There’s never been a better time to consider personal cannabis cultivation as a hobby. As more states legalize recreational marijuana, homegrowing is becoming a popular alternative to buying weed at a dispensary or on the streets. In fact, some states like my home in New York, allow for a certain number of plants to be grown by individuals seeking to save money and become more self-sufficient. The limit is typically on the amount of plants—but not the size of the plants.
In trying times, people yearn to turn back the clock toward the survival practices of our ancestors: raising livestock; growing edible plants; canning and fermenting foods; collecting rainwater— generally providing many of their home’s staples themselves as supermarket prices rise.
And here’s the thing—dispensary weed can’t compare to well-done homegrown in quality or price.
And it’s never been easier to get started. For less than $1000, you can begin growing today and be harvesting, drying and curing your first crop in about three months. Modern innovations and technologies have simplified the process, and products are now accommodating spaces big and small. If you’re successful, you’ll be hard-pressed to finish consuming what you’ve grown in time before your next crop rolls in. The important thing is to do some research before getting started so you avoid the pitfalls of buying off-brand grow equipment or following bad online advice.
Many hydro stores are struggling these days as people shun brick and mortar shops in favor of ordering from Amazon, Temu or AliBaba. Instead, make the choice to support your local store and get to know the proprietor and staff; you’ll be rewarded with personal treatment and feel like part of a community. You’ll be able to get some great recommendations for gear, lights, nutrients and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) from people who’ve made mistakes and fixed their problems.
puff modern. Modern innovations and technologies have simplified the homegrow process.
What You Need To Get Started
Grow Tent: These come in a variety of sizes for different needs, but I recommend a 3’x3’ or 4’x4’ for beginners. Light-tight and purpose-built, a tent will simplify the process and contain light, sound and odors.
Grow Light: LED (Light Emitting Diode) or CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) technology is best for small spaces as they’re more efficient in energy usage and create less heat than traditional HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting.
Exhaust Fan and Carbon Filter: This pulls hot spent air out of the tent and pushes it through activated charcoal to eliminate odors.
Thermometer/Hygrometer: Controlling the environment is the single-most important factor in successful indoor farming and a digital monitor for temperature and humidity will tell you if you’re within proper parameters.
Oscillating Fan for Circulation: Moving air around helps plants obtain the necessary CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) for prop
