Although having plenty of space is advantageous when growing marijuana, it is possible to produce a healthy yield in a cramped space. Even if you live in a tiny apartment in New York or Illinois and have limited space, this guide will help you create the right setup to produce a robust harvest from your newly purchased cannabis seeds.
Micro-growing Is Ideal for Small Spaces
If you are short on space, micro-growing is a sound choice. Just as the name suggests, micro-growing is growing a small crop. Growers choose to grow small amounts of the highest quality marijuana (usually high-THC or high-CBD) to fit their needs and space.
You can grow a micro crop just about anywhere, even inside a kitchen cabinet or your Minnesota cabin or your Virginia beach house. Surprisingly, a single marijuana plant can produce up to a pound of fresh bud, so micro-growing is undoubtedly desirable for those who are limited in space.
When micro-growing cannabis, it is wise to use proper techniques that train the plants to grow short and wide. ‘Topping’ means cutting the main stem at the top, allowing two colas to grow instead of one. Topping helps to encourage outward growth instead of height, which is beneficial in a small environment.
It is wise to choose an autoflowering cannabis seed for small spaces. Auto-flowering strains typically do not grow as big in height so you will be able to control them growing in a smaller area. Many cannabis plants have been created to grow bushy without becoming too tall. Carefully research to choose the best type of marijuana for micro-growing.
Light Is Essential for Small Spaces
No matter how big a space you are growing marijuana in, the light is going to be an essential component. Because some types of bulbs produce more light and heat than others, choosing the right lighting is going to require gaining knowledge about the different types of bulbs.
A light-emitting diode (LED) is an ideal choice for small spaces. LED bulbs are much more compact than some other types of grow lights so they can be easily installed in almost any area.
An LED light also releases less heat, which will help to control the temperature in your tiny Louisiana grow space. Another benefit of using LED lights in small grow spaces is they come with built-in reflectors, which can help to adequately disperse the light in your space and ensure the plants are able to absorb the full spectrum they require.
LED lights are also advantageous because they do not require a lot of energy. Although they are costly upfront, long lifetimes and energy savings typically attract many growers to LEDs.
When choosing an LED light for small spaces, there are things you should look for to make the right choice. There are three main types to consider, including the following.
Standard LEDs emit both red- and blue-light so they are considered purple. Although these are the most readily available and affordable, they do not produce a high level of brightness.
COB (Chip On Board) is a type of LED bulb that produces a high-intensity light that is similar to sunlight. These lights are energy-efficient and promote healthy plant growth.
Spread-style LED lights are set up on panels, so they spread the light more evenly over the plants. Because these can sometimes be large, they may not be the best option for cramped growing spaces.
If possible, purchase COB lights for small growing areas. You will find these bulbs produce a sunlight mimicking spectrum, without using too much energy or causing too much heat. Manipulating the light in your tiny space will be imperative for healthy plant growth.
Go Vertical
When there is not enough space for growing cannabis, do not be afraid to think creatively and go vertical. Vertical growing setups are becoming increasingly popular among cannabis growers because a much bigger crop can be grown without the need for too much space.
Many new growers are surprised to learn how much vertical space is available in their closet. Some strains of cannabis even thrive more when grown vertically. Vertical farming can more than double the space available to you and works well in many cupboards and cabinets.
When choosing a vertical grow setup, it is wise to go with a hydroponic one. Hydroponic systems will be more efficient for this type of grow setup and will require much less work and mess.
There are many ways cannabis can be grown vertically, including systems that are mechanically rotated around a light source, so the plants always receive the light they need. Careful research and trial and error will help you to choose the ideal vertical grow setup for your space.
Should you plan to grow vertically, consider the following:
- Choosing the right strain is essential. Indica-dominant strains will grow effectively in a vertical setup without increasing too much in height.
- Planning your space is also wise. Drawing a diagram of the area, including the dimensions, will help you to plan to use every conceivable space for growing plants appropriately.
- Choosing the right light is also critical. As stated above, LED lights are best for small spaces and this holds true when growing vertically as well.
- Keeping the water clean is going to be vital for any vertical hydroponic setup. If the water is dirty, you will begin to see root rot, nutrition deficiencies, and possible mold and mildew growth. These do not make for healthy marijuana plants.
- Starting simple will help you avoid significant issues. You can always add to your setup as the need arises but beginning by using simple structures will create less stress during each growth cycle.
If you are new to growing cannabis, it is wise to start small. Getting the right setup in place and first growing a smaller crop will help you to learn from any mistakes before purchasing a lot of seeds and planning for a big harvest.
SCROG (Screen of Green)
If you are new to growing marijuana, chances are SCROG is not a familiar acronym. SCROG is a type of training that helps to keep marijuana plants smaller and bushier instead of tall.
When growing in small spaces, being able to keep the plant growth controlled is critical. Too much growth and your marijuana plants will no longer have the space they need for proper airflow and light.
Although its name seems like it would be difficult, SCROG training is anything but hard. It merely takes a concerted effort, and the right steps to ensure the plants are not harmed while they are being trained.
Scrogging can be carried out in many ways and growers use a variety of materials to train their plants. Chicken wire and nylon netting are both used to control the growth of marijuana plants. Whichever screen you choose, it needs to be kept as close as possible to the light source.
As each plant begins to grow, you will gently weave the branches into the next opening of the screen. This training method eventually creates a lush blanket of cannabis growth and helps to encourage a higher yield of buds.
When using SCROG, it is wise to hold your marijuana plants in the vegetative stage for longer than usual because they will not grow outward during the flowering stage. By keeping the plants in the vegetative stage for as long as possible, you will be able to see more buds in the long run.
A big part of scrogging is removing the fanleaves to allow your cannabis plants to put their full energy into creating beautiful buds. Although you should remove some of the smaller fan leaves, removing the larger leaves can prevent your plants from absorbing energy from the light source.
Because this method produces a much thicker canopy of growth, air circulation is going to be critical. Without proper air circulation, the canopy of cannabis growth could end up experiencing mold and mildew growth which could spell disaster for your crop. When in doubt, purchase strains that are mold-resistant to cut down on the risks when using scrogging.
Choose the Right Growing Containers
When it comes to growing containers, marijuana growers have become very creative. Growers can purchase containers that are made specifically for growing cannabis, but they are not the only option.
It is crucial to choose smaller containers if you are limited in space. Fat and short containers will offer more grow room without taking up too much height room. If you are challenged with less vertical space, choose smaller containers.
If you are micro-growing, small flowerpots will suffice. The growing pots or containers you use should be chosen based on the space and the strain of marijuana that will be grown there.
It is wise to carefully measure the growing space and each container to ensure they will be able to fit. Carrying out these measurements will help you to avoid purchasing large containers when there is not enough room for them.
Proper Ventilation Is Critical
Though ventilation is essential in any size grow room, a tiny space especially needs adequate airflow. A small space is more conducive to mold and mildew growth, among other problems. One of the worst things you can do in any small growing space is to forget to purchase ventilation equipment. Without proper ventilation, cannabis plants will quickly die.
If possible, it is helpful to grow your cannabis plants in a room that already has a built-in fan. If this is not possible, placing an oscillating fan inside the space will keep the air flowing as it should.
The fan must be able to circulate the air effectively, which is why you should purchase a fan that oscillates. While a more substantial space may require a more sophisticated system, small spaces work well with a single fan that is always left on.
Space Limitations Require the Right Marijuana Strains
When it comes to growing marijuana in a tight space, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is on the strain. Some strains can grow as high as 15 feet, so it is essential to know which strains are more conducive to growing in small spaces.
It is wise to choose Indica strains when growing in small indoor spaces. Sativa strains are more likely to grow taller, whereas Indica strains grow bushier and shorter. Consider the following Indica strains as small-space options:
- Super Skunk
- Sweet Tooth
Many strains are ideal for small growing areas. Carefully researching the options will help you make a perfect choice. When choosing any marijuana seeds, make sure to select a hybrid that is Indica-dominant for the best results.
Sterilize the Space
There are many mistakes new marijuana growers make and one of them is trying to grow their plants in a dirty space. If you are considering growing cannabis in a cluttered closet, think again.
No matter where you choose to grow marijuana indoors, the space needs to be sterilized before any plants are brought inside. Failure to properly disinfect the area could lead to mold and mildew growth or plant diseases.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when it comes to growing marijuana in a tight space. Although it is more of a challenge, it certainly is possible.
To ensure your plants grow healthy and robust, even in a tiny area, make sure to keep the relative humidity (RH) between 40 – 70%, depending on the strain of marijuana. It is also essential to monitor the temperature of the grow area, keeping it between 21 – 24°C (70 – 75°F).
Even if you only have a tiny closet or cabinet, it is possible to grow cannabis. You may not be able to produce a huge yield, but you can still produce up to a pound of marijuana from each plant. Start reviewing high-yielding marijuana seeds today at kindseed.com.
