Growing cannabis is becoming an increasingly popular and feasible option these days. On last count, 18 states were allowing adults to grow marijuana at home though some reserve this privilege for medical patients. At the same time, 37 states have legalized cannabis on some level. This has led to a surge in demand for weed-based products from dispensaries and other distributors as well as a growing need for those companies to keep their shelves stocked.
Considering Some Common Factors
Numerous questions come into play for those who are growing their own cannabis crops. Choosing which strains to grow is one of the most difficult decisions to make. After all, there are currently more than 700 strains on the market, each one with its own flavor and aroma profile and a unique range of effects. Finding the right strain, or strains as the case may be, isn’t quite as straightforward as many people might think.
Deciding where to get the seeds from to grow a weed garden is yet another hurdle. Quality and selection are essential, and you can’t always count on those elements from just any supplier. Here at Kind Seed Co, though, those traits are a given. We place the utmost emphasis on quality, and we make sure our seeds are stored under optimal conditions, so they’re sure to blossom into thriving marijuana plants.
We also have a vast range of strains for customers to choose from. Whether you’re looking for recreational weed or medical marijuana, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few that cater to your needs and expectations. Feel free to browse our seed catalogs to find the perfect strains to round out your crop.
Choosing How to Grow Your Cannabis
Another essential decision to make is whether to grow your cannabis indoors or outdoors. Experienced growers have their own opinions of which option is best. In truth, the most suitable growing environment for you depends on several factors, including the laws regarding marijuana in your state, the amount of space you have for a garden, and the typical climate in your area to name a few.
Growing Marijuana Indoors
Numerous self-made marijuana farmers are choosing to grow their crops indoors. This is certainly the best option if you don’t have enough space outside for a garden. It’s virtually the only choice if cannabis hasn’t yet been legalized in your state or it’s only acceptable for those who have a medical card and you don’t happen to fall into that category.
Indoor grows also give you the added advantage of privacy. If your crop is locked away safely in your home, there’s little chance of passersby raiding your garden and unfairly taking advantage of all your time and effort. After all, if people have the gall to steal watermelons and tomatoes from outdoor gardens, they’ll certainly go after a weed patch that seems like an easy target.
Many growers also prefer indoor crops because they have more control over the plants’ growing environment. There’s no need to worry about factors that are beyond your control when you’re in complete control over all the essential factors. Having said that, being tasked with taking care of all your plants’ needs requires time, effort, and dedication. All that power comes with great responsibility.
Understanding the Complexities of Growing Marijuana Indoors
If you’re thinking of growing cannabis indoors, it’s important to understand that not all strains are suitable. Some simply thrive better in an outdoor environment. We have hundreds of indoor strains on hand, though. Some are great for beginners whereas others are recommended for experienced growers.
Choosing a Technique
When growing marijuana indoors, you’ll need to decide which method to use. Hydroponics is a popular choice for indoor gardens. This approach requires no soil. Instead, it uses water that’s infused with vitamins and minerals to give the plants the moisture and nutrients they need.
Some hydroponic setups simply allow the water to flow over the roots of the plants. Others use various types of growth media, such as rock wool, coco coir, perlite, and even sawdust. Those media hold the plants in place, provide aeration, and keep their roots supplied with moisture and nutrients.
It’s also possible to grow cannabis indoors in pots. You can use potting soil or regular soil you simply dig up outside and transfer into pots for this strategy. It’s worth mentioning that using soil and pots is typically less expensive than even the simplest hydroponic systems. It requires less knowledge and maintenance as well. Hydroponic systems need routine cleanings and other measures to ensure they’re free of contamination.
Light, Moisture, Ventilation, and Nutrients
Whether you use a hydroponic system or pots for growing indoor cannabis, you’ll be responsible for giving the plants everything they need to flourish. You’ll need ventilation to regulate heat and humidity and reduce the risk of mold and other fungi. You’ll be the one providing water for the plants, and they’ll count on you to ensure they get enough of the right kinds of nutrients.
You’ll have to regulate the light the plants receive as well. Even indoor strains demand the same types of light as they’d get outdoors. That means giving them approximately 18 hours of blue light per day during the vegetative stage and 12 hours of light from the red and orange end of the spectrum during the flowering stage. Otherwise, you’ll have pitiful plants and disappointingly low yields.
Keep in mind, all those elements require close monitoring of the plants. You may need to connect the lights and fans to timers to make sure nothing is left to chance. Growing indoors also means keeping constant track of humidity levels, temperatures, soil and water pH levels, and other factors and making adjustments as needed.
Benefits of Growing Marijuana Indoors
All that sounds like a lot of work, and it is. Still, there are plenty of benefits to growing marijuana indoors. You can keep your crops going all year long rather than being restricted to the standard growing season. You won’t have to worry about unexpected changes in the weather or sudden storms tearing up your garden. Many people insist that indoor buds are more potent than outdoor ones as well. Some strains even tend to produce higher yields when they’re grown inside.
Taking the Outdoor Route
All that brings us to the finer points of outdoor cannabis gardening. This is, by far, the least expensive route because there’s no special equipment to purchase. You just plant your marijuana seeds in the ground, and mother nature does most of the work from there. Of course, you’ll have to weed the garden as needed and make sure the plants get plenty of water. After all, Mother Nature doesn’t always give plants a healthy drink when they need one.
Most strains of marijuana grow well outdoors because that’s what nature intended from the beginning. Some are better suited to the outside environment than others, though. You may still need to monitor pH levels to ensure the soil and water aren’t too acidic or basic. This is especially important if your plants start to show signs of stress. While soil often provides the vitamins and minerals plants need, adding extra nutrients to the mix may be necessary as well.
Common Problems with Outdoor Weed Gardens
Pests are among the most common problems with outdoor weed gardens. Everything from bugs and animals to mold and nosy neighbors could put your crop at risk. While indoor grows aren’t completely invulnerable to pests and pathogens, they’re not as susceptible as outdoor gardens.
You can use chemical pest repellents and other synthetic products to keep some of those dangers at bay. If you’re like many growers, though, you’re probably reluctant to use potentially harmful chemicals on the very buds you’ll be smoking later on. Several natural home remedies can safely and effectively ward off pests. It’s possible to place companion plants among your marijuana plants to repel bugs and other unwanted invaders as well.
Another well-known problem with growing cannabis outdoors is contending with the weather. You have no control over daily temperatures, rainfall amounts, and other factors that could detract from your harvest. One untimely cold snap or unexpected heatwave could be all it takes to destroy your garden.
Advantages of Growing Marijuana Outdoors
As is the case with indoor cannabis crops, there are numerous advantages to growing cannabis outdoors. For the most part, all the plants’ needs are handled by nature, so less human intervention is required. It’s undoubtedly a simpler and more cost-effective method even though some factors are beyond your control.
Additionally, many people feel that outdoor cannabis has a better flavor and aroma. Something about receiving fresh rainwater, soil-borne nutrients, and natural sunlight has a way of enhancing the taste and smell of almost anything. Fresh, unadulterated air plays a role here as well.
Although some strains produce higher yields when grown indoors, that’s not always the case. All those natural outdoor elements can foster bigger harvests as well. You won’t have to worry about the telltale odor of marijuana plants permeating your home, either.
Choosing the Best Growing Method for You
Indoor and outdoor cannabis gardening both have a range of advantages. Outdoor grows have plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and they don’t constantly depend on you to take care of their needs. On the other hand, you have less control over the environment and far less privacy.
Indoor cannabis crops rely on you for everything they need. If you forget to turn the grow lights on or off or fail to change them out when it’s time for the flowering stage, you could throw off the entire growing schedule. You can’t overlook maintenance on hydroponic system or making sure the pots you’re growing in are large enough to accommodate the plants, either.
In the end, it all boils down to how much space you have either inside or outside and how much time and effort you can devote to your marijuana garden. Factor in the cannabis laws in your state as well. Consider all these elements to help you decide if growing your marijuana plants inside or outside would be the better option. No matter which route you choose, Kind Seed Co will be here to provide high-quality seeds and plenty of guidance along the way.
