Learn How to Successfully Grow Cannabis In Your Backyard

Growing cannabis is often shrouded in misconceptions that can deter potential cultivators and obscure the plant's benefits. Many people assume that cannabis cultivation is overly complicated, requiring extensive knowledge and resources, when in reality, it can be as accessible as any other garden plant.

It all begins with the highest quality seeds that you can find.

You’ll want to begin by finding a reputable cannabis seed source, with an abundance of choices and clear explanations around what you will be receiving.

Selling cannabis seeds is legal in many regions due to a combination of evolving legal frameworks and the distinction between seeds and mature plants.

In places where cannabis cultivation is permitted, seeds are often regarded as a separate entity, similar to how vegetable or flower seeds are treated in agricultural commerce. This legal separation allows for the sale of seeds for personal cultivation, especially as more states and countries move towards legalization for both medicinal and recreational use.

Furthermore, cannabis seeds are often seen as a means of preserving genetic diversity and fostering responsible cultivation practices. As public perception shifts and regulatory landscapes change, the legality of selling cannabis seeds reflects a growing recognition of the plant's agricultural value and its potential benefits for individuals and society.

Types of Seeds

When purchasing cannabis seeds, you typically encounter three main types:

1. Regular Seeds: These seeds can produce both male and female plants, making them suitable for growers looking to breed their own strains. However, male plants do not produce flowers and can pollinate females, which may not be desirable for those focused on harvesting buds.

2. Feminized Seeds: These seeds are genetically altered to ensure that nearly all plants produced are female, which is ideal for growers aiming for bud production. Feminized seeds are popular among cultivators who want to maximize yield without the worry of male plants. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT

3. Autoflowering Seeds: These seeds produce plants that transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage automatically, typically after a certain period of time, regardless of light cycles. This makes them great for beginners and those looking to achieve quicker harvests, as they can be grown in various environments with less complexity.

Each type of seed offers different advantages, catering to a range of cultivation goals and preferences.

My preference for high quality seeds is North Atlantic Seed Company. They sell high quality product with a 100% germinate guarantee. Every one of my seeds from NASC has germinated.

Once your seeds have arrived, it’s time to begin the growing process

The first step is to germinate your seeds. I’ve found that the best route is the wet paper towel method:

  1. Begin by running a set of paper towels under the sink until it is soaking wet

  2. Wring out the paper towels until they are damp but not wet

  3. Fold your paper towels 2 or three times to create a pocket. Place your seed(s) in the pocket and store in a dark, cool place

  4. Within 24 hours your seeds should have started to germinate!

Now that you see green shoots, it’s time to transport your germinated seeds into soil.

When choosing a soil, most anything from your local market will do. Personally, I prefer FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil as it’s specifically engineered for plans such as cannabis.

I’ve found it to be easiest to grow your seedlings in red solo cups for a number of reasons:

  1. Solo cups are easy to move and transport

  2. They are easy to label

  3. They provide enough root space to allow your seedling to grow for 1 month before repotting

To start, begin by taking a scissor or screwdriver and poke 5+ holes in the bottom of your solo cups, to allow for proper water drainage. Then, add your soil. Finally, use the eraser-side of a pencil and poke a 1 inch hole in the middle of your soil. Place your seedling inside the hole, root side down (I use tweezers) and gently cover the seedling up to the point where you are barely covering the top of the seed.

What is ‘buckethead’ ?

More often than not, cannabis seedlings will begin to grow and fail to shed the hard seed cap from the top of the plant - this is known as buckethead. To combat this, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent your seedling from dying:

  1. Use pot domes to keep the seed shell moist, to more easily fall off when the time is right

  2. If it’s been a few days and the seed shell hasn’t fallen off, use tweezers to remove the cap. It’s OK if you have to use some strength to crack the cap and take it off, so long as you don’t harm the vitally important cotyledon leaves underneath that must survive to help the plant grow

Finally, you must keep the soil inside your solo cup moist but not sopping wet - when soil is too wet it can lead to root rot. I’ve always found that adjustable spray bottles are the easiest way to have complete control over the amount of water that gets to your plant.

Once you seedlings are planted in your solo cups, it’s time to place them under your light source. While you can use natural sunlight to grow you newly sprouted cannabis seedlings, I personally think artificial light is the best approach. You have a number of options:

  1. Natural Light

  2. An Aerogarden (I had an old Aerogarden, and all I had to do was not add any water to the well and adjust the light arm, so that it was low enough to provide direct exposure but high enough so that I didn’t promote light burn)

  3. Full spectrum light stand - this is the simplest and most economical option. It also provides the most flexibility.

Now it’s time to watch your cannabis grow and mature

 

2 Week following Germination

Two weeks after your cannabis plant has sprouted, you should observe several key indicators of its health and growth:

  1. Growth Development
    By this time, your plant should have developed its first set of true leaves (not just the initial seed leaves or cotyledons). These leaves will have a distinct serrated edge typical of cannabis plants.

  2. Leaf Health
    Healthy leaves should be a vibrant green. Look for any signs of discoloration (yellowing, browning, or spots) that may indicate nutrient deficiencies or other issues. Leaves should be broad and sturdy, not drooping or curling.

  3. Stem Strength
    The stem should be thickening as it supports the plant's growth. A weak or spindly stem may indicate insufficient light or other stressors.

  4. Root Development
    If your plant is in a clear container, you may be able to see root development. Healthy roots should be white and well-distributed.

  5. Watering Needs
    Ensure the soil remains slightly moist but not overly saturated. Check the top inch of soil—if it's dry, it's time to water.

  6. Light Exposure
    The plant should be growing upwards towards the light. If it appears to be stretching (long internodes), it may not be receiving enough light.

  7. Pest and Disease Check
    Inspect Leaves and Soil: Look for any signs of pests (like spider mites or aphids) or diseases (such as mold). Early detection is key to preventing larger issues.

  8. Environmental Conditions
    Ensure the environment is suitable for growth, typically around 70-85°F (20-30°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night, with humidity levels around 40-60%.

 

Feed Your Plants Properly

When growing hydroponically or in the soil, you’ll want to feed your plants a balanced cocktail of nutrients based on the stage of growth of your plant.

I love the General Hydroponics Advanced Nutrient System 3-pack, which comes with easy to understand directions on the back of the bottles.

The nutrient system can be adjusted from the beginning of the grow cycle all the way to flowering, so this fertilizer programs has you fully covered.

General Hydroponics Advanced Nutrient System 3-pack

Time to Move Outside

Once you’ve reached a height of 10” - 12”, it’s time to move your plants outside. Any larger and you risk your plants developing a root ball and being root bound, which would lead you to grow a dwarf plant.

There isn’t much of an art to this, other than you should keep your soil most to ensure that your plants don’t go into shock.

Move your plants to a soft soil location with strong southern exposure, to get your sun-thirsty plan the most sunlight possible.

I also found that labeling the solo cup with the strain type and keeping those labeled cups - filled with rocks - next to your outdoor plant is an easy way to remember what you planted.

6 weeks

Once you get your plants in good soil, all you have to do is let Mother Nature take over.

8 weeks

You’ll be surprised at how quickly your plants grow, and how resilient they are to extreme temperatures.

10 weeks

By week 10 your cannabis will begin stretching rapidly. Massive gains will be made, and you should be well on your way towards growing a foot a month.

Growing cannabis requires a balanced mix of nutrients to ensure healthy plant growth and optimal yields. Here are the key nutrients:

Macronutrients

  1. Nitrogen (N): Essential for vegetative growth, it promotes leaf development and overall plant vigor.

  2. Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development, flowering, and fruiting; it helps with energy transfer within the plant.

  3. Potassium (K): Important for water regulation, enzyme activation, and overall plant health; it aids in flowering and fruit quality.

Secondary Nutrients

  1. Calcium (Ca): Supports cell wall structure and is vital for root development and nutrient uptake.

  2. Magnesium (Mg): Central to chlorophyll production and helps with photosynthesis.

  3. Sulfur (S): A component of amino acids and proteins; important for overall plant metabolism.

Micronutrients

  1. Iron (Fe): Necessary for chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme function.

  2. Manganese (Mn): Aids in photosynthesis and enzyme activation.

  3. Zinc (Zn): Important for growth hormone production and enzyme functions.

  4. Copper (Cu): Plays a role in photosynthesis and respiration.

  5. Boron (B): Crucial for cell division and flower development.

  6. Molybdenum (Mo): Helps in nitrogen metabolism.

Considerations

  • pH Levels: Maintaining the right pH (typically between 6.0 and 7.0 for soil) is crucial for nutrient availability.

  • Watering: Over or under-watering can affect nutrient uptake.

  • Nutrient Ratios: Different growth stages (vegetative vs. flowering) require different nutrient ratios.

Using a well-balanced fertilizer formulated for cannabis can help simplify nutrient management. Always monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, adjusting as needed.

During the budding stage, cannabis plants have specific nutrient needs, particularly higher phosphorus and potassium levels to support flower development. Here are some popular fertilizers that can effectively deliver the necessary nutrients during this phase:

1. Bloom Formulas

2. Organic Options

3. Dry Nutrients

4. Liquid Fertilizers

5. Additives

  • CalMag Supplements: Calcium and magnesium are often needed during the flowering stage to prevent deficiencies.

  • Bud Boosters: Products like Monster Bloom or Cha Ching can provide an extra boost in phosphorus and potassium.

Tips for Use

  • Follow Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing and application rates.

  • Monitor pH: Ensure that your nutrient solution is within the optimal pH range for nutrient uptake.

  • Watch for Signs: Monitor your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses and adjust accordingly.

Using a combination of these fertilizers can help ensure your cannabis plants receive the nutrients they need during the crucial budding stage.

The Stretch Stage

The stretch stage of cannabis refers to a period during the plant's growth cycle, typically occurring after the vegetative phase and just before the flowering stage begins. This phase is characterized by rapid vertical growth, as the plant focuses on developing height and structure to prepare for the flowering phase. Here's a breakdown of what happens during the stretch stage:

Timing of the Stretch

  • When it occurs: The stretch stage happens after the plant is transitioned from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage, which usually happens when the light cycle is switched from 18 hours of light/6 hours of dark (veg) to 12 hours of light/12 hours of dark (flower).

  • Duration: The stretch can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions. Some plants stretch more intensely than others, particularly sativa-dominant strains, which can double or even triple in height during this time.

What Happens During the Stretch:

  1. Rapid Vertical Growth: During the stretch, cannabis plants can grow several inches to even a foot or more in height. This growth is usually accompanied by the formation of new branches, leaves, and the establishment of the framework that will support the flowers (buds) later on.

  2. Hormonal Changes: The switch to the flowering light cycle triggers a spike in hormones, specifically auxins and gibberellins, that encourage the plant to grow taller and develop its reproductive structures (the pre-flowers).

  3. Formation of Pre-flowers: While the plant is elongating, it will also start to develop pre-flowers (small, immature flowers) that will eventually turn into the buds. The gender of the plant (male or female) is usually determined during the stretch. Female plants will show pistils, while male plants will develop pollen sacs.

  4. Increase in Node Spacing: The nodes (the points on the stem where branches emerge) during the stretch phase tend to be farther apart, giving the plant a more elongated appearance. This is particularly noticeable in sativa strains, which naturally have a more "loose" structure.

  5. Nutrient Needs: During the stretch, the plant's nutrient requirements increase, particularly for nitrogen to support rapid growth. However, as the stretch phase ends and flowering begins, the plant's nutrient focus should shift more toward phosphorus and potassium to promote bud development.

Factors that Influence Stretch:

  1. Genetics: Sativa-dominant strains generally have a more pronounced stretch compared to indica-dominant strains, which tend to have a shorter, bushier growth pattern.

  2. Light Intensity: Higher light intensity can lead to more vigorous stretching. This is why growers sometimes adjust light heights or use techniques like low-stress training (LST) to manage how much the plant stretches during this phase.

  3. Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and air circulation can all affect how much a plant will stretch. Plants in warmer, more stable conditions often stretch more vigorously.

  4. Training Techniques: Growers can use techniques like topping, fimming, or low-stress training (LST) to control or limit the amount of stretch, ensuring the plant remains at a manageable height or develops a more even canopy for optimal light penetration.

Managing the Stretch:

  • Training: If you're growing indoors and want to manage the plant's height during the stretch phase, you might employ various training techniques. LST (Low Stress Training) involves gently bending branches and stems to encourage lateral growth, which can help control vertical height. Topping (cutting off the top growth) and fimming (cutting off a part of the top to encourage multiple new growth points) can also help manage stretch and promote bushier growth.

  • Vertical Space Management: If you're growing in a confined space (like a small grow tent), you might need to plan for the stretch and consider how much additional height you need for the plants to finish flowering without outgrowing the space. Some indoor growers extend the vegetative stage slightly to allow plants to grow as tall as possible before transitioning to the flowering stage.

End of the Stretch

  • Once the stretch phase ends, the plant shifts focus from vertical growth to the production of flowers. Buds will start to develop, and the plant will begin to fill out rather than elongate. This is the point where growers start to see the actual flowering process.

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