidity level of 60-65% and a temperature range of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill the jar up to 75% full, leaving a little pouch of air at the top. Carefully fill the jars to avoid crushing your buds. Your microclimate environment is now ready.
3. Store the Containers
Store the containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. For the first week of storage, open the lids for about 10 minutes several times daily to allow the buds to breathe. These processes allow dampened air to escape, filling the jars with fresh air and oxygen for the flowers. Be sure to check for any discoloration or foul smell that suggests bacterial growth during this stage.
4. Regular Check and Repeat
Check the buds regularly and gently move them around in the jar. This process might take about 3 to 7 weeks. You might need to check the humidity levels to properly understand how your buds are faring in the controlled environment. The ideal humidity level is pegged at 60-65%/
If humidity levels exceed this range, use the guide below;
Over 70%: Remove your buds from the jar for about 12-24 hours
65-70%: Leave the buds inside the jar, but open the lid for about 4 hours.
55% or less: Rehydrate the controlled environment.
5. Check for Complete Curing
This is how you know if your buds are ready for packing. You can easily tell that the curing process is completed when the jars stop ‘burping' when your open them. The time range for complete curing is variable and might depend on your methods, instrumentation, and cannabis strain.
6. Pack and Weigh
If your cannabis harvest is for personal use, you can pack and weigh in readiness for use. You might also decide to get humidity packs that keep your sample fresh for a long time. You should check your buds regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
How Curing Improve Cannabis Potency
Cured cannabis buds are not only better preserved, but they also give the best usage experience ever. Getting stoned should come in style and class; cured buds are the right plug for this experience. Here are the ways curing significantly improve the potency of cannabis;
1. Cannabinoids Conversion
For every joint a cannabis fan rolls, he is expecting to get the best cannabinoid recipe for the money spent. This is exactly what curing does to your cannabis harvest. During curing, a metabolic process converts cannabigerol (CBG) –a non-psychoactive precursor, to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As expected, the conversion increases the THC content of the buds. The outcome of conversion and the quantity of THC produced by this conversion process depends on the concentration of CBD in the fresh cannabis harvest before curing. Curing is considered not beneficial to your cannabis buds after 6 months. If curing is prolonged for more than this period, THC might be likely converted to CBN –a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
2. Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is another process that helps improve the potency of your buds during curing. During this process, the carboxyl group present on the cannabinoids are ripped off, creating the psychoactive cannabinoids and liberating carbon dioxide. The processes generate more psychoactive cannabinoids in the buds and make the cannabinoids more soluble in water. The increased solubility helps the body to better metabolize the cannabinoids for absorption and excretion. As decarboxylation occurs, the liberation of carbon dioxide also releases inert components in the buds. This process significantly increases the potency of your cannabis harvest.
3. Improved Taste and Odor
Terpenoids are an important component of cannabis responsible for the characteristic odor, smoke, and taste of many cannabis strains. These compounds are highly volatile, and a greater proportion of them determines the potency of cannabis buds. As Curing proceeds, the buds undergo many chemical changes that produce more terpenes. The rich deposit of terpenes will influence the final potency of the buds. This explains why cured cannabis buds might taste better than fresh buds of the same strain. Since these compounds are volatile, they react to high temperatures faster than cannabinoids. Excessive drying and exposure to heat can decompose the terpenoid content of cannabis buds.
4. Chlorophyll Decomposition
Chlorophyll is a component of the cannabis plant responsible for the green pigmentation of the buds and leaves. This component is responsible for the harsh taste of cannabis buds. Curing decomposes all the assessable chlorophyll in the cannabis buds, effectively removing the harsh taste. In addition, as curing breaks down the green pigments, the look and color of the cannabis buds are improved. The buds may likely assume purple, gold, or white coloration. The trichomes are also promised as chlorophyll decomposes.
5. Reduced Moisture Content
Fresh cannabis might contain as high as 80% of moisture. At this level, the tendency for bacterial growth is significantly increased. As opposed to outright drying, curing leaves the moisture content at about 10-15%. This ideal level restricts microbial growth and prevents the destruction of cannabinoids and other components of the buds. With this, you can keep your cured cannabis and not get scared of decomposition for a long time.
Final Thoughts
The curing process might look simple enough. However, there are lots of processes your buds complete during this process. If you miss curing and simply dry your buds, you will miss out on these extras. In parts, the processes and cycles completed during curing explain the improvement in the potency of cured cannabis buds compared to fresh buds of the same strain.
Marijuana and Fertilizers
Growing Your Marijuana with Fertilizers
Growing marijuana requires more than just sticking a few cannabis seedlings into the soil and waiting for its buds. In addition to carefully tracking its growth, cannabis demands a lot of careful tendering. Many times, the various inputs and skills required to properly groom and grow cannabis make the whole process capital and labor-intensive.
Depending on the size and quantity of your seedling, the input and skill required might differ considerably. However, if you are expecting a bountiful harvest, you might consider a few farming hacks that directly increase your plant yield. Fertilizer application is one of such methods to improve your harvest yield directly. Fertilizers are popular for this single purpose –they help you heck the growth processes, supplying nutrients that directly increase plant yields.
Your Fertilizer Options Can Include Pre-mixed or Organic
Cannabis farming benefits enormously from fertilizers. If you understand the basics and how to apply them, you are sure to get the best return on your cannabis investment. Ready-made fertilizers are available for purchase in stores and online agro-chemical stores. With this type of fertilizer, you have to follow the written instructions and apply the components to the soil. Most of the work has already been done; the mixed components have been prepared for easy application. Not all fertilizers are pre-mixed, for instance, application. You can decide to make yours at home. Home-made fertilizers can be made from biodegradable materials derived from animals or plants.
Your options in making organic fertilizers are quite plenty. Depending on the soil type, you can use different materials that can supply nutrients directly to your cannabis plant. While trying this out, you might want to steer clear of synthetic materials. Many times, these materials may be harmful to your plant or degenerate into chemicals that reduce the potency of your harvest. If you are not an expert in making homemade fertilizers, your best bet is the read-made alternative available in agrochemical stores.
What Nutrients are needed for Optimal Growth?
Marijuana is different from other plants cultivated today, as they require more nutrients than most common crops. Therefore, the nutrient mix required to increase output quality is different from these required by other plants. In addition, the mix required by the cannabis plant depends on the growth stage of the plant and the method of cultivation. If grown outdoors, powdered fertilizers can be added directly to the soil during seedling transplanting. If more nutrients are needed as the plants grow, fertilizers can be added to the topsoil in an application method called ‘top dressing.' Indoor cannabis growers typically use a liquid fertilizer mix. Fertilizers may be dissolved in water and sprayed on the plant or directly introduced into the bed.
The most common nutrients needed by cannabis during the growth cycle include;
1.Nitrogen
Nitrogen is an important macronutrient responsible for regulating many biological processes of the growth processes. It is a fundamental component of the amino acids that build proteins strands in plants. Proteins strands are needed to improve the support systems of your cannabis plant. Soils that lack Nitrogen grow weak cannabis plants. Such plants are easily destroyed as the stems, flower support, and bud anchors appear weak.
Nitrogen is also an important component of ATP –a compound responsible for cellular control of energy in every plant. Increased levels of ATP production help provide energy and cellular nourishment for the cannabis plant. Nucleic acid, an essential component of DNA and RNA, is also made from the plant's Nitrogen store. Cannabis plants lacking these components will not grow properly, cell differentiation is disrupted, and plant growth becomes stunted.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus partakes in the cellular processes responsible for bud formation in cannabis plants. If present in an ideal volume, phosphorus triggers the production of large healthy buds. Marijuana strains with characteristic large buds reportedly have a nutrient-absorption mechanism that directly extracts phosphorus for bud formation. In addition to bud formation, phosphorus also helps build other structures of the cannabis plant. Underdeveloped roots and poorly formed flowers are typical signs of and Phosphorus deficiency. Discoloration of the leaves and the appearance of a purple hue in the leaf veins is another common indicator of phosphorus deficiency.
3. Potassium
Potassium completes the team of nutrients commonly referred to as NPK (Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Potassium). Potassium plays a significant role in osmoregulation –the regulation of water and salt concentration balance in the plant. This process keeps the plant healthy and helps regulate the growth process. Potassium also controls the opening and closing of stomata –pores in the leaves with its role in osmoregulation. This regulation helps the plant breathe, exchanging carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen with the environment.
Remember ATP, the energy currency of the plant? Potassium triggers the production of ATP, storing energy produced during photosynthesis as glucose. In turn, the glucose stores are explored as fuel for growth. Potassium deficiency disrupts this process, leading to weak plants with no effective means for energy production. Growth is stunted, and the plant might likely wither off as carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen become impaired.
4. Calcium
Calcium builds the cellular walls, making sure your cannabis plants remain strong and do not lose vigor. This nutrient essentially shapes up the plant, providing characteristic shapes for the stems, buds, calyx, and margin. Calcium deficiency directly stunts plant growth with the leaves and buds irregularly shaped. Curled leaves, rusty stems, and frail stems typically signal poor levels of calcium in cannabis plants.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium plays a structural role in cannabis by acting as the central molecule in the formation of chlorophyll –the green pigment of cannabis plants. Chlorophyll is important for photosynthesis as it traps sunlight providing the solar energy needed for glucose production. Magnesium also helps mobilize the glucose produced to regions of the plant where they are required. This transfer process, referred to as 'translocation,' depends heavily on magnesium stores. If magnesium is missing in your plant soil, plant growth is significantly disrupted. Leaf discoloration may likely suggest your cannabis plant lack adequate magnesium levels.
Factors to Consider Before Selecting Your Marijuana Fertilizer
Finding the right fertilizer for your cannabis plants requires careful thought. There are many parameters to be considered and measured. Every one of these parameters makes a huge difference in how fast and effective your plant responds to the selected fertilizer. If you do it right, you are sure to get ideal yield improvement once you start harvesting. Here are some of the factors you need to consider before selecting a fertilizer;
1. Soil Aeration and Moisture
Before you select a fertilizer brand, make sure to consider the level of soil aeration and moisture content. The aeration level helps you determine how much water the soil can take without drowning the plant. This is very important if you are considering fertilizers with liquid formulations. In addition to gauging the aeration level, you will also want to make sure the soil is well aerated. If you are selecting fertilizers formulated as granules, a well-aerated soil makes sure the roots get enough oxygen even as the granules compact the root. If fertilizer particles become compacted and cut off the oxygen supply to your plant roots, harvest yield can be adversely affected.
2. Yield and Germination Rate
Of course, the only reason why you are considering a fertilizer is to improve the germination rate and eventual plant yield. The best fertilizer for your marijuana will significantly improve your harvest yield. You can simply check the labels on the fertilizer pack to confirm the estimated germination rate boost the fertilizer can add to your plant. Many times, these parameters depend on the materials the fertilizers are made from. For instance, earthworm castings are known to speed up the germination rates of many marijuana strains considerably. The natural hormones and biodegradable materials present in the worm casting help the root sprout faster, increase the stem lengths, and increase bud yield.
3. pH Management
How well can the fertilizer affect the soil pH? Soil pH is described as a measure of the acid-base balance. This balance affects the soil's microbial population, nutrient deposit, and the rate of root germination. Different plants grow better in soils of specific pH. For example, many strains of marijuana reportedly grow better at a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. At this range, the roots grow normally, and you can be sure of ideal plant yield. Fertilizers can easily disrupt the pH of your soil, especially if the nutrients are derived from synthetic sources.
You will want to understand how far the fertilizers you prefer can change the soil pH. The pH of earthworm casting is reportedly around 7.0. If you add this to another medium of slightly acidic pH –around 6.0, the mixture can balance out around 6.5, giving you're a better growing medium. Fertilizer that changes the soil pH to extremes of acidity or alkalinity is generally not recommended for marijuana cultivation.
4. Source Raw Material
How are the nutrients in the fertilizers sourced? What is the nutrient composition of the fertilizer? You will want to make sure the source components of your selected fertilizer are healthy to the soil and your marijuana strain. Fertilizers made from harmful chemicals or chemicals with carcinogenic properties are not recommended for marijuana cultivation. These chemicals constitute health hazards to you and your plants. Fertilizers that contain heavy chemicals including lead, mercury, cadmium, mercury, and aluminum are also not recommended. Heavy chemicals can poison the plant, change the taste of your marijuana, and delay the plant germination rate.
5. Nutrient Components
You might want to consider the nutrient composition of the fertilizers if you need to correct a nutrient deficiency in your marijuana plants. If your plant is lacking a particular nutrient, it is logical that the fertilizer you will select can provide optimal quantities of the nutrient your plant needs. The nutrient composition of these fertilizers is often included on the product labels and measured in percentages. However, you might need the expertise of an agrochemical consultant to better understand the nutrient composition best for your marijuana.
The Most Popular Eco-friendly Marijuana Fertilizers
There is a long list of fertilizers you can choose from to supplement your plant growth. Some of these fertilizers are pre-mixed and made from synthetic chemicals. Others are eco-friendly and made from composting organic products. Depending on your preference, you can decide to use readily available biodegradable products for your fertilizers. Organic wastes from the animals and plants rot into the soil, producing nutrients and improving the nutrient profile of your soil. This method reduces contributions to landfills and generally provides an endless supply of good quality soul for every planting season. If you have considered all the parameters listed above, you are ready to finally select one of the following fertilizers;
1. Bat Guano
Bat Guano is typically bat poop. For centuries of farming history, bat guano has been used consistently as a readily sourced fertilizer option for rural farmers. Luckily for us, bat guano still works, even for marijuana cultivation. All you have to do is gather this organic component in large quantities. You can also add the fecal remains from chickens and cows. The manure is worked into the soil directly or made into a compost tea. The NPK ratio of Bat guano is reported about 10-3-1 –ten parts of nitrogen, three parts of phosphorus, and a part of potassium. This ratio supplies abundant nitrogen for your marijuana and increases yield rapidly.
2. Wood Ashes
Wood ash is another viable option for an eco-friendly fertilizer. You might not know, but wood ash contains a large deposit of potassium and lime. These components can be readily absorbed by the soil and picked up by your marijuana plants. In addition, ash from hardwoods such as oak generally contains more nutrients compared with ash from other trees. All you have to do to get wood ash is simply burn wood. Gather the ash from the fireplace, and you have a readily available fertilizer. To apply wood ash, you can lightly scatter it on your plants or add it directly to a compost heap. In addition to providing trace nutrients, wood ash can also help you keep out pests, slugs, snails, and worms.
3. Fish Meal
Fish meal is popular in arable farming. Farmers simply gather the ground-up, inedible parts of the fish to make cheap fertilizers. Cheap but effective. The inedible parts are milled into a fine powder and added directly to the soil. Farmers can also combine fish emulsion with fish meal. This combination acts as a nutrient depot, releasing nutrients quickly and improving marijuana yield in an all-season method. You can also consider using soy meal, blood, and bone.
4, Human Urine
Weird right? Well, human urine, if well prepared, is considered a good fertilizer and can be used for marijuana farming. However, do not urinate directly on your plant. This will probably kill your plant. When fresh, human urine contains a high percentage of nitrogen and salt. Your plant will need nitrogen to boost yield. If you are considering this option, you will have to dilute the urine. It is recommended that you dilute the urine to a 1:20 ratio in water. This might not exactly be the choice you might want to consider.
5. Vermiculite and Perlite
Vermiculite and Perlite are sterile inorganic products used as fertilizers in farming. They have been proven to improve the harvest yield of many marijuana strains. Perlite is porous and hard. It is produced by overheating volcanic glass at very high temperatures. Vermiculite, on the other hand, is spongy and soft. It is formed when mica is overheated to high temperatures. Together, these products make an incredible pair in providing an optimal germination environment for marijuana. The combination absorbs water for the root and aids early sprouting. In addition to its water absorption properties, the vermiculite-perlite combination provides a rich deposit of magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
6. Worm Casting
Earthworms have long been known to improve soil aeration and nutrient composition. Soils rich in earthworms are typically considered to be fertile for plant cultivation. If you live in areas where the soil has a rich earthworm population, you can decide to make a worm casting from your marijuana plants. Worm casting is the leftover remains when an earthworm digests organic components of the soil. The casting is rich in macronutrients needed by marijuana. However, it is not advisable to add worm casting directly to your marijuana. It is added to compost tea and then to the soil.
Preparing eco-friendly and organic fertilizers requires considerable skill and time. You can decide to use premixed or inorganic fertilizers. These types of fertilizers are readily available in agrochemical stores and require no special skills for application. Many times, the composition and instruction for use are contained in the product labels.
Final Thoughts on Fertilizers for Your Marijuana
Selecting the right fertilizer for your marijuana plants can significantly boost your yield and return on investment. To achieve maximum effect, you must understand the right quantities to apply per stand, the right time for application, and the right nutrients your plant needs. Your choice might also depend on your marijuana strain and farming budget. If you get these parameters right, you are sure to get an improved yield during your next marijuana growing season.
Micro-cultivation of Cannabis
Micro-cultivating marijuana simply means growing your favorite marijuana strain on a small scale. If you are a new cannabis enthusiast who would like to grow a few strands in your garden, micro cultivation might just be the right way to start. Micro-cultivation does not mean you are a novice in the cannabis business. Even established cannabis farmers try out micro cultivation many times. To grow a new strain, they might simply experiment with a few stands. In addition to helping you decide on yield and quality, these methods also save you huge money on an investment. For starters, if you need to play the marijuana business safely, then welcome to micro-cultivation!
Micro-cultivating Marijuana –What you need to know
Marijuana is way different from other plants. As one of the most popular plants ever grown by humans. Marijuana has survived thousands of years of farming history. No, it is not just by mere chance. The plant has learned to adapt, and humans have learned the best ways to cultivate it. From seedling to transplanting, tendering, and harvesting, many proven methods work best in marijuana cultivation. If you are cultivating this same plant on a smaller scale, you have a lot to consider. In addition to learning how to scale down these methods, you will want to understand the basics of micro-cultivation. The basics should include parameters that directly help your chances of success. These include:
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Securing a Security Clearance
This depends solely on the cannabis legislation in your region. For instance, in Canada, you are required to get a license for cannabis micro-cultivation from Health Canada. In some other countries, the licensing requirements might be different. Either way, micro-cultivation licenses give you legal backing to grow marijuana on a small scale.
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Secured Perimeter
Of course, you will want to safeguard your investment. Regardless of the number of marijuana stands you are cultivating, you need to micro-cultivate your marijuana in a secured perimeter. You can consider an indoor cultivation method if you live in a busy neighborhood and you cannot completely keep your plants safe. If not, investing in the right type of fencing and locks may just do with outdoor cultivation.
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Invest in a good Pesticide
You will need this. Since you are growing a few stands, your chances of crop failure significantly increase if your plant gets infested. A good pesticide will help you keep out pests and make sure you have a good harvest at the end of the growing season. However, you will want to be careful with your choice of pesticide. Using a pesticide that interferes with the characteristics of your weed might spoil your micro-cultivation experience. Therefore, it is recommended that you ask the necessary questions when you visit an agrochemical store to get one.
Requirements You Need to Fulfil
Essentially, micro-cultivation is not exactly different from your regular cannabis farming procedures. It is just that you do it on a smaller scale. The requirements you need to fulfill with a large marijuana farming are the same here. You only need to scale down these requirements. Here are the most important requirements you need to consider before selecting your choice of marijuana strain for micro-cultivation.
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Space Set-Up
Although you need a small space, you will want to make sure you get the right space setup. Your space setup should give the plant enough light and air for growth. Your choice of growing areas is not restricted. Capered with large sale marijuana farming, you have more choice of growing space to consider. You might decide to use a cupboard, DIY tent, bar fridge, or an abandoned basement. The minimum dimension of space recommended for marijuana micro-cultivation is 35 x 35 x 75cm. The minimum space dimension allows you to make adjustments for lighting, watering, and ventilation.
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Select the Right Volume of Growth Medium
Your best choice of growing medium for cannabis micro-cultivation is nutrient-rich soil. It is difficult to set up a hydroponic system in a confined space. Except you see other growing mediums sold online and specifically made for micro-cultivation, nutrient-rich soil is your best choice. Since your space setup is already small, you will want to use a small soil quantity with the right nutrients for your marijuana (Embed the link to the ‘Marijuana and Fertilizers' article).
The root system is another crucial factor that can determine your choice of growth medium and volume. Many marijuana strains tend to occupy the same space below the ground as they do above. So, you will want to consider the root system, the mature plant's probable height, and the size of the leaves. As a rough guide, you can consider the different pot sizes we have below and their impact on the final height of your weed strain.
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12L pots: ~1–1.5m
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5L pots: ~60cm
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2–3L pots: ~24cm
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500ml pots: ~13cm
The final height of your plant chiefly depends on the type of strains you are cultivating. If you can make more space for your stands, that is not bad too. The chart above is only an estimate guide.
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Get the Right Grow Light
With indoor micro-cultivation, you need the right growing lights. You won't want to have too much heat in your confined space. For the right growing light for micro-cultivation, you will want to invest in the right lights.
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Fluorescent Tubes
This light source is relatively cheap, and you might get suggestions to use them. Fluorescent tubes offer an excellent light output. The main problem with this light type is that they produce too much heat that is required, and they are not generally a broad spectrum o; you will need to invest in a variety to suit your light needs.
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HPS/HPI
High-Pressure Sodium and High Wattage Metal Halide are other light options you might want to consider. They are lightweight and give off a large spectrum of light. However, HPS and HPI lights are not exactly suitable for micro-cultivation as they generate too much heat. In addition, you run the risk of drying out your plant by using these lights at a high capacity.
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LED Light
Light Emitting Diodes bulbs are common suggestions for a light source in micro-cultivation. They are compact, save energy, and let off a large spectrum of light. As a result, your plant gets the right spectrum throughout its growth cycle. The only disadvantage here is that LED light panels are expensive, but they are definitely worth the price. LED panels are especially good for this purpose; they generate almost no heat, occupy little space, and produce the right amount of light you need daily.
Since your growth size is small, you might only need to run the LED panels at only 25-50%. The percentage might differ as your plant grows. During the blooming stage, we recommend a 50-75% capacity.
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Proper Place of Grow Light
The type of grow light you get is as important as your knowledge of light placement. If you don't know how best to place your grow light, you might miss out on the best yield your strain could produce. In large-scale cannabis plantations, you will find the grow light placed directly above the plants. But since you are working with a confined space here, you will want to improvise on this. If you use vertical space, you will get a lot done by placing your grow light along multiple sides of the plant. In addition to exposing different parts of your plant to light, this will also help grow a bigger canopy. Your skills in light placement might help regulate how tall or stretched your plant grows.
The Best Marijuana Strains for Micro-cultivation
Have you selected the strains you would like to plant in your micro space? If not, we might have a range of options you can consider.
Micro-cultivation does not limit your choice of marijuana strain. Since you are growing the plant on a small scale, all you have to do is adjust the growth parameters to fit your selected strain. However, we recommend starting with strains that stay small, offering good yield, and not growing too bushy. These qualities depend on the genetics of the seed. You can simply make inquiries about the seeds before you purchase them.
You will also want to select auto-flowering strains. If you are starting weed cultivation as a novice, auto-flowering strains are your best option. During their growth cycle, these strains automatically transition into the flowering period. This is independent of the amount of light penetration they have. Many marijuana strains in this category also remain small and grow good yields.
Final Thoughts on Marijuana Micro-cultivation
Micro-cultivation is an exciting journey for the 420 culture. You can easily monitor your plants as they grow, adjust the growing conditions, and make many choices along the way. There is no better way to prepare you for large-scale cannabis cultivation. You must learn how your plant responds to changes in growth conditions. Get the best growing technique, and don't forget to water your plants as required. If you do everything right, you should have a good harvest for personal use.
Type Of Seed to Buy? Feminized or Auto-flowering
Starting a cannabis farm requires a lot of planning. Not only do you have to plan, but you also require a great deal of determination to see your plant through the seedling, vegetative and flowering stages. Well, don't be scared. You can get your desired plant yield on your first trial if you have just the right information. Over the last few years, many people have started cannabis cultivation. In 2019 alone, the global cannabis cultivation market was estimated to be worth about $123.9 billion. From 2020 to 2027, this value is expected to grow consistently at a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%. This translates to more cannabis cultivation operations and the commercialization of weed products.
Regardless of your purpose for cannabis cultivation, there are steps to follow in cannabis farming. It all starts with selecting the right seed to grow. As one of the oldest plants ever cultivated by man, cannabis has survived centuries of history. Today, there are over 700 strains of cannabis developed through several years of plant study and in-breeding projects. However, all these strains belong to one of the three different types of cannabis seeds categories –regular, auto-flowering, and feminized. Therefore, your first decision as a new cannabis farmer will be to select the right type of seed for you. Making this decision requires a lot of consideration and comparison.
This review has compiled a guide explaining the different cannabis available today and why you should consider planting them.
1. Regular Cannabis Seeds
Regular cannabis seeds are the standard, non-engineered seeds. These seeds have equal chances if emerging into a female or a male cannabis plant. They are not optimized in any way or modified to influence the yield or character of the plant they develop into. Since they can produce male cannabis plants, regular seeds are popular among cannabis farmers who develop new cannabis strains. Pollen produced from the male seeds fertilizes a predetermined female flower, giving birth to a new generation of seeds.
With regular seeds, anything goes. The plant yield and character may be very different across a similar family. They can also exist as Indica-dominant types, Sativa-dominant types, or in high CBD and high THC variants. The regular cannabis seed has genetics traced back to landrace ancestors first cultivated in the mountains of India to the beaches of Jamaica. Many experienced cannabis farmers have also attempted to get improved regular strains from two other regular strains. When these attempts succeed, the new strain expresses the qualities of the parent strains.
Compatibility Profile
Do you think regular cannabis seeds will be perfect for your planting operation? It all depends on what you want. If you desire to have a farm full of both male and female cannabis seeds, then planting regular cannabis seeds is your best bet. With your garden full of both sexes, you can experiment and create your strains. But, of course, farming cannabis doesn't have to be boring, even as a novice.
Combining these plants can give you customized varieties with unique traits. You can then proceed to develop only the strain with the trait you desire. Many commercial cannabis formers take cuttings from their plant. Suppose your plan to do this; growing out regular cannabis seeds is also your best bet. By cloning your plants, you skip the germination phase to produce fully viable clones of your regular cannabis plant. You might require help with this, though.
Should You Plant Regular Cannabis Seeds?
There exist no definite answers to this single question. It all depends on your target for planting the seeds and their compatibility for your planting operation. One of the biggest advantages of planting regular cannabis seeds is that you can produce many strains without specialized experience in cannabis farming. The processes involved in regular cannabis seeds cultivation are relatively compared with feminized and auto-flowering seeds. Since there is also an equal chance of producing both male and female plants, you can have a large repository of different strains, with both modern and classic genetics on the same piece of land. Ever heard of a pollen bank? You can also create on using your male plant population.
As you might expect, there are also many cons to growing regular seeds. These include misidentifying the sexes. The planting operation can also be very unpredictable as your seeds do not carry any genetic engineering to help through the different growth stages. The yield ratio and plant output rate can also be very unpredictable. You might also have to construct separate grow tents for both sexes. Accidental addition of a male plant in the female grows room might result in fertilization of the female flowers.
2. Feminized Cannabis Seeds
As the name suggests, feminized cannabis seeds were created to increase the chances of growing only females. By planting feminized seeds, you get a female plant 99.9 percent of the time. The possibility of germinating a male plant is almost eliminated. That means no pollen sacs but many flowers. To start with, feminized genetics is made by crossing one female plant with another. The fertilized female produces a generation of feminized seeds. How is that even possible? How can female cannabis plants produce pollen sacs needed to fertilize another female plant? The answer lies in plant genetic engineering.
To force a female plant to produce pollen, breeders use many methods. One involves stopping the production of ethylene in the plant tissues, forcing the female plant to produce pollen sacs. Various chemical agents, including colloidal silver, are used as catalysts for the process. Occasionally, female plants can also flip, relying on nature's undying desire to procreate and produce oddly-shaped pollen sacs.
Compatibility Profile
Although genetically engineered, feminized seeds also require adequate care during the different stages of growth. So, you need to learn a few proven growth strategies to help you through the growing stages. You should know that female cannabis plants prevented from fertilization will also produce flowers without seeds. Many marijuana users prefer a seedless cannabis flower.
If you prefer to see flowers on your cannabis plant and not pollen sacs, then feminized cannabis seeds are for you. Many farmers commercially grow cannabis strains for their flowers too. You will also have to learn how to deal with cannabis odor since you will have a room full of flowers. If you like to grow cannabis as a hobby, feminized seeds will help you save time too. You will save yourself the energy and time needed to sift males out of your growing space.
Why Should You Grow Feminized Cannabis Seeds?
For starters, the equal chance of producing both sexes as with regular seeds is eliminated. You are guaranteed a grow room full of genetically engineered female cannabis plants. In addition to being cost-effective, you will also get big resinous buds and save time on many tendering processes. However, it is not always exactly smooth for farmers to plant only feminized seeds. Although the yield and output can be predictable, the plants can sometimes into hermaphrodites as a result of bad genetics or environmental stress. Feminized plants are also not suitable for breeding purposes. You get less viable clones, so in most cases, you can only start from the seed.
3. Auto-flowering Cannabis Seeds
These types of cannabis seeds can automatically transition into the flowering stage without any changes to their light cycle. Compared to other cannabis seeds, auto-flowering seeds can properly move from germination to harvest with little or no external assistance. They are easy to grow, tend, and do not require the same level of complexity as in regular or feminized seeds. Auto-flowering cannabis seeds are produced by using Cannabis ruderalis genetics.
This subspecies has the auto-flowering trait and adapt perfectly to the shorter growing seasons and extreme weather conditions of Central Asia and Russia. Instead of waiting on a change in light exposure to flowers, plants with the ruderalis genetics simply depend on age and time. Breeders find it exciting to work with auto-flowering strains, combining these genetics with other subspecies to create a new generation with desired qualities.
Compatibility Profile
Auto-flowering seeds grow within a short period, making it possible to harvest a cache of cannabis in a very short time. If you are experimenting with cannabis cultivation and don't mind spending extra cash on getting seeds, then auto-flowering seeds are made for you. You can set a grow room in no time and take down your growing operation within a small window. If you only have a small growing space, auto-flowering seeds produce a short plant that fits right into small enclosures. This explains why discreet cannabis farmers choose to plant auto-flowering seeds. They grow fast into short plants and can be concealed outdoors with other regular plants.
Why Should You Grow Auto-flowering Cannabis Seeds?
There are many reasons you should consider growing auto-flowering seeds. They are compact, require little space, and smoothly transition into the flowering stage. These qualities make auto-flowering seeds suitable for guerilla growing and beginner-friendly. In addition to all these, they are also higher in CBD. If you grow a room full of high CBD plants, you are sure to get more investment returns as they are heavily in demand for medical CBD. However, the auto-flowering plant produces less THC and is not as potent as other seeds. They are difficult to clone and can sometimes give a lower yield.
So, What Do You Think?
There are many pros and cons to growing the three types of cannabis seeds. You have to consider their compatibility profile and check if they fit right into your growing operations. You can get an improved yield on these seeds if you understand how to fertilize cannabis plants and the growth requirements needed. You can also check our seed bank for improved cannabis seeds that are easy to grow and give a high harvest yield.
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