There are two primary types of growing medium for cannabis – soil and hydroponics. The former requires soil, and the latter doesn’t. Soilless growing mixes, such as coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite, are also considered hydroponics. Hydroponics involves using HID/LEC/LED grow lights, while aeroponics is less common for cannabis. When opting for a hydroponic system, understanding and acquiring the right hydroponic growing supplies like nutrient solutions, water reservoirs, proper lighting systems, and many other important details is crucial. These supplies can significantly affect the success and yield of your cannabis plants.
LED lights
If you’re trying to grow your marijuana, you’ll need to know the proper distance between your LEDs and plants. Different LEDs emit different amounts of light and must be spaced at varying distances from your plants. You can find the recommended length for your particular LEDs by checking the product’s specifications. Most LEDs should be hung 30 to 45 cm away from the tops of your plants.
Soil mix
A good soil mix is key to a healthy cannabis plant, and it has to be from the most trusted seed bank. It contains food-quality ingredients that are high in nutrients and retain water. Your soil mix should also be well-aerated. Cannabis needs deep roots to grow well, and you should avoid using chemical fertilizers. To add nutrients to your soil mix, look for volcanic soil minerals sourced from different parts of the world. If you can’t find volcanic soil minerals in your local store, you can order them online.
Coco fiber
When growing cannabis, you can mix coco coir with perlite or soil to add extra nutrients to your plants. A general 3:1 coir-to-perlite ratio is usually used, although some growers prefer to go higher. This mixture is suitable for hydroponics, potted plant production, and the field. Typically, growers mix these two materials in a five-gallon bucket, but you can also use a larger container, such as a barrel or vat.
HID lights
Before you buy a lighting system, it’s essential to determine how much light your plants will need. Also, consider whether your direct current supply is sufficient. The more powerful lights require more power and cannot be placed as close to your plants as their low-output counterparts. Using a minor HID light system may be better suited for small-scale operations. There are a few things to consider when buying a lighting system for cannabis.
Proper ventilation
When growing cannabis at home, you should focus on proper ventilation. It can have a massive impact on the crop’s yield and health, so choosing the right ventilation system is crucial. A sound ventilation system should replace air about once every minute. To calculate the amount of ventilation your grow room requires, multiply the number of cubic feet by 3. For example, a three-by-three-by-six-foot room would have 54 cubic feet. Therefore, a 100 cubic feet per minute fan would be appropriate for this room.
LECs
While it is possible to grow cannabis indoors with other methods, LEC lights are a viable alternative. They emit a natural spectrum of light, which is ideal for bringing out the best results from your plants. They are also a better option for indoor growers as you will be able to observe the development of your plants in natural light. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using LEC lights for cannabis indoors.
High-intensity discharge bulbs
The best way to learn how to grow cannabis at home with high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs is to experiment with them before buying any. Place your palm under the light while it’s entirely on, and feel the temperature. Do you find the light warm? If so, you might need to replace your bulbs. If the bulb is too close to the plants, they may not grow as well as you want.