The marijuana craze has been on for some time. Many users are openly embracing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. While most people have access to marijuana stores for their supplies, growing one’s own cannabis is fulfilling. It allows you total supply and quality control.
While most people would wish to grow their weed, they never get to due to limited space. Most residential buildings don’t have the extra space to set up a garden to accommodate the tall-growing cannabis plants. This article has all the details to help you start weed growing even in the smallest of spaces.
Understanding the Micro Growing Basics
Micro growing cannabis is all about utilizing a small space to start a weed garden. Instead of setting up an elaborate growing space, you only need a small cabinet, bar fridge, or cupboard for the whole process. Unlike regular growing, you are likely to cultivate a few plants; maybe 1 or 2.
The least amount of space your weed can occupy in a micro-growing setup is 35 x 35 x 75cm. Even with such small spaces your plants still need proper lighting, watering, and lighting.
Here are some of the essentials to note for the small space weed growing;
- Amount of soil
Growing marijuana in a soilless or hydro system space is possible, it is however not ideal for small spaces. Given the less space utilized, the equipment uses a little amount of soil. Less soil on the container prevents the plants from outgrowing the given space.
The height of a plant depends on the root system. A plant with unlimited soil structure allows for deep roots which come with maximum height. With less soil, you get to reduce root growth and minimize the possible height of your plants.
While the height can also depend on the seed genetics, the soil plays a role in enhancing the natural plant size.
- Strain and Seed Type
The various cannabis strains come with different growth patterns. The Sativa strain comes with higher growth as much as 200-300% at some stages. They are taller and can reach up to 3 meters when fully grown.
While various projects can now allow for shorter Sativa, the indica remains ideal for micro growing. They tend to grow less and do not stretch clamored to Sativa strains.
Given the various hybrid seed options in the market, you need to research more before settling on the type of seed and strain. Look for details online from i49 to make the right choice for your space.
- Nutrients
Plants depend on nutrients for proper growth. Lack of nutrients can lead to stunted growth, wilting and the plants might stop growing.
The lack of space on micro growing means your space can only accommodate a little number of nutrients. The less soil also holds limited moisture. To keep the plants fed, ensure regular watering and providing nutrients.
- Container size
Container size impacts everything in micro growing. A small container holds a limited amount of soil, seeds, water, and nutrients.
The container size also controls the root system growth for height. For example, 2 gallons supports 12 inches of plant growth. Choose your container depending on the allowable growth space in your place.
- Lighting
Plants need proper lighting for growth. The water and nutrients would count for less if your lighting and air circulation are not on point.
Use proper lighting that does not produce too much heat. The lighting coloring also changes with the growth period. Blue is ideal for the vegetative growth phase while red is great during flowering.
Training Plants to Remain Small for Micro Growing
- Topping
Plants are naturally made to grow upwards through the tips. When you cut off the tips, the plant instead starts growing towards the branches as it looks for new tips.
Cutting the tip is known as a topping, and it increases wider plant growth instead of height growth.
- Scrogging
The screen of Green (ScrOG) is a technique where you create a canopy to deliver light to the middle and lower branches. Lighting the top of the plants means faster growth as the plant will be looking for sufficient lighting.
For scrogging, the plant won’t grow as much given every plant part receives sufficient light.
- Low-stress training
Low-stress training (LST) is all about manipulating cannabis shape plants for better yields. The process started during the vegetative phase involves bending the plant’s stem using a plant wire.
You can then re-adjust the bends after some time for consistent upkeep. Maintain a flat canopy for uniform plant growth.
- High-stress training
High-stress training is a super pruning technique for healthy and more potent marijuana plants. It involves crushing the interior of a stem to reduce the excess water and nutrients.
The process helps the plant to grow thicker stems. It requires expertise and paying attention to details.
Expected Results
Every farmer has expectations from their plants, the same applies to you when you start micro growing. Given the limited space and less water and nutrients, you don’t expect the best of quality and quantity.
For the best output master all the basics. Provide enough lighting, feeding routines, and training techniques. A typical 35*35*75cm space comes with an average harvest of around 25 – 45g. The plant is likely to mature within 3 – 4 months, depending on the genetics of the plant and light cycle.
The expenditure for micro growing is the least worrying. The small nutrient portions and spaces mean fewer costs. You might want only to spend more on LED panels for lighting, otherwise, every other thing is affordable.
Final Thoughts
Growing marijuana by yourself in a small space is not for everyone. The skillset and details it requires mean not everyone will successfully go through with it. It however is a worthwhile process for cannabis enthusiasts.
Micro growing gives you an affordable steady weed supply option. You however need to invest time and knowledge for the best produce. Micro growing is a learning process. The more seasons you tend to your plants, the better of a grower you become.
