Growing cannabis is fraught with challenges – and that doesn’t just include the legalities.

Setting up a grow room is expensive and any attempts to cut corners will result in that portion being redone at greater expense. The structure must be secure and energy efficient and have good water or a good water filtration system.

On top of that, adequate power and a good heating and air system are crucial. Good lighting, air treatment, dehumidifiers and humidifiers are all part of cultivating cannabis, but security is always an issue so window units are out and ductless Mini Split Heat pumps now cool and heat grow rooms worldwide.  In cooler climates it is necessary to use floor covers like horse stall mats to prevent temp drops that can stop clones from rooting. Build it right the first time or do it over!

In my opinion, pests are the hardest part of growing: while some strains offer some natural resistance apparently many bugs are stoners because they simply love Cannabis and unless you apply them indoors they have no predators to keep them under control. Just a few two spotted mites in a room can become millions over a week’s time. Thrips have devastated many indoor gardens this year and the Hemp Russet Might is a plague from coast to coast. Take all the precautions you can if you grow weed as you’re going to have to learn to deal with pest. Fungus gnats have bothered me so long I have a tattoo of one on my wrist. This year we learned 2” of playground sand gets rid of them for good!

Never assume a clone is a bug and pest free even if you know and trust the source, The number one way a grow room gets bugs is from a clone! Don’t be in a rush – start from seeds and select your own moms and then you won’t ever have to worry about some pathogen or pest if you’re careful.

Once you have plants growing in an area the list of problems is extensive and include the following (grouped in the order they would appear in the growing cycle):

Underwatering

Overwatering

Poor quality water

High PH/ Low PH

Mice/Rats

Dampening of a seedling

Root rot

Mutations

Fungus Gnats

Over Feeding

Rootbound

Spider Mites

Aphids

Thrips

Russet Mites

Broad Mites

Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Bang Hemp Aphid

Mildew And Mold

Harvesting too Early

Harvesting too Late

Drying your flowers too fast or too slow

 

Taking proper clones and learning to take cuts from your best female plants is crucial; a healthy clone means a healthy crop, so take care to become great at this art.

It is amazing how much information is online compared to when I started growing and most people are simply too lazy to actually read about it but instead prefer to ask in direct messages online about how to grow. Don’t be the guy that just listens to others: read and learn. I suggest The School of Dank at Subcool.com and Ed Rosenthal’s books on marijuana cultivation as a starting point. Jorge Cervantes is also an excellent online teacher. You can also watch over 750 Videos on Youtube at The Weednerd and learn everything I know. Challenge yourself to be the best and dedicate some time to getting better.

IPM or preventative maintenance is crucial in gardens and we routinely wipe down all walls, cords, reflectors etc., mop the floors, wash all catch trays and pots and keep everything spotless. We treat with biologicals in Veg and predators in Bud – its part of farming.

For Breeders or seed makers, you must control your pollen and make sure your breeding rooms run under negative pressure. You should also use a pollen scrubber on exiting air.

Build a proper drying room for your flowers where the humidity and temperature can be maintained no matter what the ambient conditions are. Plan every aspect out beforehand. Leave nothing to chance,

I also suggest you be careful about who you brag to as many a room has been ripped off by the wrong person knowing too much. I also suggest a security system – I can view my rooms from my phone 24/7.

In between harvests, clean everything: service AC units, dehumidifiers and humidifiers and clean out the algae from anything that holds water. Most really good growers have spotless rooms (bugs don’t like clean areas).

I love growing cannabis, but it requires actual farming to do properly. It’s a real Job – it’s not like playing a video game or doing something you can go into halfheartedly. I do still love teaching people to be better at this craft, so, if I can help, always reach out to me. I can be found as follows:

[email protected]

Instagram @Subcoolsig

Face Book Subcool Seeds

You can also find me at my own teaching forum ‘The School of Dank’ where you can ask other growers for advice too.

Happy Growing!

Subcool

The Weed Nerd

Originally published in Weed World Magazine 138