Intro
Growing cannabis plants in containers is a great way to get started with cultivating your own cannabis.
It’s also an ideal option for those who don’t have the space or resources to set up an outdoor grow.
Container growing offers numerous advantages, including improved security and privacy, as well as more control over the environment of your plants.
If you’re looking to start growing marijuana in a container, this guide will provide you with all the steps necessary for success.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Growing Cannabis in Containers
Growing cannabis in containers offers a number of advantages compared to traditional outdoor cultivation.
For starters, container growing allows for more control over security, as plants can be kept indoors or in a discreet space outdoors.
Additionally, it’s easier to monitor the environment of your plants and adjust as needed; this includes controlling temperature, humidity levels, and light exposure.
Finally, container growing is more space-efficient and can be done with limited resources.
1. Choose the Right Plants
When it comes to container growing, the type of cannabis plant you choose is important.
Sativa-dominant strains tend to grow tall and will require a larger pot, whereas indica-dominant varieties are more suitable for small containers.
Additionally, auto-flowering plants can be easier to manage as they typically take less time to reach maturity.
It’s important to do your research and pick a strain that’s well-suited for the environment you plan to cultivate in.
2. Choose the Right Container
When selecting a container, it’s important to consider factors such as drainage capabilities, size, and material.
It’s generally recommended that you choose a large enough container that allows for at least 2-3 gallons of soil per plant.
Plastic or fabric pots are popular options as they offer adequate drainage; however, if you’re looking for something more stylish, ceramic or wooden containers are also an option.
3. Prepare the Container
Once you’ve chosen the right container and plants, it’s time to prepare your growing environment.
Make sure to thoroughly clean and sterilize the container before use; this helps protect against disease-causing organisms.
Additionally, you can add some sort of drainage material to the bottom of the pot, such as pebbles or sand. Though, the jury is still out on which is the best option.
4. Prepare the Soil
Cannabis plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil and require slightly acidic conditions (with a pH of 6.0-7.0).
It’s important to mix your soil with other materials such as perlite, vermiculite, and organic matter to ensure optimal aeration and drainage.
When preparing your soil, it’s also important to add fertilizers or nutrients specifically designed for cannabis plants.
5. Plant Your Seedlings
Once you’ve identified a suitable container and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your seedlings or clones.
If you’re using seeds, be sure to pick varieties with known qualities that suit your specific needs.
When planting, make sure each seedling is buried about half an inch below the surface and watered immediately after planting.
6. Provide the Right Light and Temperature
Cannabis plants require different lighting depending on their stage of growth.
During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants need at least 18 hours of light per day; during the flowering stage, they only need 12 hours.
You can provide light with a combination of HID lights, LED lights, or natural sunlight.
Regarding temperature, cannabis plants need to be kept between 75-85°F during the day and 65-75°F at night.
7. Monitor Humidity and Water Levels
Cannabis plants need a balanced level of humidity in order to thrive. During the vegetative stage, it’s best to keep your relative humidity between 40-60%.
During the flowering stage, you should lower it to around 30-50% RH. It’s important to monitor your plants’ water needs and make sure they are not over watered or under watered.
8. Prune and Trim Regularly
Regular pruning and trimming of your cannabis plants will help promote healthy growth.
This includes removing dead leaves, thinning out dense areas, and removing any branches that are not producing flowers or buds.
Be sure to continually check for any changes but keep in mind that some variations like when a cannabis plant turns purple are normal.
9. Harvest When Buds Are Ready
When cannabis plants are ready for harvest, it’s important to remove the buds carefully and then cure them in a cool, dark place.
Curing will help preserve the flavors, aroma, and potency of your bud. After curing is complete, you’ll be ready to enjoy your homegrown cannabis! Alternatively, if you’d like to do more with your cannabis, then it is at this stage you would carry out a BHO extraction or something similar to obtain a cannabis concentrate, as you need to wait for the leaves to be harvested first.
10. Follow Best Practices for Post-harvest Care
Once your cannabis is harvested, it’s important to follow best practices for post-harvest care.
Make sure to store your buds in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Additionally, make sure to keep your bud in a dark place and monitor the humidity level to ensure optimal preservation of your buds.
11. Enjoy Your Homegrown Cannabis!
Now that you’ve followed all of the steps to properly grow and care for your cannabis plants, it’s time to enjoy your hard work!
Whether you’re smoking, vaping, or cooking with your buds, home-grown cannabis can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Enjoy it responsibly and take pride in knowing that you grew it yourself!
Container Growing Alternatives
If you don’t have the resources or space or to grow cannabis outdoors, there are other options available!
- Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil using a nutrient-rich water solution
- Aeroponics: A method of growing plants in an air or mist environment with nutrients and oxygen suspended directly to the roots
- Aquaponics: Combines traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals like fish) with hydroponic systems (growing plants without soil)
- LED Lighting Systems: Uses LED lights to provide optimal light intensity, spectrum, and temperature for cannabis growth
- Automated Growing Systems: Allows for automated monitoring of conditions such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and pH levels
Conclusion
Growing cannabis can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail.
With the right environment, from the container and soil preparation techniques to the humidity levels and water needs, you will have successful results with your homegrown cannabis.
Just remember to always purchase your seeds or clones from reliable sources, and cultivate responsibly, abiding by local ordinances. Happy growing!
