Are you looking to grow marijuana? You’re not alone.
Americans are using marijuana more than ever before. In fact, the percentage of American adults who say they smoke marijuana has nearly doubled in three years.
If you’re going to grow marijuana, however, you want to do it right. If you go organic, you’ll end up with better quality weed as well as better yield and flavor.
That’s why we put together this helpful do-it-yourself guide to going organic. Here are 5 hacks for growing organic marijuana from the comforts of your home.
Why Grow Organic Marijuana?
Why go organic? You can grow better weed that is also environmentally-friendly.
You might be familiar with organic grocery products. Organic cannabis is no different.
You avoid pesticides, chemicals, and unnatural fertilizers to grow organic marijuana. This method uses all-natural sources that come from living organisms.
Organic products rely on natural processes. They use the soil food web, which is a complex system of living organisms nourishing others.
You can use the soil food web to promote better marijuana growth. The essential nutrients provide better growth and yields.
Going organic fosters better sustainability. Organic items decay and don’t leave a carbon footprint. Chemically-grown marijuana leaves behind pollutants that damage the environment.
1. The Bucket Method
There’s no shortage of growing methods for marijuana. The most effective method for growing organic cannabis, however, is the bucket method. This indoor-growing method uses 5-gallon buckets with holes drilled into the bottom.
First, add organic potting soil to the buckets. Make sure the soil is OMRI-certified. OMRI-certified soil uses earthworm castings and other fertilizers. This soil gives your marijuana all its essential nutrients.
You can also add mycorrhizal fungi to your soil. This promotes nutrient and water intake for faster growth.
Add your cannabis seeds and let the soil do the rest. The cannabis plant will get all the nutrients it needs while in its vegetative state.
The bucket method results in a larger yield and a better product. Plants typically grow to at least .25 pounds. They also come with a high-THC punch and a flavorful taste.
2. Add Organic Tea
You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to aid your organic marijuana growth. Use organic tea instead.
A well-made compost tea can promote growth during the vegetative state. It’s a safe and natural substitute to growth-inducing chemicals you’ll find on the market.
Fill a bucket with water before adding compost materials. Next, use an air pump to oxygenate the water. Let it sit for a few hours.
Now you’re ready to add your ingredients. You can add worm castings, fish hydrolysate, molasses, and other materials to the water.
Add the ingredients to your water and stir. Leave the ingredients to soak for a few days.
You can then water your cannabis plant with your compost creation. The tea will introduce new microorganisms to its environment. The tea can help with nutrient absorption, root growth, and disease fighting.
3. Watch for Pests
Let’s face it: pests are everywhere. It’s especially noticeable when you are trying to grow plants organically.
Traditionally, growers can use pesticides to stave off intruders. You don’t have the option of using pesticides for your organic weed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t battle pests.
Organic pest control is actually pretty simple. There are a number of different natural remedies that will keep your plants healthy and strong.
One method is to add other plants to your growing environment. Companion planting lures pests away from your marijuana and onto new flora. You can use basil or marigolds from a local store.
You can also introduce new insects to the plant. This might seem counter-intuitive. But there are many helpful insects that stave off pests. Some over the counter options include ladybugs and predator mites.
You may not be able to use chemicals to fight pests. But these methods are just as effective and way more environmentally-friendly.
4. Use Composts
Going organic is all about healthy living. You can keep your marijuana plant healthy by introducing many composts to its environment.
Composts are some of the best fertilizers for organic cannabis. They can impact the taste and growth rate of your bud.
There is no shortage of good compost material. You can add fruit like blueberries and grapes to the soil.
You can also opt for different manures. Worm castings have some of the best nutrients of any compost.
The key is to pay close attention to your plants during growth. OMRI-certified soil is a good start. But composts can help remedy deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphates, and other essentials.
5. Use Proper Growing Conditions
Organic cannabis doesn’t grow overnight. The average indoor grow takes anywhere from three to five months.
You may not be able to speed up the growing process. But you can do everything you can to promote a healthy yield of crops.
Your plant’s growing conditions make a big difference. Marijuana needs at least 18 hours of light per day during germination. After the first couple weeks, your plant will still need a good 12 hours of sunlight per day.
You should equip your growing room with strong LED lights. Not only are these lights energy efficient, they will last the duration of your plant’s growth.
You need to make sure your grow room doesn’t overheat. Equip your room with fans to circulate the air and keep your plant’s from burning up.
Water is also essential to plant growth. You should water your plant at least once per week while they are maturing.
Your plants will need more water as they age. Water them at least once per day once they reach adulthood.
Make sure you avoid tap water. Tap water has fluoride and other chemicals that can harm your plant. You can go to this site to get a comprehensive list of what you need to grow weed.
More Life Hacks
Going organic can make all the difference when it comes to your weed. Use these organic marijuana hacks to get superior results.
Are you looking for more tips and tricks? Check out our life hacks blog today!