Growing marijuana from home is easy to do.
Growing your weed hydroponically will offer you greater yields in a shorter space of time as compared to growing your marijuana in soil.
However, this method is usually not recommended for beginners since it is more difficult.
So how exactly do you grow your marijuana hydroponically?
When you hear the word hydroponics, most people think of plants growing in water.
While this is true, the benefits of hydroponics are that the nutrients needed are still supplied; however, they are getting it directly from the water supply.
This remains the industry standard for growing cannabis because, with hydroponics, the air to water ratio remains superior.
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What Is Marijuana Hydroponics?
The name hydroponics is derived from the Latin language and actually means “water working.”
This is a system where you grow cannabis in a bath of water that’s enriched with oxygen and nutrients.
This method does not require any soil, and plants are grown in an inert and sterile medium.
However, all of the nutrients needed are provided in a mixed solution of water.
This method delivers the nutrients needed directly to the plant through the mediums for growth, and since there is no need for massive webs of roots, neither does it need the extra energy to take in nutrients, the process is faster.
In order to get a superior yield, you’ll need to control the entire environment of your hydroponics system since plants are absorbing the nutrients from the water and air.
It’s ideal for areas prone to drought since virtually no water gets lost due to evaporation.
Is Hydroponic Growing Beginner Friendly?
The truth is although the hydroponics system is very rewarding since you get a faster yield, it’s not recommended for beginners since the process can be difficult.
However, if you have never grown a marijuana garden before and you insist on doing it through the hydroponics system, it’s best to start small.
Some of the advantages of growing your marijuana hydroponically include the fact that your plants grow faster. In fact, it grows 20% faster than it does in soil.
The yield is also between 20 to 25% bigger with hydroponics systems as compared to soil.
You require no soil at all. So this is a distinct advantage as compared to traditional marijuana growing in soil.
Hydroponic growing also takes less space since there is no need for extensive root systems, and your marijuana plants get all the nutrients they need directly from the air and water.
Water is preserved, so it’s perfect for drought-stricken areas. With a hydroponics marijuana garden, very little water is evaporated, so this saves water as well.
If you’re keen on getting started, the first thing you need to do is set up your hydroponic system that fits your needs.
Some of the factors that are important to consider include space, what you want to grow, your budget, and the available amount of time you have to tend to your marijuana garden.
What Do You Need For Hydroponics?
List Of Gear
Putting together a hydroponics system may not be the easiest process however, if you know exactly what equipment is required, then set it up is just a matter of following instructions.
To get started, these are the basic materials that you need to create your hydroponics system:
- Plant chips
- PVC pipe
- 50-gallon nutrient tank
- Plastic tubing
- Water
- Expandable clay pebbles
- Stand and Trellis made of PVC pipe
- Pump
- Planting cups
- Hydraulic system fertilizer
- Plants
- Twine
The are various hydroponic systems on the market; however, the following are recommended for beginners.
WICK Systems
Mechanically these are the simplest systems. Not only are they easy to set up, but there are no moving parts.
There is a container system filled with water and nutrients, and above that, you find a growing medium inside another container.
Both containers are connected by a wick and the nutrients are transferred to the medium which is then absorbed by the roots of the plants.
It’s great for learning the basics, however not recommended for large plants.
Water Culture
Another straightforward system is the water culture system.
It’s easy to set up, and plants are placed in a Styrofoam platform that sits on top of a container holding the solution of nutrients and water.
It makes use of a bubbler air pump that’s added to the reservoir and takes oxygen to the plants. It is suited for plants that require lots of water.
Ebb And Flow
This is a more complex design but still versatile. A water or nutrient solution is used to flood the growing medium and then drain it back into the reservoir.
The system uses a submersible pipe with a timer to do this.
One of the advantages of using the system is at the timer can be used to customize your plants based on the temperature, humidity, and the number and size of your plants.
Nutrients For Marijuana Growth
The nutrients that are used in hydroponic systems are available in dry and liquid forms, as well as both synthetic and organic types.
Both types can be dissolved into the water to make a nutrient mixture that’s needed for your hydroponics system.
Ultimately, irrespective of what product you use, it should contain the macronutrients, potassium, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and important micronutrients such as manganese, zinc, iron, boron, Molybdenum, chlorine and copper.
These nutrients are designed for hydroponic gardening, and in order to have good results, you should follow the directions on the package.
Avoid using standard garden fertilizes with hydroponics systems because their formulas are created to be used with garden soil and not hydroponic mechanisms.
Hydroponic nutrients should be designed to suit your specific needs.
Fertilizers Necessary For Marijuana Growth
Hydroponic nutrients are probably essential purchases that you will make for your cannabis operation.
The right nutrients for your marijuana garden in the right proportions can make or break your marijuana yield.
Nutrients are essential for two different stages of your marijuana growth. This is the vegetative stage and the flowering stage.
For the vegetative stage, you require nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are the main nutrients.
For the flowering stage, you require a higher level of potassium and phosphorus and lower levels of nitrogen.
Hydroponic nutrients also include micronutrients and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, and zinc.
Nutrients can be designed for soil or hydroponic marijuana growing.
So make sure you’re buying the specific nutrients for the type of system you’re using.
Aside from purchasing the nutrients when growing your garden hydroponically, you need to keep an eye on the electrical conductivity of the system as well as its pH levels.
PH is essential because if it is incorrect, that is too acidic or alkaline, then it will deter your plants from taking the full amount of nutrients that it needs in order to thrive.
So you’ll be spending more money on nutrients; however, your plants will be of inferior quality, and your yields will be lower.
Cannabis plants require a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 consistently.
In order to maintain the pH levels, you need to test your nutrient solution using a pH test, or you can invest in a pH dosing machine to take the effort out of this task.
Required Measuring Instruments
Although it’s not rocket science to grow marijuana, it is an industry that operates with measurements, and therefore, certain instruments should be in a growers toolbox.
If you would like to grow an exceptional yield each and every time, there are tools you need to measure pH levels, nutrients, etc.
Thermometer
A thermometer is an extremely basic instrument; however, they are handy measuring devices.
Thermometers are available in old-fashioned types as well as recent high-tech models.
If you are serious about growing an excellent marijuana garden, then you should never be without your thermometer.
PH Meter
PH meters like thermometers range from old-fashioned and outdated models to highly advanced models.
So with these instruments, you should expect to get what you pay for.
It is the medium you’re using to grow your weed; pH levels are crucial to the success of the marijuana garden.
It’s also essential when it comes to avoiding nutrient deficiencies or toxins in your plants. PH skills are useful in indicating the acidity or alkalinity of your grow medium.
This is important information because you need to keep a constant eye on pH levels.
You also need to learn how to adjust pH levels because some nutrients are only available at certain ph levels.
EC Meter
An electrical conductivity meter measures the quantity of fertilizer in your water.
It basically measures how much current to going to your irrigation. The current should not be carried by pure oxygen and hydrogen.
So if there are any other substances present, such as salt concentrates in the water, it will be picked up and measured by the EC meter.
Fertilizer Injector
A Fertilizer injector can be found in all types of models, from basic to highly sophisticated.
The purpose is to test the amount of fertilizer to a stream of irrigation water.
Nutrient Meter
When we refer to nutrient meters, we are speaking of a number of devices that measure specific quantities of nutrients.
More specifically, the main nutrients that need to be measured include nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as magnesium.
There are separate meters for micronutrients, as well.
Ultimately the nutrient meter will assist you in delivering the correct quantity of nutrients to your plants exactly when they needed.
Water Quality Test Kit
There are a number of devices that are used to test the quality of the water you are using to feed your marijuana.
A water test reveals information about the hardness levels of your water and can also reveal any biological or physical contamination.
So these tools are extremely essential to growing a successful marijuana garden.
Automatic Ventilation
The nutrient and pH levels, as well as water quality, will save your marijuana plants from becoming overheated.
Like many other gadgets on the list, this is a relatively simple device; however, it can save you an entire marijuana yield.
Lots of ventilation systems rely on sensors to communicate with curtain sensors, and this is usually set up in a greenhouse.
If you have grown marijuana in a greenhouse before then, you are aware of the dangers of your weed cooking from growing in a heated area.
Light Meter
Light meters are also referred to as photometers. They are useful in determining whether your grow area is receiving enough light.
Marijuana Lighting
You probably already know that the sun is best for your marijuana garden.
However, it is also possible to use electric lighting when growing your marijuana hydroponically.
In fact, using hydroponic garden lights are becoming increasingly popular when trying to imitate the sun’s rays.
The advantage of this is that you can customize a growing season and encourage plants to flower exactly when you want them to.
The hydroponic garden grower could make use of different types of lighting.
The first is known as a high-intensity discharge light, which is full-spectrum and used for the vegetative stage.
The second is the fluorescent lights, which have low heat and are affordable and good for getting the time, such as marijuana, lettuce, and herbs, and it’s also relatively in energy efficient.
LED lights are one of the most popular types grow lights irrespective of what medium you are using to grow your lights.
They are low heat, full-spectrum, and the bulbs last a long time. They are also customizable and suitable for both large and small gardens.
Marijuana Nutrient Cycle
One of the handiest tools you will make use of in your marijuana plants is a feed chart.
This basically has particular or specific guidelines and recommendations on how to provide nutrients to your marijuana garden.
Ultimately it teaches you exactly how nutrients that are introduced to your growing plant at specific times will trigger certain responses.
So you need to know when to provide nutrients and how. This is especially true when it comes to hydroponic gardens where you have complete control over the nutrients.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Soil?
Like many of the plants, cannabis can be grown in either soil or water.
Each medium has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and while one is suitable for beginners, the other is not recommended for newbies simply because it is a difficult method for a beginner to grasp.
The benefits of growing cannabis in the soil are that there’s more room for mistakes since it is definitely easier than hydroponics.
You get a better yield and flavor in the end when using soil to control your cannabis, and ultimately you get an actual product.
When it comes to hydroponics growing, it includes vermiculite, perlite, and coco coir, among other mediums.
During the entire process, you’ll need to provide your plants with nutrients. You do this by infusing the water supply with the nutrients.
The benefits are hydroponics include you get a bigger yield, and you get it much faster.
Your pumps are not susceptible to soil-borne pests and diseases. You are more in control of the garden, so problems are easier to control and fix.
Best Marijuana Seeds And Clones For Hydroponics Grow
On your own, marijuana can bring you lots of pleasure, but it takes time and patience to care for your marijuana.
If it is your first time starting a cannabis garden, you might want to decide whether to use a clone or a seed.
Most people don’t know that there are two different methods of going about a marijuana plant.
Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right option can mean the difference between success and failure.
So most people know what a marijuana seed is, but when it comes to clones, you may not be too sure.
To put it simply, a clone can be planted again to create more buds.
While you may be easier to replant, an already developed plant it may also be more vulnerable to diseases such as infestation and pests.
Additionally, it is the extension of the mother so, if the mother plant had issues, so will the clone.
Therefore clones need more care and attention to nurse them through this stage.
It may be intimidating to think of growing cannabis from seed, but it is less worrisome.
Grow Room Conditions
There are various factors to consider when switching from the vegetative to the flowering stage.
You need to make the switch at the appropriate times.
Actually, this is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll need to make when growing a cannabis garden.
Making the switch too early may lead to a lesser yield, and doing it too late will lead to overgrown buds.
So you should base your decision after considering several factors.
Things like the age of the plant, the type of strain, the height that it can grow and the source of the plant will help you make your final decision.
Harvesting, Curing And Storing Marijuana Without Smell
The first step in enjoying your marijuana is harvesting it. Thereafter, the drying and curing steps play a huge role in the quality of the buds.
It is important not to rush this process. You need to be patient and your patience will be rewarded.
There are two basic steps that will ultimately give you a smoother smoke. Marijuana must be dried first.
Once it has been drying for several days, you’ll need to cure it. This basically means placing cannabis in a glass container and leaving it to dry.
Place your buds on a string and hang them up so they can dry properly. It’s a simple process however it should not be overlooked.
You may notice an odor similar to dry grass and hay. This is normal.
However, the wonderful smell that your cannabis had before the drying process will come back during the curing process.
Ideally should allow your buds to dry for between 5 to 7 days and then cure.
When Is The Best Time To Harvest?
Harvesting your marijuana plants before it’s time could be detrimental to the quality of your yield.
Ideally, harvesting should take place once your plants have matured.
You will need a microscope to actually take notice of the trichomes. Once you see the trichomes moving from clear to opaque to amber, you know that it’s ready for harvest.
A microscope is handy because it helps you understand this transformation and actually watch your plants reaching the peak.
Once this color transformation takes place, you’ll know that the maximum THC levels have been obtained, and you can then harvest your marijuana garden.
How To Maximize The THC In The Bud?
Different marijuana growers have different goals. Some people grow marijuana for medical purposes and others purely for recreational use.
However, for both medical and recreational users, a common goal exists. And this is to increase the amount of THC contained in the plants.
One of the reasons why you should want to increase THC is it includes the mental and psychoactive effects experienced when using it.
Also, higher THC levels are useful in relieving nausea, alleviating pain, and relieving certain symptoms of illness.
Some of the factors that affect increasing the THC levels in the marijuana plants include the strain and plant genetics, health and care of the plant, harvest time, the light levels it receives during the growing process, and the curing process.
How To Maximize The CBD In The Bud?
Increasing CBD levels in your marijuana plant is something that every grower should know.
It all starts with choosing a high CBD strain. The reality is that the cannabis plant cannot produce more CBD than what is limited to its genetics.
Older cannabis strains do have higher CBD levels than younger ones, and the modern strains are usually bred over a few generations to achieve higher CBD levels.
The Verdict
Growing weed has various advantages.
However, it is a process that requires diligence.
So if you’re planning on growing marijuana either by using a soil medium or hydroponically, it is in your best interest to do your research.
Ultimately, there are a number of tips and processes that you can use to ensure that you get a superior quality of marijuana.
Originally posted 2019-11-17 09:10:05.
James Alexander