Tips for Planting Marijuana in your Garden

Are you desperately trying to harness your cannabis green thumb? Planting and cultivating marijuana can be a tricky process. Do not let the daunting amount of information that is out there throw you off. It is not as hard as it seems. Here is everything you need to know in order to have a successful marijuana garden.

If you are a MMJ card holder you know that you can carry and purchase marijuana legally.  But, did you know that in most states this also allows you to cultivate plants?  Some states even allow MMJ card holders to harvest up to 5 plants in their home.  However, planting marijuana in your garden is no easy task. There are dozens of things to consider before breaking out your green gloves.  Here are the top tips for planting marijuana in your garden.

Seeds vs. Plants

One of the first things you will need to decide on is whether or not to use seeds or plants in your garden.  Seeds are a great way for you to control the process from the beginning.  Using seeds will also allow you to play with cross breeding.  Most dispensaries will sell seeds and will even help you figure out which ones will work best for you.  However, seeds take longer to cultivate so you will have to live in a climate that is forgiving.  When using seeds you will need to germinate them yourself. The best way to do this is with some moist paper towel folded over the seeds and laid in the dark space between two plates.

Saplings, or plant transplants, are the easier way to go.  Just because you buy a transplant does not mean that that plant is fully grown and easy to maintain.  Most transplants still need a lot of love and care before they can be harvested.  Transplants are often the best option for growers who live in colder climates but still want to grow outdoors.  Most dispensaries will sell transplants as well, but the options may be fewer than they are with seeds.

Pay Attention to Pot Size

One rookie mistake that happens when people try to grow marijuana is they don’t use the right planter size.  Sure, that cute little transplant looks small enough to fit into your favorite pot.  In no time you will find that that little transplant has doubled in size.  If a plant is in a pot that is too small, it will have no room for the roots to grow.  Also, this will make it harder for you to keep the plant watered and healthy.

If you are planning on using seeds or a clone, make sure to do your research.  Study up on how that plant typically grows and how big it gets.  This way you can prepare ahead of time and get the right size planter. Planters of the correct size will allow your plants to grow faster and bigger during their vegetative stage and therefore produce more buds when flowering. The pot size will also dictate how often you will need to water each plant; the smaller the pot, the more often you will need to water them.

Beware of Over-Watering

It is important to keep your plant moist but not soaking wet.  To prevent over-watering, drill a couple of holes in the base of your pot to allow drainage.  Never water your plant if you see water dribbling out of the drill holes.  The best way to water your plant is to check the soil.  If the soil is dry, it needs a little water.  If the soil is damp, leave it be.  It is also important to remember that the water needs to penetrate deep into the soil.  Try sticking your finger down a couple inches to make sure the soil beneath is being watered as well.

Security

Is your plot secure? Are your plants safe from prying eyes? If you have a few plants or more then it may be worth investing in some very basic security for your garden. Think about what your plants will become and the yield they may eventually have, now think about losing it all. Now let’s talk about security once more. Some people go as far as to have cameras so that they can see if anybody comes around, but others choose to go for simple fencing and locks. Whatever you choose, be sure that your plot is secure and you will safeguard all of your hard work.

Know the Seasons

If you have ever gardened before, you know how important it is to pay attention to the changing seasons.  The same theory is also very important to marijuana cultivation.  A good time to start your harvest is late summer.  August is the ideal weather for a healthy harvest.  The dry air and hot sun will help protect your plant from wilting and frosting.  Just make sure to keep your plant hydrated.  If you are planning on planting during the fall or spring, make sure you have guides in place.  Stock up on tarps and other plant protectors incase the weather is due to suddenly change.

Harvest at the Right Time

The last tip for a successful marijuana garden is knowing when to harvest your plant.  The best tip to know is to check the hairs on the plant.  You will notice that while your plant grows, there will be little white hairs forming on the buds.  Once your plant is ready to prune, those bright white hairs will start to turn brown or orange and begin to curl. This all, of course, depends on the type of plant you have harvested.

Make sure to first only prune the tops of the plants.  By leaving the lower buds, you are allowing for more flowers to bloom.  As long as the weather permits, you can prune the lower buds later on in the season.

Properly Dried and Cured.

There is absolutely no point in going through the process of growing and even pruning these lovely plants if you are not going to dry and cure your marijuana properly. This step ensures that you have a beautiful smelling and tasting bud after all is said and done. Your marijuana once cut should be aired by being hung upside down in a well ventilated place to dry. Once dried, your marijuana should be kept in jars and out of the light to allow them to dry further. During this time you will need to remove the lids once a day and then once dry, remove them once a week. Then you cure your buds for as long as you feel the need to. Anywhere from one to four weeks is acceptable.

Final Thoughts

Growing marijuana is a project of passion whether you are growing for recreational or medical use. Be sure to check the legislation regarding marijuana growth wherever you are before you begin planting so you avoid any unwanted trouble with the law. Following these simple tips will help to ensure that you will have a successful harvest.  The rest is down to you. Just remember to take is slow. The more love that you show your plants, the better the marijuana that they will give up in the end. Growing your own marijuana plants is a learning process. With the right amount of practice and care, you will see bigger and better plants each time you try.  In the end, all of the hard work will be worth it.  Good luck.

Author Bio –  John Levy is a professional blogger covering various news and topics related to health benefits of cannabis. Currently, working for Pot Valet- a leading Santa Monica dispensary that delivers marijuana. John has extensively written about medical marijuana and related products. Follow his company on G+ and Facebook.