If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, it’s only a matter of time before you start wondering if you can grow the plant yourself. Luckily, there are many different ways to grow cannabis yourself. Anyone can learn to do it, whether you’re an amateur botanist who wants to try something new or a cannabis professional who wants to get to know the plant a little better. You might even discover a new passion that will open up new career possibilities!

Read on for an overview of how to set up a home grow yourself, a few of the most common problems that growers run into, and where you can learn more. 

How to Set up a Cannabis Home Grow

There are a few basic steps to creating a home grow setup. 

First, you will need to decide what you want to grow. Choose cultivars that match your skill level and that you will enjoy consuming after harvest. Do you want to try your hand at growing one of the classics? Or are you more interested in rare cultivars? You’ll also need to figure out how much you want to grow. Your local laws may provide guidance about how many plants you’re allowed to grow, but the specifics are up to you. 

Once you know what you want to grow, you must figure out the best setup for you and your needs. At this stage, you need to consider the climate and time of year, how much space you have, and how much time and effort you want to put into growing. Are you located somewhere where cannabis will thrive outdoors, or do you live in a harsher climate where you must keep your plants inside? Do you want to experiment with a high-tech setup, or would you rather do things the old-fashioned way?

Finally, the most important part of growing cannabis at home is keeping track of your progress.

How to Keep a Cannabis Grow Journal

A cannabis grow journal will help you track your progress and determine what works or doesn’t. Keeping track of as much information as possible, from growing conditions to fertilizer application and general observations, will help you maximize your yield and learn from the process. We’re passionate about growth and education here at Oaksterdam University, so this is our favorite part. 

There is no right or wrong way to keep a cannabis grow journal – experiment and find the best setup for you. Some prefer a physical notebook, while others prefer to jot down notes on their phones. 

Where Can You Grow Cannabis?

Cannabis can be grown virtually anywhere — you just need to adjust practices based on the climate and growing conditions where you live. Cannabis can grow outdoors in many places, but if your environment isn’t right or it’s not a prime growing season, you must move your setup indoors. 

Can Weed Grow in Cold Climates?

Yes! Dedicated growers can plant and harvest cannabis even in the coldest climates. If you live somewhere cold, follow growing seasons closely or cultivate your plants indoors if you’re looking for a year-round crop. 

How Long Does it Take Cannabis to Grow?

Many novice growers are surprised by how quickly they can expect to harvest their first batch of cannabis. Cannabis plants typically reach maturity in 10-32 weeks, depending on several factors. 

Some cultivars mature more quickly than others because of their genetics. The time between planting and harvest will also be much shorter if the plants are grown from clones rather than seeds. The growing conditions can also affect how quickly cannabis plants mature. 

How Can You Grow Cannabis?

There are many different ways to grow cannabis. Aspiring growers can find a solution that fits their unique needs with a home cultivation course. 

Can you Grow Cannabis in Water?

Yes, cannabis can be grown in water. Growing cannabis plants in water instead of soil is known as “hydroponics.” Many cannabis connoisseurs believe that flower grown this way is superior. 

Hydroponic setups might produce high-quality flower, but are more involved than many other growing setups. Beginners typically succeed with a more basic setup for their first few harvests. 

Can You Grow Cannabis Without Lights?

Cannabis can be grown without grow lights if it has consistent direct sunlight to give it the energy it needs.

Though they can’t be grown in complete darkness, cannabis plants need a period of darkness to grow correctly. This means that grow lights cannot always be left on; a “dark cycle” to mimic the sun’s natural rhythm is necessary when growing cannabis plants. 

Can Weed Grow on its Own?

Technically, yes. Cannabis can grow on its own — and it does grow in the wild in many places worldwide. However, wild cannabis and cultivated cannabis are very different. Cannabis grown to be consumed as flower, concentrates, or edibles is much higher quality than cannabis grown in the wild, with a more balanced profile of cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Common Cannabis Growing Problems

Cannabis is a reasonably resilient plant, but plenty of problems can plague cannabis crops. 

• Water: Overwatering or underwatering can both cause cannabis plants to fail. Underwatering will cause cannabis plants to wilt and dry out, and overwatering can cause problems like root rot. 
• Light: Too much or too little light exposure is another common problem. Too much light exposure can burn the leaves, while too little won’t provide the energy cannabis plants need to thrive. 
• Fertilizer: Fertilization is also a delicate balance. Too much fertilizer can “burn” the plants, and plants that receive too little fertilizer won’t produce much product. 
• Temperature and Humidity: Cannabis plants must also be grown at the right temperature and humidity, which can be difficult to control even in indoor setups. 
• Pests: Common garden pests can also pose problems for cannabis cultivators.
• Mold: Growers must also look for mold, fungus, and plant diseases to be treated immediately. 

Where can I Learn to Grow Cannabis Online?

Many factors go into growing cannabis, so it’s always a good idea for novice growers to take a class to learn everything they need to know to get the best possible results from their first cannabis crop. 

Oaksterdam University offers some of the most highly rated cannabis cultivation classes in the country, with lesson plans and class structures to fit every lifestyle. Contact us or enroll today to take the first step in the rewarding process of growing your own high-quality cannabis flower.