Is marijuana your pastime, medication, or a new profession? Regardless of your reasons for loving marijuana, You’re here to learn what growing marijuana indoors is, so you can easily access it at a lower cost.
With the increased legalization of marijuana in several jurisdictions worldwide, growing marijuana indoors is increasing.
I get it, you’re here because you don’t want to screw it up on the first try. Fortunately, growing marijuana is not too complex. However, there are things you should know to successfully do this.
Here is a list of what will be covered on this blog:
- Three great strains of marijuana seeds for starters
- Identifying good cannabis seeds
- Indoor weed growing
- Seed germination
- Young seedlings
- Vegetative growth tips
- Things to do for better yields
- Harvesting your crop
Choosing the Best Type of Marijuana Seeds
When choosing the type of seeds to grow indoors, these are the two types to consider: auto-flower strains and feminized seeds. Where going to focus on auto-flowering.
Feminized seeds generally take about 8 to 12 weeks to harvest. However, some Sativa dominant varieties may take up to 15 weeks to develop fully. It’s a genetic thing.
Ah, the auto-flowering seeds. Autoflower seeds will take about 10 weeks from germination to harvest under 20 hours of light every day. Seasoned growers find them to be the fastest, most convenient, and easiest to grow indoors.
As a beginner, I recommend automatic flowering seeds because they can grow under any kind of light schedule. Additionally, these types of seeds yield heavy harvests of strong marijuana. An added advantage of auto-flowering buds is that they can be harvested multiple times in a season. How cool is that!
Top Autoflower Strains for Indoor Cannabis Growing
Well, you can grow several auto-flower strains indoors. However, the top three that you should try are White Widow auto, Bubble Gum auto, and AK-47 auto, and here’s why.
White Widow will practically grow itself. It’s very resistant to diseases and adapts well to various climates. This beginner-friendly weed will produce 18 ounces of bud indoors per square yard (3×3) foot area or 20plus ounces per plants
2. AK-47 Auto
Ak-47 is another great starter cannabis strain. Start with the White Widow then make this your next challenge. Ak-47 will be just like the White Widow but with a little more attention to the environment. You’ll learn how to control the humidity and ventilation. This will be a great skill for the more complicated strains you’ll be growing in the near future.
Bubble Gum is a true hybrid, Its genetics are 50% Sativa India. This is a good beginner Grow because it does very well in different types of settings. This strain will challenge your ability to keep the conditions on the dry end of the humidity spectrum. If you don’t you could be facing a mold and mildew issue.
The experience you will get from those three will not only give you the confidence to grow the exotic but also the foundation to start your own business if you wish to follow that path.
What’s a Good Marijuana Seed
Now that you have chosen the type of strain to plant indoors, it is time you visited a seed bank or dispensary to get your seeds. These guys are in it for a successful business in a difficult arena due to federal regulations. So they are going to go out of their way to make sure you do great. Their success depends on it.
But if you don’t…
Always choose fresh and mature seeds for your plants. How do you tell that they are the best choice? The first thing you consider is the color of the seeds. Healthy weed seeds are usually greyish to brown in hue and have a glossy appearance. Consider the size of the seeds too. Healthy and mature seeds are generally bigger than immature ones.
You also don’t want to pick very old seeds because their germination rate is quite low. Avoid dull and very dark or near black seeds because they may be old.
Also, do not pick small seeds with a greenish color and a soft shell. They are immature and produce low-quality crops.
Growing Marijuana Indoors
The best part about growing marijuana indoors is that it can control the environment. It is also easier and cheaper to look after weed crops grown indoors.
An important point to take into consideration is that you have to dedicate some time to taking care of indoor plants. Don’t worry, they’re plants not cats, plus you’ll be looking in on them all the time. However, plants are dependent on you for nutrition and water requirements. Be careless about them or fail to provide what they need, and they will die without giving you any yield.
Indoors Places:
You don’t have to dedicate a big space to grow your cannabis. You could Bonzi that thing in a shoebox, but don’t until you know your shit. Any room can work, provided you can fit everything you need for growing your marijuana. Some suggestions you can grow your weed are:
- A grow tent (highly recommended)
- A greenhouse (not recommended for a beginner)
- An extra bathroom (not my choice. nasty yuckiness)
- The garage
- A big container
- A closet
- A spare room
Climate: What are the conditions for growing marijuana indoors?
During the initial days of growing marijuana indoors, the suitable temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, after the seeds have germinated and developed flowers, you may keep the temperatures between 63 and 79 °F. This temperature range is ideal for growing fragrant and colorful flowers.
You will be using grow lights and exhaust fans to control the temperature. This is the main reason I highly recommend grow tents
Cannabis Grow Lights
You have to always remember that marijuana loves light. As an indoor grower, you must try to deliver as much light to your plants as possible. More light will lead to denser and bigger buds. It will also mean superior yields. For superior results, you may consider using 250 watts/m² as the bare minimum. However, you may need to aim for 2 to 3 times the level as you progress.
When installing your lights, make sure they are closer to the plants. This would ensure that the light intensity getting to the buds and leaves is maximized for better results. However, you should be careful not to grow your plants near very hot lights. They can easily get light burns.
Check your lamp’s heat using the back of your hand. If it feels hot to your hand, then it will be hot for your plant too.
Seed Germination
You can germinate cannabis seeds using various methods. One of the simplest approaches is placing your seeds about a centimeter below firmly pressed damp soil’s surface. Temperatures should be maintained at around 77 °F to support seed germination.
Other methods of germinating cannabis are:
- Soaking
This is the most reliable method of germinating marijuana seeds. You need coffee cups full of warm water. Place your seeds in the cups and cover them using a lid to prevent light from reaching the seeds. The seeds will germinate in about 48 hours.
- Propagation Kits
In this approach to seed germination, you use commercial propagation kits. Fortunately, they are inexpensive and provide good results. The best side of these kits is that they come with instructions, so you don’t have to worry about using them wrongly.
- Paper towel and dish method
In this approach to seed germination, you will need two paper towels, two dishes, and water. Boil the water and soak the paper towels in it. Remove the towels leaving them warm and damp. Put one of the towels on one dish and place some seeds on it. Use the other towel to cover them. Cover the seeds using the other dish as a lid. After 2 to 5 days, your seeds will germinate.
Germination soil
If you are a first-time cannabis grower, you should consider using soil as a medium for germinating your seeds. Just use a good soil mix, and you’re good to go. If you do the mix yourself be sure to not mix it too hot just add enough for germinating your seeds.
Handling your Seedlings
After planting your seeds, they will sprout in a few days. Basically, a marijuana seedling refers to a pair of leaves and a cotyledon. As real leaves develop, the cotyledon finally drops. During the early stages of a plant’s life, you will need to offer intense care. Pay attention to your lighting and watering.
Watering seedlings
Your cannabis seedlings require some water for them to develop well. One of the biggest mistakes people make, however, is watering the seedlings too much. There is no fast and hard rule as to the amount of water that your seedlings need. Just pay attention to the daily water needs of your plants. Just make sure that the seedlings don’t get too dry. Nonetheless, don’t water your seedlings more than twice a day. As the seedlings develop, you may need to water your plants more.
Pay attention to your plant’s leaves. Make sure they don’t begin to droop. If the soil feels dry to touch, add water to it.
Transplanting Seedlings
A significant part of this marijuana growing instruction is how to transplant your seedlings. The success of your crops largely depends on your ability to transplant them well. You can easily lose your crops if you are not cautious in handling your seedlings while transplanting them.
A significant part of this marijuana growing instruction is how to transplant your seedlings. The success of your crops largely depends on your ability to transplant them well. You can easily lose your crops if you are not cautious in handling your seedlings while transplanting them.
To establish if your seedlings are ready for transplanting, look out for some physical cues instead of depending on the number of days since they germinated. The seedlings must meet the following criteria before you transplant them:
- The roots are protruding from the medium
- The seedling develop their first array of true leaves
If you observe these cues, then your seedlings are ready for transplanting.
Prepare the place where you will transplant your seedlings by digging a hole in the soil. Then place the seedling in the hole carefully.
Best Tips for Vegetative Growth
Now that your crops are growing and becoming stronger plants, you need to take into account a few things. This is the most important stage in your cannabis-growing venture.
Water and lighting when growing marijuana indoors
Your plants need water just like any other plant. However, take caution not to overwater them. A bit of dryness is needed because the roots require some air. There is no fast rule on how much water is adequate. It requires a bit of your judgment to make the best decision. Factors that you may need to consider are the intensity of light and the size of the plant’s container. Generally, water the plants at least once every day.
Although plants in this stage can withstand exposure to light for up to 24 hours, you need to ensure that the plants do not scorch from excessive lighting. It is healthy that you expose them to light for about 18 hours and let them be in darkness for about 6 hours. The lighting goal is to allow adequate exposure for your plants to grow bigger.
Soil control
Ensure that the soil in which you grow your plants has the right pH. A soil pH of 6 is ideal, but a range of 5.8 to 6.3 can work. Any other level can be disastrous!
You should also plant your seeds in soil rich in organic elements. You will need to add nutrients to your soil for optimal results.
Water drainage and retention abilities are also important factors to consider when choosing the soil for growing cannabis. Your soil should have an exceptional balance of water retention and drainage.
Nutrients and feeding when growing marijuana indoors
Always watch out for nutrient excess or deficiency. Both present the same symptoms: different kinds of discoloration, lightening, and yellowing of mature leaves, and spotting on leaves can occur.
The best time to determine whether your plants have the right amount of nutrients is during the 3rd to the 5th week after transplanting. A healthy plant should have a perfect green color and dense and strong branches.
Pruning your Plants
When do your start, and how do you prune your cannabis plant? The answer to this question depends on whether you are going to prune your plants. You may want to allow the plants to grow without pruning them. If you intend to prune them, start during the second week of the transplant. However, you may need to wait a week longer if you are growing an indica plant because they grow slower compared to sativa. Prune up to the second week of the plant’s flowering, skipping a few days in between to allow recovery.
What do you prune? Eliminate drying or dead leaves, low-down bud stalks, and low-hanging branches.
A popular method is SCROG (screen of green). You can find my post on scrogging here.
Environmental Factors
Maintain your grow room temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to make sure that the soil is warm enough for root development.
It is also imperative for you to control the humidity levels in your grow area. If not properly regulated, your plants may be damaged. A grow room controller may become handy in controlling humidity levels. Ensure that humidity levels stay between 50 and 70 percent.
Growing Marijuana Indoors: How do You Maintain Your Weed Plants?
Once you have transplanted your seedling, you must do a few things to ensure a high-quality yield.
Here is a link to some troubleshooting guides to keep your weed healthy.
Determining sex
Why would you be concerned about the sex of your plants? Well, as a cannabis enthusiast, you want to grow crops rich in THC. Female plants produce higher levels of THC compared to male ones. On the other hand, pollinated female weed plants do not produce any THC, meaning they will not be good if you intend to use your marijuana for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, accidental pollination is likely to occur if male plants are allowed to grow alongside female ones.
Consequently, you need to be able to determine the sex of your plants and eliminate the males. Although there are various ways that growers may use to identify the sex of weed plants, the easiest is the use of some chemical tests. You can purchase them from manufacturers and use them to help you identify the gender of your plants at 7 days of germination. With this method, you can never go wrong.
Forced flowering
In some circumstances, the difference between the success and failure of your effort is in forcing a cannabis plant to flower. Apart from the auto-flowering cannabis strains, your weed will only start to flower when light reduces. If the lighting is not reduced as the plants grow, you are likely to get low-quality buds. In some instances, the buds will be damaged.
Therefore, to force your plants to flower, you must create an environment where they are deprived of lighting. For example, if you have planted your weed on a balcony, you may need to protect your plants against streetlights. You want to make sure that your plants flower early enough for them to complete their growth cycle successfully before harvesting.
All that is really good information but buy some auto-flowering seeds they’re female and with ILGM, Germination is guaranteed.
Pest and related problems
Pests and diseases have the potential to affect your yield negatively. General hygiene is critical in curbing pests and diseases. However, you may need to take further action to make sure these enemies do not reduce your yield.
Root diseases can be a menace and require quick action before they can damage your crops. For example, pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium species may use your crops as hosts. They spread easily and can cause significant damage.
Prevention may include testing the water used for irrigation to make sure it doesn’t contain pathogens. Additionally, it may be worthwhile sterilizing water before using it for your plants.
Biological tools are also available for use. For example, you may allow beneficial fungi to grow on plant roots, thereby protecting the plants against pathogens found in the soil. Examples of these beneficial fungi are Trichoderma and Gliocladium.
With regard to pests, the major concern is aphids, fungus gnats, mites, and thrips. As with diseases, investing in good sanitation can help curb the negative effect of these pests. Nonetheless, keeping clean is not adequate. You may use pesticides if the crops are already affected by the pests to quickly knock them down. An early introduction of biological controls would also enhance pest management efforts.
Growing Marijuana Indoors Security
Use common sense. Block the windows from curious neighbors and let people know your growing marijuana. This can be hard to do, but nothing spreads faster than a secret.
Harvesting Your Weed Crop
Finally, your crops are ready for harvesting! Harvesting cannabis is not that difficult. In fact, it is a fun thing to do. Keep the following in mind when harvesting your weed:
When and how to harvest your crop
To determine the right time to harvest your cannabis requires you to look at the color of the hairs covering the weed buds. When the buds are ready for harvesting, they begin to turn dark brown.
Get your harvesting tools ready once most of the buds turn brown. The exact time when you harvest depends on the effects and taste you desire. The browner the color, the more robust the high and flavors in the buds.
On the harvesting day, it is a great idea to start early in the morning because it can be time-consuming. Begin by cutting the entire plant from its root.
Once you are done cutting all the nourished plants, remove part of the larger leaves.
On a horizontal wire in a room, hand the plants outside down before starting to dry them.
How do you dry your cannabis?
The cheapest and most reliable way of drying your cannabis is by leaving the harvested plants in the open air. However, if you may desire, you can use automated curing machines of drying cabinets, which can dry your yield efficiently and quickly. but those are for another day.
When drying your cannabis, it is a good idea to leave them for at least 7 days to make sure they are completely dry. Although 7 days are long enough to allow the plants to dry, you may need to check to rule out any moisture.
If the buds stick together, then they have some moisture content.
How do your prepare your marijuana?
Keep checking your buds to make sure that they are drying properly. Check occasionally to make sure there is no mildew or mold developing. If you notice any affected part, remove it immediately.
Allow the plants to dry slowly to guarantee aromatic and flavorful buds,
Finally, you will be able to enjoy your weed. Once the buds become brittle, they are ready for consumption. You can crush the buds into small pieces and roll them up for smoking.
Storing your Cannabis
Once your cannabis is dry, you may want to store it for future use. Just place the dried buds in mason jars about 3 quarters full.
Keep your jars in a dark place. Remove the lids for about 12 to 24 hours to ensure the buds are well dried. You may continue curing your buds for up to 6 months. Curing entails removing the lids once every week until you are sure there isn’t any moisture.
After that, keep the buds in airtight containers. You may consider freezing the buds or vacuum sealing them in tightly packed jars.
Why Grow Tent Kits are the way to go:
Now that you have the growing cannabis inside instructions, we would like to tell you about grow tent kits. If you are a beginner at growing marijuana, grow tent kits are the way to go.
Why? A grow tent kit comes with all the features you need for growing marijuana indoors: ventilation equipment, lighting, as well as other essential accessories.
As such, it saves you the burden of having to source the features you need from different vendors. The best part about them is that they are available in a broad range of components, so you get a perfect solution for each of your exceptional growing needs.
Get Your Seeds from ILGM.com:
Are you not sure where to get seeds for your growing your weed? Stop worrying because we have done your search homework on your behalf.
ILGM.com sells high-quality and easily accessible marijuana seeds at a low cost. It is among the largest sources of marijuana knowledge and seeds online. Five top reasons why you should choose this vendor are:
- Knowledge hub
- Free shipping
- Use of secure payment methods
- High-quality seeds
- Low prices
ILGM is a knowledge powerhouse! Use them they’re to make sure you have all you need to succeed.With this vendor, you can easily access any information about growing marijuana, thanks to their Marijuana Grow Bible.
Yes, the Bible is available online, and you can read it online or download it without paying a single penny! I bet you don’t want to miss this opportunity.
Try out ILGM’s Bruce Banner Autoflowering Seeds a great High THC that’s easy to grow for begginers!