As cannabis becomes more and more mainstream, an increasing number of people are looking to grow their plants. This can be a great way to save money and also ensure that you have access to the strains you like best. However, if you’re new to growing cannabis, there are a few mistakes you want to avoid. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common errors made by novice growers and how to avoid them.
Pay attention to the pH level of the soil
One of the most common mistakes new growers make is not paying attention to the pH level of their soil. The ideal pH range for cannabis plants is between six and seven. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it can cause serious problems for your plants. Make sure you test your soil regularly and adjust the pH accordingly.
In addition, you also want to make sure that your soil is well aerated. Cannabis plants need a lot of oxygen to grow properly. If your soil is too dense, it can suffocate your plants.
Choosing the Wrong Genetics
Your crop may succeed or fail depending on the strain you decide to grow. To find the best strains, commercial farmers frequently test them out in a range of environmental settings. But as a beginner grower in a tiny indoor space, you are not allowed this kind of flexibility.
You should search for cultivars that have traits that are suitable for your environment to get the genetics straight from the beginning. It is advisable to obtain seeds or clones from reliable sources to guarantee their viability and enhance the probability of obtaining a superior result.
Not Creating a Proper Environment
You need the right setting for good growth. The ideal ranges for temperature and humidity are 75–85 degrees and 30–70%, respectively. Since your plants need to breathe just as much as you do, air circulation is crucial.
Don’t over or underwater your plants
Another common mistake new growers make is watering their plants too much or too little. Both of these can lead to serious problems. If you underwater your plants, they will not be able to get the nutrients they need and will eventually die. On the other hand, if you overwater them, the roots will rot, and the plant will also die.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to check the soil regularly. Stick your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plants. If it’s wet, leave them be for a while longer.
Find a reputable source for your seeds or clones
Another mistake new growers make is not being careful where they get their seeds or clones. It’s important to find a reputable seed bank that you can trust. There are a lot of unscrupulous dealers out there who are selling poor-quality seeds and clones. This can lead to a lot of problems down the road.
You can try asking around at your local dispensary or grow shop. Or, you can look for online reviews of seed banks and nurseries. Once you’ve found a source that you trust, stick with them.
Don’t forget about lighting
One of the most important things for cannabis plants is lighting. They need abundant light sources to grow properly. Many novice growers make the mistake of not providing enough light for their plants. This can lead to stunted growth and poor yields. Ensure your plants are exposed to at least 18 hours of light daily. If you can, give them 24 hours of light. This will ensure that they grow healthy and strong and produce a good yield.
Water quality is also important
Another mistake that new growers make is not paying attention to the water quality they use. Cannabis plants are very sensitive to chemicals and pollutants. If you use water that is high in chlorine or other chemicals, it can damage your plants.
Make sure you only use filtered or distilled water on your plants. This will help ensure their health and vitality. If you want to be extra safe, you can also use reverse osmosis water.
Proper Infrastructure
When growing cannabis, it is essential to have the proper infrastructure in place. This includes having the right grow lights, ventilation, and space. Many novice growers make a mistake of not having these things set up properly. This can lead to problems with the plant’s growth and yield. Therefore, it is important to do your research and set up your grow room correctly before you start growing.
For example, you must ensure you have enough space for your plants. Cannabis plants can get very large, so you need to make enough room for them to grow. If you’re growing in a closet, ensure it is big enough.
You also need to make sure to put proper ventilation in your infrastructure. Cannabis plants produce a lot of heat and need fresh air to grow properly.
Harvesting Too Early
Harvesting plants too soon as they begin to bud is a typical mistake. The stage of harvesting and drying is equally important as the actual growing. A few indicators that your plants are ready for harvesting include: little crystals forming around the flowers, a strong scent, sticky blooms, a change in color (from white to reddish-brown) for the pistils, the curling in 60–70% of the white hairs, and the yellowing of a few bigger leaves.
Overfeeding
Many beginner growers also overfeed their plants. If you apply too much fertilizer too often, you run the risk of chemically burning your plants in addition to wasting expensive additives. This is particularly common when beginners strictly adhere to the feeding schedule that is recommended on the back of nutrient containers.
While seasoned growers may be able to balance plant stress and environmental inputs with these high nutrient levels, it isn’t always manageable for beginner growers. Therefore, if you observe signs of leaf burn, consider lowering the amount or frequency of nutrient application.
Final Words
Growing cannabis can be a great way to save money and high-quality access strains. However, it’s important to avoid making common mistakes. Pay attention to the pH level of your soil, don’t overwater or underwater your plants, provide them with enough light, and use filtered or distilled water. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants will grow healthy and strong.
