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Growing marijuana can have a steep learning curve, and it is easy for beginners to make mistakes. Achieving great cannabis is not easy.
There are several factors that attribute to well-grown cannabis such as growing in proper containers, using the right soil and access to the perfect amount of light. To keep from wasting seeds, money and time, review these four common mistakes people make while growing marijuana.
Mistake #1: Overfeeding
‘More’ does not always mean ‘better’. Our natural intuition is that more food means more growth. However, in this case, overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn (brown leaf tips all over the plant) or even kill your plants. If this happens, you will need to start again.
When you begin feeding your plant, start slow. Experts suggest starting with less than what is recommended. For example, if the feeding schedule calls for two teaspoons of nutrient solutions per gallon of water, use only one teaspoon. Some even recommend starting at a fourth of the recommended dose.
Observe your plants daily. Check for nutrient deficiencies. If your plant is either pale or lime green, increase its dosage by small increments, but typically you won’t need more than half strength.
Mistake #2: Overwatering
To many new growers’ surprise, overwatering is worse than underwatering. In fact, it is easier for marijuana plants to recover from slightly dry conditions than it is for them to be overwatered.
Overwatering deprives the root of the oxygen it needs, causing the plant to suffocate or cause root rot. Once root rot occurs, it is almost impossible to recover the plant. In severe cases, overwatering can even kill the plant. Overwatering can also occur if you are attempting to grow your plants in containers that are too large for them.
What can you do? Always allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Press your finger about an inch down into the soil to check for moisture. Develop a schedule for your plants and stick to it - a good rule of thumb is to water your plants every one to two days. As your plants get larger, they will require more water.
Mistake #3: Climate Control
The climate that you grow your plants in is crucial to the end result of your cannabis. Whether you are growing indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse, temperature and humidity are important factors to keep in mind.
Temperatures that are too low can stunt the plant’s growth or even kill it. High temperatures could cause heat stress, which curls the leaves and causes the plant to produce less proteins and become weak. Overtime, the heat stress could kill your plants.
Marijuana plants are also very sensitive to improper humidity and moisture. Excessive moisture can cause fungal diseases and can kill your plant.
The ideal temperature and humidity for every stage of the growing process are:
Seedlings and clones: 68-77°F; 70% humidity
Vegitative stage: 68-77°F; 40-60% humidity
Flowering stage: Under 82°F; 40-50% humidity
Drying stage: 64°F; 40-45% humidity
A good rule of thumb? Adjust the temperature at night. Your grow room should be 10-20 degrees cooler at night and not over 85°F during the day. Check your plants temperature regularly during each stage of the growing process. To control humidity, use intake and outtake fans and dehumidifiers.
Mistake #4: pH Management
If your plant’s pH levels are too high or too low, it runs the risk of getting sick. Ideally, use water that is between a pH of 6.0 or 7.0. This will allow the marijuana plant to fully absorb the nutrients it needs.
Plants that fall outside of these ranges could begin to see nutrient deficiencies from the water either being either too acidic or lacking acidity. Bad root pH can cause leaf discoloration, nutrient deficiencies and other problems.
By using pH up and pH down products, growers can adjust the water for the optimal pH level. Make sure you have a pH meter or pH measuring drops. Growers can also purchase filters to maintain a specific pH level or put additives in the water to raise or lower the acidity.
Learning to properly grow marijuana can be challenging, but the end result is worth it. Use these tips when you start and continue doing your research specific to your personal growing situation.
If you are a Missourian suffering from a qualifying condition, you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both THC and CBD products.
Click here to learn more about what Missouri Marijuana Card's certified medical marijuana physicians can do for you, or give us a call at 877-303-3117 and our friendly patient support team can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment through telemedicine.