Collective consciousness changes little by little and these days more and more people are looking to have more healthy, organic and balanced lifestyles. Self-cultivation goes beyond being a hobby or trend, it is the way you can ensure that what you consume is exactly what you want without chemicals, pesticides or additives that have the potential to harm your health. Growing at home gives you the power to produce plants in a natural way with high grade results.
Cannabis self-cultivation
Self-cultivation of cannabis provides the option of choosing the preferred strains (plant varieties), each with distinct characteristics of flavor, concentration and desired effects. In matters of chronic conditions or ailments, it has the ability to provide pharmacological independence and financial savings as you can grow the cannabis necessary for up to one year of treatment every season.
With self-cultivation you control the germination, growth and flowering of your plants as well as the use of organic substrates, natural fertilizers, clean water and the right amount of light.
It also ensures extractions free of toxic solvents and allows you to know the real concentration and profile of oils or tinctures you may decide to make.
Growing at home doesn’t require much space, you can use a window, balcony, small patio or garden. It also doesn’t require much time and can be achieved by tending to your plants only 1 or 2 days a week. Initial investment is low, especially if growing outdoors but even with the added expense of growing indoors with artificial light, keep in mind that most of the equipment required to grow is reusable. Another way to reduce your expenses is by making your own substrate or nutrients.
If you have decided to start self-cultivation
First of all, you must choose the space where your plant will grow. Regardless of whether you grow indoors or outdoors you will need a special place for the plants. You can use your garden, a balcony, the deck, a space in a room, in a window, an attic or even a closet. Wherever you choose, it needs to have sufficient light (cannabis loves light) which can be either natural or artificial. You also need enough free space around the plant for it to grow (approximately 30 to 50 square cm). Once you locate the space you will use, you will need the following elements:
Seeds
Choose the type of plant you want to harvest depending on what you plan to use it for. There are different types of seeds – feminized, autoflowering, some loaded with CBD, some with a mix of THC and CBD and others with THC exclusively. To choose your seeds you must think about what uses and effects you are looking for. If you need relaxation, help with your sleep and/or relief from discomfort, you probably will want to choose an indica variety. If you are looking to be creative and/or feel energized, a sativa would be the best choice. If your goal is to make medicinal oils, a common choice would be one of the varieties loaded with CBD. If you’re still unsure what seeds to choose you can find more information in this blog about the different types.
1.- Seed selection – what you need to know (blog)
Soil
What is the best soil to grow cannabis?
Soil is a basic element for growing cannabis and the type of soil you use depends on the type of cannabis plants you want to plant, though most of them grow well with a substrate that allows you to germinate and grow the roots. Use a black soil, rich in nutrients such as loam. This is an excellent option that goes well with all types of plants. The soil should fill 90% of the container with enough space left for watering without spilling over the edge.
But where can I get it?
You can always start by buying it at a nursery or plant store. If you go this route, ask for a basic black earth substrate. Alternatively, you can make your own substrate, that way you can ensure that your plant is only raised with organic elements, free of chemicals and pesticides. If you want to make your own substrate, check out the tutorial.
- How to make your own substrate
Pot or container
For better growth and rooting of your cannabis plants, use 5 gallon or 20 liter containers. These will provide enough space for the roots to grow and will result in a larger plant and better health. You can use pots, large buckets or if you want to grow like a professional, you can use special cloth bags made for cannabis plants (different from regular cloth bags). These bags are designed to let the roots absorb water without drowning by allowing the roots to breathe and only take the water needed for their growth. These specialized bags can be expensive but are reusable.
Now you are ready to start planting. The steps seem simple because they are, however, to become an expert you must care for your plants consistently and be aware of what contributes to their growth. Remember to be patient and not stress your plants – they can feel it. Water, light and balanced air combined with time to grow will lead to a successful harvest and turn you into a champion grower.