First Time Growers: 8 Common Questions
January 7th, 2009 by Silvio
Now let’s get to it…
Q: Can marijuana grow in Northern countries?
Marijuana plants can grow anywhere corn can grow. All it needs is light for 3 months, water and soil. You will be able to grow weed almost everywhere on the planet. Factor in hydroponics systems, and you really can grow marijuana anywhere in the world.
Q: Why is it better to buy seeds? I found some seed in my last sack, can I use them?
Most people put a lot of effort into building a grow space. The same amount of effort is due when it comes to picking the seeds for your crop.
Sure, bag seeds will grow into a plant, but why play a guessing game? Especially if you plan to grow commercially, the process will be inefficient and unprofitable. You will end up with lots of different kinds of plants. And all of them will need a unique treatment. Flowering times will vary, so will height. Unless you have more then one grow space, this will be a problem.
Q: I am a first time grower – hydroponics or soil?
I truly believe soil is the all around better and more convenient choice. It may be right that hydro makes plants grow faster, but you will get better results from a good soil grow. Hydro should be attempted after you have a few successful soil crops under your belt. If you are starting from seed and growing for your stash only, soil is the better choice for you. If you plan on producing a constant harvest for commercial use, hydroponics is the way to go.
Q: Why are my seedlings stretching?
That’s an easy one: you need more light. Also provide a gentle wind and make sure to keep an eye on humidity.
Q: What lights should I use?
For your seedlings, use fluorescent tubes. For personal home growers, 400W metal halide or HPS (high pressure sodium) are a common choice. However, if you want to go pro, set yourself up with 1000 watt metal halide or HPS. Use at least 40 watts per square foot of grow space.
Q: How far should the lights be from the plants?
Put your hand under the light and check how hot it gets. If it feels too hot for you, the chance is high it’ll be too hot for a fragile plant. Other tips:
- Fluorescent Tube: tips of leaves almost touching bulbs
- 400 Watt Halide: two feet away from seedlings and one foot away from grown plants
- 1000 Watt Halide: four feet away from seedlings and two feet away from grown plants
Q: What’s a good watering schedule?
Once a week or once every two week for soil and twice a day with a hydroponic flood and drain system. When top 2 inches of the soil dry out. Occasionally provide periods of extra dry and wet soil. Allow 10% extra water to drain out of the bottom of the tray. This will prevent toxic fertilizer build up.
Q: How long do your seeds last and what’s the best way to keep them?
Seeds can last over 5 years if kept cool and dry. They may last up to 10 years if sealed and frozen, but fewer will germinate.
Ok, that’s covers every common item I can think of. Are there some questions I missed? There’s got to be, so let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to help.
