People used to think that having a garden was a must, and they would grow vegetables wherever they could. Many of those skills were lost as supermarkets always seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of produce. However, in recent years, states started legalizing growing marijuana, which spurred new interest in learning these formerly common gardening skills! If you don’t have a green thumb, here are a few tips for growing your first crop.
Choose an Appropriate Site
Marijuana is a versatile crop and will grow in many environments. However, some blends from Weed Seeds USA do better when conditions are highly controlled. That’s why choosing an appropriate growing environment is essential. Outdoor grows are common, but when choosing a site, there are a few things to think about.
- Choose a sunny spot. Most varieties grow better in direct or indirect sunlight, so make sure the spot selected matches the conditions needed by your preferred marijuana variety.
- Make sure the site is well-drained. Few plants thrive in wet conditions, and marijuana is no different. Look for a site that drains well to avoid root rot and mold issues.
- Avoid windy areas. Strong winds dry out plants quickly and add stress. Choose an area that’s sheltered to avoid wind-related problems.
- Look for rich, fertile soils. While marijuana will grow in just about any soil type, the plants won’t thrive if the proper nutrition isn’t present. Of course, growers can amend soils to improve their quality, but that takes time and patience. Look for soil that’s already rich. Growers will still need to test the soil for nutrient levels and fertilize as needed.
As an alternative, consider an indoor grow space when possible. The startup costs are higher than growing outdoors, but the environment is easily controlled, which means the odds of a successful crop go up considerably. Indoor gardening requires plant containers, grow lights, and a ventilation system to keep the air fresh. Many people who grow plants inside also choose to put in automatic watering systems so that the plants don’t need to be watched all the time.
Monitor the Plants as They Grow
During the growth phase, all garden plants must be monitored to catch issues quickly. For example, too much water creates multiple issues for plants, with yellowing leaves being one sign of overwatering. Experienced gardeners learn how to test the soil around specific plants to ensure they only water when the plants need it.
Pruning is also a must for many plants, including marijuana. Each variety will have its own pruning requirements, so research each variety to learn how and when to prune the plants. Pruning is an important step that every grower should take because it leads to healthy growth and more crops.
Harvest Carefully
Gardeners learn from experience when to harvest their crops, but beginners don’t yet have the knowledge and “feel” of when to harvest marijuana. Most places that sell seeds also give growers tips on when and how to harvest their crops for the best results. Many sites offer expert advice on how to grow marijuana, so take advantage of their knowledge instead of putting your crop’s quality at risk.
Experiment to Determine Which Varieties Meet Your Expectations
Don’t settle for the type of marijuana that a friend suggests. Instead, don’t be afraid to try different kinds. Since the growing cycle of marijuana is relatively short, trying new options isn’t a problem. Once you know the basics of growing, you can try new varieties and methods to learn more.
