HOW TO GROW CANNABIS INDOORS

BEGIN AT THE BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR INDOOR GROWING – HOW TO GROW CANNABIS INDOORS

Indoors, outdoors, greenhouse. Just like everywhere else in life, there are options when it comes to choosing an environment for growing cannabis. And if it’s not marijuana cultivation in the garden, marijuana cultivation on the balcony or marijuana cultivation in a greenhouse, then it’s indoor. In contrast to outdoor cultivation, which largely relies on sun, water and nature, indoor cultivation requires you to take on the role of nature. In a grow tent or room, the conditions are controlled and optimised so that the plants thrive in the best possible way. Light, temperature, humidity, substrate and nutrients are the key elements that every grower needs to keep an eye on. This means creating optimal climate and light conditions for the plants. It may seem overwhelming, but with our beginner’s guide we provide the basic information to successfully grow cannabis indoors and how to master each element without wasting time and money, leaving nothing but the anticipation of a successful weed harvest.

GROW SPACE SELECTION AND PREPARATION

The selection and preparation of the grow space for indoor cannabis cultivation is essential to ensure optimal conditions for the growth and development of plants. This is also less about looks and more about functionality and efficiency.

• Room selection:

• Choose a suitable room or area for your grow space. This can be a closet, a tent, an extra room or even a cupboard, depending on your capabilities and needs.
• Consider the size of the space in relation to the number of plants you want to grow, as well as the size of the equipment you will be using.

• Ventilation:

1. 1. • Make sure the grow space has adequate ventilation options to bring in fresh air and remove stale air.
      • Install an exhaust fan to improve air circulation and regulate temperature and humidity.
      • Use activated carbon filters to control odours and maintain discretion.

• Lighting:

1. 1. • Choose the right lighting for your grow space. LED lamps, sodium vapour lamps (HID) or fluorescent lamps are common options.
      • Calculate the right wattage for your lighting based on the size of your grow space and the needs of your plants.

• Insulation and sealing:

1. 1. • Check the insulation and sealing of your grow space to avoid light leaks and control the light cycles of your plants.
      • Seal any openings, gaps or cracks to prevent the entry of pests or unwanted odours.

• Power supply:

1. 1. • Make sure the grow space has adequate power sources to run your lighting, ventilation and other equipment.
      • Use safe and appropriate extension cords and power strips to avoid overloads and fire hazards.

• Heat source and regulation:

1. 1. • Consider the heat output of your lighting and other equipment and provide adequate cooling to prevent the grow space from overheating.
      • If necessary, use fans or air conditioning to keep the temperature at an optimal level.

• Organisation and set-up:

1. • Organise your grow space efficiently to create enough space for your plants and equipment.
   • Make sure that all necessary equipment is easily accessible and functional.

GROW BOX SELECTION – WHICH TENT DO YOU NEED FOR INDOOR GROWING?

Choosing a GROW TENT is the second essential step in successfully growing cannabis indoors. Here is some information and what to look for when choosing a grow tent:

• Size and space requirements:

1. 1. • First determine how many plants you want to grow and how much space they need. Then choose a grow tent that offers enough space to comfortably accommodate your plants.
      • Also consider the height of the tent, especially if you are growing varieties that grow tall.

• Material and quality:

1. 1. • Pay attention to the quality of the materials used to make the grow tent. High-quality tents are often made of robust, opaque material such as Oxford fabric or polyester.
      • Check the seams and zips to make sure the tent is opaque and provides a good seal.

• Reflectivity:

1. 1. • Choose a home box with a reflective inner coating that reflects light efficiently and improves light output.
      • High-quality tents may have a reflective coating with a high reflectivity rating, such as Mylar or diamond foil.

• Ventilation options:

1. • Make sure the grow tent has adequate openings for ventilation and air circulation.
   • Check whether the tent is equipped with inlet and outlet openings for exhaust vents.
2. Stability and load-bearing capacity:
   • Choose a grow box with a sturdy frame that is made of durable material such as steel or aluminium.
   • Pay attention to the maximum load capacity of the tent to ensure it can support the weight of lighting, ventilation and other equipment.

 

LIGHTING – WHAT LIGHTS DO YOU NEED FOR GROWING CANNABIS INDOORS?

Lighting is one of the most important factors when growing cannabis indoors, as it significantly influences the growth and development of the plants. There are various options for grow lights, including LED lights and fluorescent lights. Here is an in-depth look at both options:

1. LED lights:
   • LED lights have gained popularity in recent years because they are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting options.
   • They produce a broad spectrum of light that meets the needs of plants throughout the growth cycle, from the vegetative phase to flowering.
   • Modern LED lamps are often dimmable and allow the light intensity to be adjusted according to the needs of the plants.
   • They generate less heat than other lighting options, which makes it easier to control the room temperature and reduces the risk of heat stress for the plants.
   • Although LED lights may have a higher initial cost, the savings in energy costs and longer life will pay for themselves over time.
2. Fluorescent lights:
   • Fluorescent lights, such as T5 or T8 tubes, are a cost-effective option for growing cannabis indoors, especially for beginners.
   • They emit a specific light spectrum that is mainly suitable for the vegetative growth of plants. However, they require additional light for the flowering phase.
   • Fluorescent lights generate less heat than LED lamps and can be positioned closer to the plants without the risk of burns.
   • They are easy to install and require less technical expertise than some other lighting systems.
   • However, fluorescent lights have a lower light intensity than other options such as LED or HID lamps, which can affect the overall yield and quality of the crop.
3. HID lamps:

• HID lamps produce light by passing an electric arc between two electrodes through a gas or mixture of gases.
• The gas inside the lamp, typically mercury vapour, is ionised by the electric current, producing light.
• There are two main types of HID lamps used for indoor growing: Sodium vapour lamps (HPS) and metal halide lamps (MH).
• HPS lamps are known for their warm, yellow-orange light spectrum, which is particularly suitable for the flowering phase of plants.
• MH lamps produce a cooler, bluish light spectrum that is better suited to the vegetative growth phase of plants.
• The advantages of HID lamps are their high light intensity and their ability to cover a large area, making them ideal for larger grow rooms.
• They provide a broad spectrum of light that meets the needs of plants throughout the growth cycle.
• However, HID lamps also have some disadvantages, including higher energy consumption and greater heat generation compared to other light sources.
• They also require regular lamp replacement and can be more expensive to run.
• HID lamps require a special ballast to regulate the electrical current and allow the lamp to start.
• They are usually mounted in reflectors to reflect the light more efficiently and ensure even light distribution in the grow room.
• The positioning of the lamps and the height above the plants are important to optimise the light intensity and ensure even illumination.

When choosing lighting for indoor growing, it is important to consider the needs of the plants, budget constraints and long-term goals.

 

IT’S A GIRL. IT’S A BOY. ITS WE DON`T KNOW. – WHICH CANNABIS GENETICS FOR INDOOR CULTIVATION?

Choosing the right genetics for indoor growing is crucial to the success of your cannabis grow. Here are steps to choose the right genetics, including feminised, autoflowering (auto) and regular seeds.

1. Feminised seeds:
   • Feminised seeds produce only female plants, meaning you don’t have to waste time and energy identifying and removing male plants.
   • This is particularly beneficial for novice growers or growers aiming for a consistent crop of female flowers, as they minimise the risk of unwanted pollination and seed production.
   • When choosing feminised seeds, you should pay attention to the quality of the genetics, the reputation of the breeder and the desired characteristics of the strain.
2. Automatic flowering (auto) seeds:
   • Auto seeds develop independently of the plant’s light cycle and start flowering automatically when they reach a certain size, usually after 2-4 weeks of vegetative growth.
   • This allows for a faster growing cycle and makes auto seeds ideal for growers who want a quick harvest without the need for complex light regulation.
   • Auto seeds are well suited to smaller grow spaces or for growers who want to grow discreetly, as they often remain compact and require less space.
   • When choosing auto seeds, consider the yield, flavour, taste and effect of the strain, as well as the light cycle requirements during cultivation.
3. Regular seeds:
   • Regular seeds produce both male and female plants, which means growers must identify and remove male plants to prevent unwanted pollination and seed production.
   • This type of seed offers growers the opportunity to carry out their own crosses and breeding projects as they produce both male and female parent plants.
   • Regular seeds are often the first choice for experienced growers who are looking for unique phenotypes or want to develop their own genetic lines.
   • When selecting regular seeds, it is important to choose high-quality genetics from reputable breeders and carefully monitor the genders of the plants as they grow.

Related articles:

SAME, SAME, BUT DIFFERENT – DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE CANNABIS SEEDS

FEMINISED SEEDS

REGULAR SEEDS

AUTOFLOWERING SEEDS

 

BLOWING IN THE WIND – WHICH VENTILATION FOR INDOOR GROWING

1. Consider room size and layout:

• Take a look at your grow room and think about how big it is and what the room layout looks like. This will influence the choice of ventilation elements.

1. Determine air flow requirements:
   • Depending on the size of the growing space and the number of plants, you will need to calculate the airflow required to ensure good ventilation.
2. Check options for aeration elements:
   • There are various options such as exhaust fans, inlet fans, tube fans and oscillating fans. Consider which of these are best suited to your needs.
3. Decide on exhaust air system:
   • Exhaust fans are especially important for removing hot, stale air from the room. You can choose between inline fans, axial fans and ducted fans, depending on the size of your room and your budget.
4. Add inlet fans:
   • Inlet fans provide a fresh supply of air into the room. Consider whether you want to use passive air inlets or active inlet fans to improve air circulation.
5. Carbon filters, humidifiers and dehumidifiers:
   • Carbon filters are used to reduce odours. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are helpful to control the indoor climate.
6. Plan installation and placement:
   • Consider where best to place ventilation elements to ensure optimal air circulation. Also think about how you can minimize the volume of the fans to maintain discretion.
7. Consider budget and efficiency:
   • Consider budget when making your decision, but also look at the efficiency and longevity of the ventilation elements. It may be worth spending a little more money on high-quality fans that work quietly and effectively.

 

TAKE CONTROL

Indoor growing is not only a way to grow cannabis plants all year round, but also allows you to take control of the growing process. With the right equipment, knowledge and care, even beginners can be successful and achieve a bountiful harvest. The constant development of technologies and methods also promises continuous improvements and new possibilities for indoor marijuana cultivation. Be an insider…