During a beautiful spring evening somewhere in May, the idea came to me to choose for a new hobby. And because I enjoy gardening very much and also like to smoke a joint, I decided that night to try to grow my own weed. And I also wanted to challenge myself to grow the best weed I possibly can. That's when I started to read up on all the facets of growing cannabis. From materials to technique, from strains to the anatomy of the plant, I prepared myself for at least 2 months before even one seed went into the soil. And partly because of this thorough preparation, I can now say to myself afterwards that this is the maximum I managed to get out of it. And the great thing about all this is that after these past 4 months I have learned so much more! Therefore I already know for sure that my next grow will be even better. Below some tips for my fellow newbies, they might help you during your own grow...
Material
In addition to the lamp, the tent and the right nutrients, which I commented on above, I have benefited a lot from a humidifier and dehumidifier over the past 4 months. Especially in the first weeks of growth, a humidifier is very useful so that you can keep the humidity around 60% (or what the VPD chart tells you depending on the temperature). During the flowering phase it is very useful to use a dehumidifier so that the humidity remains below 50% and at the end of the growth even close to 40%. That way you also exclude the risk of mold and bud rot. It is also useful to use these devices during the drying process so that you can keep the humidity around 60% and dry your weed slowly (at a temperature of around 15.5 Celsius, drying takes about 14 days). Drying slowly and coolly definitely benefits the smell and taste!
What's also really a must are an EC and pH meter, without these 2 instruments it is actually not possible to realize a perfect grow. Make sure you use a reputable brand like Apera, they are a bit more expensive but always deliver spot on.
In total I invested about 1500 euros in material on my first grow. This is also because I wanted to do it perfectly and therefore only went for quality products. But all in all I think I earn back my investment within 2 runs, taking into account that both my friends and I will never run out of a joint 😊
Seeds
Good genes are important to ultimately achieve a good end result. Therefore, do not save on the seeds and buy them from a reputable breeder. That way you can be sure that you will grow strong and healthy plants that can withstand pests and other negative influences. Well begun is half done and this is especially true when growing cannabis.
Technique
Of all the training techniques I have used, I would like to specifically mention one that surprised me the most: Supercropping!
Because I did this grow using the ScrOG method, I wanted to create as even a canopy as possible. The type of lamp I use is also most suitable for this method. But no matter how well you train your plants, they will eventually stretch unevenly during the first weeks of flower. I therefore snapped about 8 stems using Supercropping, which made my canopy nice and even again in a way that each branch gets the same amount of light. And the colas on those branches turned out SUPER nice! Also the nuggets beneath were growing bigger because they too got more light. I will certainly use this technique even more in my next grow!
Will
I will definitely use a diary again
I will definitely use VPD charts again
I will definitely use a feeding schedule again
I will definitely turn my light on during the day and off during nighttime again
I will definitely use the ScrOG method again
I will definitely choose a feminized American strain again
I will definitely use a webcam again (Wyze Cam)
I will definitely defoliate even more during the 4th week of flowering
I will definitely go higher on lollypopping
I will definitely Supercrop more
I will definitely dry my plants slowly and cool again (15 days at 60% RH and 15,5 C)
I will definitely continue to learn more and prepare myself even better for my next grow again 👊
Won't
I will certainly not water my seedlings too much again 😅
I will certainly not go for 3 plants again, but instead for 4 plants per m2
I will certainly not hesitate to ask experienced growmies for help again 🙏
(next week I'll comment on the bud dry weight and give my final smoke experience)