9 Biggest Mistakes New Cannabis Growers Make (And How To Avoid Them)

Are you a new cannabis grower eager to cultivate fat, frosty, terpene-rich buds that'll blow your friends away? 

With the right know-how and a few simple tips, you can avoid the biggest pitfalls and beginner grower mistakes and start producing resin-saturated, aromatic, envy-inducing nugs right out of the gate.

As you'll see, steering clear of these nine common mistakes that cannabis growers make will put you well on your way to yielding heavy harvests of uber-premium flower. 

And before you know it, your buddies will be begging you to teach them your secrets.

Avoid These Cultivation Mistakes at All Costs

1. Selecting an Inappropriate Grow Space 

Your growing space plays a pivotal role in your success. Choosing poorly can seriously stunt your results.

For growing indoors, consider these factors when picking your spot:

• Is the space naturally hot or cold? Temperature extremes make it much harder to dial in the environment. Aim for a space that maintains a moderate ambient temperature.
• Can you easily access water and sufficient electricity to power your equipment?   
• Will you be able to set up proper ventilation to bring in fresh air and remove stale air?
• Is the space easy to clean and disinfect? Keeping a tidy grow space is crucial for plant health.

If you're growing outdoors, look for an area that checks these boxes:

• Does the spot get plenty of direct sunlight? Avoid areas with too much shade from trees or structures. 
• Is there a convenient water source nearby, like a garden hose or stream? Hauling water gets old fast.
• Do other plants grow well there? Lush vegetation is a good sign the soil is fertile and the microclimate is favorable.
• Can you ensure your plants won't be disturbed by animals or other people?

Taking the time upfront to select an optimal grow space will make the entire process easier and reward you with better results come harvest.

2. Choosing the Wrong Grow Medium

One of the first big decisions you'll make as a new grower is what grow medium to use. And with so many options, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Here are some tips for selecting a beginner-friendly medium:

• If you're growing outdoors, it's hard to beat the simplicity of planting directly in the soil. Amend your native soil with compost or potting mix for best results.
• For indoor growing, it's wise to start with a soil-free mix like Pro-Mix or Sunshine Mix #4. These are more forgiving than pure hydroponics if you over or under water.
• Automated hydroponic systems can work great but they leave less room for error. If you're set on hydroponics, start with a simple system like deep water culture (DWC).

The key is striking a balance between what works well for your plants and what you feel comfortable using. You can always graduate to more advanced mediums down the road.

3. Not Maintaining an Optimal Grow Environment

When growing indoors, dialing in your environment is absolutely critical yet often overlooked by beginners. Even small variances in lighting, temperature, humidity, and airflow can mean the difference between a hefty harvest and a total flop.

Here's what you need to know:

• Calculate your lighting and insulation needs carefully. Having too much or too little light can significantly impact your results.
• Aim to keep your grow space temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) using ventilation, air conditioning, and/or heaters. 
• Maintain relative humidity between 40-70% depending on growth stage, using humidifiers or dehumidifiers if needed.
• Set up oscillating fans to create ample airflow around your plants. Good air movement strengthens stems and helps prevent mold and pests.

Investing in a few key pieces of equipment to monitor and regulate your environment will make it infinitely easier to keep your plants happy. 

4. Failing to Master pH and Nutrient Management

Many new growers underestimate the importance of maintaining the proper pH and nutrient ratios for their plants. But these factors are absolutely vital for preventing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities that can wreak havoc on your crop's health.

Here are the cliff notes:

• Cannabis thrives in a root zone pH between 6.0-7.0 for soil and 5.5-6.5 for hydroponics. Use a pH meter and pH up/down products to keep levels on target.
• Start with half-strength nutrients and work up to full strength as plants grow to avoid burning them with too high a ppm.
• Choose nutrients designed for the exact type of medium you're growing in, whether that's soil, coco coir, or hydro.
• Learn to recognize the early signs of nutrient imbalances like discolored leaves or abnormal growth so you can correct issues promptly.  

While it takes some practice, developing a solid grasp of what your plants need and how to troubleshoot problems is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your grower's toolbox.

5. Not Paying Enough Attention To Genetics

Never underestimate the role that genetics play in the quality and yield of your finished flower. Even if you do everything else right, subpar genetics will only get you so far.

To ensure you're starting with the best raw material:

• Always source seeds or clones from a reputable breeder or seed bank. Avoid bag seeds or clones from an unknown origin.
• Research what strains have a track record of vigorous growth, high yields, potency, and unique terpene profiles. 
• For your first grow, consider growing several different strains to pinpoint ones that perform well in your setup and match your preferences.
• Whenever possible, select strains that are resistant to mold, mildew, and pests to minimize potential headaches.

Investing in top-notch genetics from the get-go will make your grow infinitely easier and more rewarding. It's well worth the extra cost to avoid disappointment down the road.

6. Overlooking Cleanliness and Sanitation 

Another common mistake among first-time growers is not staying on top of grow room hygiene. But keeping your space spick-and-span is one of the best ways to prevent diseases and pests that can quickly lay waste to your crop.

Make these practices a habit from day one:

• Always start with a clean growing area and sanitized equipment, including pots, trays, reservoirs, and tools.
• Remove dead or dying plant material promptly to avoid attracting pathogens.
• Never bring outside shoes or clothes into your grow room. 
• Have separate tools for your indoor and outdoor gardens to avoid tracking in hitchhikers.
• Wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves before tending to your plants.

Taking these proactive steps will help ensure you catch any potential issues early before they can sabotage your hard work.

7. Ignoring Training and Pruning

Topping, pruning, and training your plants might seem intimidating at first. But these powerful techniques can drastically increase your yields while giving you more control over your crop.  

Some popular training and pruning methods to try:

• Topping involves snipping off the main stem to encourage plants to grow bushier rather than taller. This is especially useful if you have limited vertical space.
• Low-stress training (LST) gently bends stems to open up the canopy so all bud sites get plenty of light.  
• Defoliation removes select fan leaves during mid to late flowering to improve airflow and light penetration.
• Scrogging uses a horizontal screen to create an even canopy, maximizing the number of prime bud sites.

There's no one “best” way to train. The optimal approach depends on your setup and goals. But getting comfortable manipulating your plants is a surefire way to take your yields to the next level.

8. Not Having a Pest Management Plan

It's not a matter of if pests will strike, but when. And being caught off guard is a recipe for disaster.

Avoid getting caught with your pants down by:

• Inspecting plants closely and regularly for signs of infestation. Catch issues early before they can multiply out of control. 
• Knowing what the most common cannabis pests look like and what kind of damage they cause. 
• Having organic pesticides and beneficial predator insects on hand so you can act swiftly at the first sign of trouble.
• Using preventative practices like sticky traps to monitor insect pressure.
• Quarantining and treating any affected plants immediately to prevent a full-blown infestation.

No one likes dealing with pests. But arming yourself with knowledge is your best defense. Attending to the problem right away will save you from much worse headaches later.

9. Skimping on High-Quality Nutrients

When it comes to nutrients, you truly get what you pay for. Going cheap almost always comes back to bite you.

Here's why using premium nutrients is so important:

• Cannabis has unique nutritional needs that generic plant nutrients simply can't fully satisfy. They'll get the job done, but your buds won't reach anywhere near their full potential.
• Top-shelf nutrients contain the highest quality raw materials with the optimal ratios and forms of nutrients for each phase of growth.
• Bargain brands tend to use inferior ingredients that are less bioavailable to plants, leading to slower growth and lower potency.
• Many growers try to cut costs by mixing their own nutrients, but getting the ratios just right requires extensive knowledge and experience. It's easy to end up with imbalances.

Investing in premium nutrients is one of the best things you can do to supercharge your results. You'll be amazed by the difference in crystal production, terpene profile, and overall quality.

Advanced Nutrients: The Grower's Choice for Growing Top-Shelf Buds

With so many nutrient brands to choose from, it's hard to know which ones actually live up to the hype. But when it comes to growing world-class buds, there's one brand that consistently comes out on top: Advanced Nutrients.

Advanced Nutrients is the only nutrient line designed by growers, for growers to unlock the true genetic potential of your precious crops. 

You won't find any “me-too” formulas in these bottles. Every ingredient is carefully selected and tested in-house by a team of leading cannabis researchers with one goal: to help you grow the biggest, most potent, aromatic buds possible. Period.

Imagine packing on 30% more bud mass. Picture perfectly pH-balanced and chelated nutes that let you push your ppm to the max without fear of nutrient lockout. See and smell pungent, sticky colas piled with more trichomes than you ever thought possible. That's the Advanced Nutrients difference.

Best of all, Advanced Nutrients offers complete and streamlined feeding programs for every skill level and budget, so you don't have to wade through dozens of additives to grow fire. 

Advanced Nutrients Makes It Easy To Give Your Plants Exactly What They Crave At Each Stage For Explosive Yields And Mind-Melting Potency

For beginners, the Advanced Nutrients Starter Kit is the perfect way to start your first grow off on the right foot without any guesswork, whether you're growing in soil, coco, or hydro. Each kit comes with everything you need to raise a phenomenal crop, from seed to harvest. 

Make no mistake: when you fuel your plants with Advanced Nutrients, you're joining the ranks of the most elite and respected cultivators on Earth. They're the nutrients of choice for more Cannabis Cup winners than any other brand for one simple reason — they flat-out work. 

And when you see pound after pound of the frostiest bud you've ever laid eyes on pouring out of your grow room, you'll understand why Advanced Nutrients is the go-line for the world's top cultivators. 

Join the movement and become a world-class grower today with Advanced Nutrients.

In the USA, Advanced Nutrients offers a mineral Starter Kit and a Homegrow Organic pack. And in Europe, a mineral Starter Kit and an Organic Grow Your Own Kit.

Grow Like a Pro From Day One with the Advanced Nutrients Starter Kits.