🧬 Genetics & Seed Selection
🔬 Strain Types
Indica
Shorter, bushier plants with relaxing effects. Ideal for indoor growing and pain relief.
8-10 weeks flower
Compact
Sativa
Taller plants with energizing effects. Requires more vertical space and longer flowering.
10-16 weeks flower
Tall
Hybrid
Balanced characteristics from both parents. Offers customized growing traits and effects.
9-12 weeks flower
Versatile
⏱️ Growth Cycles
Photoperiod Strains
- Trigger: Light cycle change (12/12)
- Veg Time: 4-8 weeks (grower controlled)
- Pros: Higher yields, cloning capability, size control
- Cons: Longer total time, requires light management
- Best For: Experienced growers, maximum yield
Autoflower Strains
- Trigger: Age-based (automatic)
- Veg Time: 2-4 weeks (fixed)
- Pros: Fast harvest (8-12 weeks total), beginner-friendly
- Cons: Lower yields, no cloning, less control
- Best For: Beginners, quick harvests, stealth grows
🌱 Germination Process
💡 Pro Tip: Germination success rate is typically 80-95% with quality seeds. Store seeds in cool, dark, dry conditions.
Day 0-1: Seed Selection
Choose viable seeds: dark brown/gray color, hard shell, no cracks. Avoid pale green or white seeds.
Day 1-2: Water Soak Method
Soak seeds in distilled water (20-25°C) for 12-24 hours until they sink. Add 1-2 drops of hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold.
Day 2-5: Paper Towel Method
Place seeds between damp paper towels in a sealed container. Keep in dark, warm area (22-25°C). Check daily for taproot emergence.
Day 5-7: Planting
Plant germinated seeds 1-2cm deep, taproot down. Use light, airy soil or starter plugs. Keep humidity at 70%.
🌡️ Seedling Environment
22-25°C
Temperature
65-70%
Humidity
200-400
PPFD (µmol/m²/s)
18-24h
Light Cycle
Common Seedling Problems & Solutions
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Stretching (elongated stem) |
Insufficient light |
Move light closer (30-45cm), increase intensity |
| Damping off (stem rot) |
Overwatering, poor airflow |
Reduce watering, increase ventilation, use fungicide |
| Yellow cotyledons |
Nutrient burn or deficiency |
Use plain water, check pH (6.0-6.5) |
| Slow growth |
Cold temps, overwatering |
Increase temperature, let soil dry slightly between watering |
🌿 Vegetative Stage Optimization
⚠️ Critical Phase: Vegetative growth determines final plant structure and yield potential. This is when training techniques are most effective.
💡 Light Requirements
18/6
Light/Dark Hours
400-600
PPFD Target
25-40
DLI (Daily Light)
Alternative Light Schedules
- 24/0: Continuous light - fastest growth but higher electricity costs
- 20/4: Extended light - good balance of growth and cost
- 18/6: Standard - best efficiency and plant health
- 12/12 from seed: For limited space or early flowering
🌡️ Climate Control
| Parameter |
Optimal Range |
Notes |
| Day Temp |
22-28°C (72-82°F) |
Lights on period |
| Night Temp |
18-22°C (64-72°F) |
Lights off period |
| Humidity |
55-65% RH |
Lower gradually toward flower |
| CO₂ |
400-1000 ppm |
1200-1500 ppm with enrichment |
| Airflow |
Gentle oscillation |
Strengthen stems, prevent mold |
✂️ Training Techniques
🔪 High Stress Training (HST)
Topping
Method: Cut main stem above 4th-6th node
Result: 2 main colas instead of 1, bushier growth
Timing: After 5-6 nodes, during early veg
Recovery: 3-7 days
Yield Impact: +25-40%
Stress: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
FIMing (F*** I Missed)
Method: Pinch/cut 75% of new growth tip
Result: 3-4 main colas, less stress than topping
Timing: Same as topping
Recovery: 2-5 days
Yield Impact: +20-35%
Stress: Low-Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Super Cropping
Method: Squeeze and bend branches until inner tissue softens
Result: Horizontal growth, increased light penetration
Timing: Mid-late veg
Recovery: 5-10 days
Yield Impact: +15-30%
Stress: High
Difficulty: Advanced
🪢 Low Stress Training (LST)
Tie-Down Method
Method: Bend and secure branches horizontally using soft ties
Result: Even canopy, multiple bud sites exposed to light
Timing: Throughout vegetative stage
Recovery: No recovery needed
Yield Impact: +30-50%
Stress: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
SCROG (Screen of Green)
Method: Use horizontal screen/net to train branches
Result: Maximum canopy coverage, uniform colas
Timing: Install screen in early veg, train through to flower
Space Required: Medium-Large
Yield Impact: +40-80%
Stress: Minimal
Difficulty: Medium
SOG (Sea of Green)
Method: Many small plants in short veg, quick flip to flower
Result: Fast harvest cycles, single main cola per plant
Timing: 1-2 weeks veg only
Plant Count: High (9-16 per m²)
Yield Impact: +50-100% per m²
Stress: None
Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
Mainlining (Manifolding)
Method: Create symmetrical 8-16 cola structure through precise topping
Result: Uniform colas, easier nutrient distribution
Timing: Early veg, requires 3+ weeks extra time
Recovery: 14-21 days total
Yield Impact: +20-40% quality/size per cola
Stress: Medium-High
Difficulty: Advanced
💡 Training Strategy: Combine techniques for maximum yield. Example: Top once at 5th node, then LST all branches outward for an even canopy. Add SCROG for large plants.
💧 Nutrient Management
🧪 NPK Ratios by Stage
| Growth Stage |
N-P-K Ratio |
Focus |
| Seedling |
1-1-1 (low) |
Gentle feeding |
| Early Veg |
3-1-2 |
Nitrogen for leaves |
| Late Veg |
3-1-3 |
Structure building |
| Transition |
2-2-3 |
Pre-flower prep |
| Early Flower |
1-3-2 |
Bud formation |
| Mid-Late Flower |
0-3-3 |
Bud swelling |
| Flush (Final 1-2wk) |
0-0-0 |
Plain water only |
⚗️ Essential Micronutrients
Primary Macronutrients
- Nitrogen (N): Leaf and stem growth, chlorophyll production
- Phosphorus (P): Root development, flower formation, energy transfer
- Potassium (K): Overall plant health, disease resistance, bud density
Secondary Nutrients
- Calcium (Ca): Cell wall structure, prevents tip burn
- Magnesium (Mg): Chlorophyll production, enzyme activation
- Sulfur (S): Protein synthesis, terpene production
Micronutrients (Trace Elements)
- Iron (Fe): Chlorophyll synthesis
- Manganese (Mn): Photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism
- Zinc (Zn): Enzyme function, growth regulation
- Copper (Cu): Reproductive growth
- Boron (B): Cell division, sugar transport
- Molybdenum (Mo): Nitrogen fixation
📊 pH & EC Management
5.5-6.5
Hydro/Coco pH
6.0-7.0
Soil pH
0.8-1.4
Veg EC (mS/cm)
1.2-2.0
Flower EC (mS/cm)
💡 pH Drift: Check pH daily in hydro systems, weekly in soil. Adjust gradually (0.5 units max per correction). Keep calibration solutions for accurate readings.
🌸 Flowering Stage Excellence
⚠️ Light Leak Prevention: Any light interruption during dark period can cause hermaphroditism or re-vegging. Ensure complete darkness for 12 hours.
💡 Flowering Light Strategy
12/12
Photoperiod
600-1000
PPFD (µmol/m²/s)
35-50
DLI Target
2700-3000K
Color Temp
Advanced Lighting Techniques
- Far-Red Initiation: 15 min far-red at lights-off speeds flowering by 7-10 days
- UV-B Supplementation: 2-4 hours daily increases trichome production
- Light Intensity Ramping: Gradually increase PPFD weeks 1-5, maintain through harvest
- Spectrum Shift: Add red spectrum (660nm) for denser buds
📅 Flowering Timeline
Week 1-2: Transition/Stretch
Plants stretch 50-200%. Begin bloom nutrients. Minimal defoliation.
Growth: Rapid vertical
Week 3-4: Early Flower Formation
Pistils appear, bud sites form. Heavy feeding. Strategic defoliation for light penetration.
First flowers visible
Week 5-6: Bud Development
Buds swell, trichomes begin. Peak nutrient uptake. Monitor for deficiencies.
Peak feeding
Week 7-9: Ripening
Trichomes cloud, pistils darken. Begin reducing nitrogen. Check trichomes daily.
Maturation phase
Week 9+: Final Flush
Plain water for 1-2 weeks. Trichomes turn amber. Prepare for harvest.
Harvest window
⚠️ Identifying Nutrient Issues
🍂 Mobile Nutrients (Appear in Lower/Older Leaves)
| Nutrient |
Deficiency Symptoms |
Toxicity Symptoms |
| Nitrogen |
Yellowing lower leaves, slow growth, pale green color |
Dark green, clawing leaves, weak stems |
| Phosphorus |
Purple/red stems, dark leaves, blue-green tint |
Zinc and iron lockout |
| Potassium |
Brown leaf edges, yellowing between veins, weak stems |
Calcium and magnesium lockout |
| Magnesium |
Yellowing between veins (lower leaves), leaf curling |
Calcium lockout, rare |
🌿 Immobile Nutrients (Appear in Upper/New Growth)
| Nutrient |
Deficiency Symptoms |
Toxicity Symptoms |
| Calcium |
Brown spots, twisted new growth, tip burn |
Potassium and magnesium lockout |
| Sulfur |
Yellowing new leaves, stunted growth |
Rare, pH drop |
| Iron |
Yellow new leaves with green veins |
Bronze spots on leaves |
| Manganese |
Yellowing between veins on new growth |
Brown spots, chlorosis |
| Zinc |
Twisted leaves, stunted growth, chlorosis |
Iron deficiency symptoms |
🔍 Diagnosis Priority:
1. Check pH first (90% of issues)
2. Verify EC/PPM levels
3. Assess watering schedule
4. Examine environmental conditions
5. Then address specific nutrient
🐞 Pest & Disease Management
🦟 Common Pests
Spider Mites - High Risk ⚠️
Identification: Tiny red/brown dots, fine webbing, stippled yellow leaves
Prevention: Keep humidity 50-60%, strong airflow, inspect plants weekly
Organic Treatment:
- Neem oil spray (lights off)
- Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
- Insecticidal soap
- Rosemary/peppermint oil spray
Chemical Treatment: Abamectin, Spiromesifen (veg only)
Difficulty: Hard to eliminate
Fungus Gnats - Medium Risk
Identification: Small black flies, larvae in soil, root damage
Prevention: Let top soil dry, yellow sticky traps, avoid overwatering
Organic Treatment:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (BTI) in water
- Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae)
- Diatomaceous earth on soil surface
- Hydrogen peroxide soil drench (1:4 ratio)
Difficulty: Easy to control
Thrips - Medium Risk
Identification: Silver streaks on leaves, tiny elongated insects
Prevention: Screen intake fans, sticky traps, companion planting
Organic Treatment:
- Spinosad spray
- Predatory mites (Amblyseius cucumeris)
- Neem oil
Difficulty: Moderate
Aphids - Low-Medium Risk
Identification: Clusters of small green/black insects, sticky honeydew
Prevention: Natural predators, air circulation
Organic Treatment:
- Ladybugs (release 1500-3000 per room)
- Insecticidal soap spray
- Strong water spray
- Pyrethrin spray
Difficulty: Easy
🦠 Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew - High Risk
Identification: White powdery spots on leaves and buds
Prevention:
- Keep RH below 50% in flower
- Strong air circulation
- Avoid leaf-to-leaf contact
- UV-C lights during dark period
Treatment:
- Potassium bicarbonate spray
- Sulfur burner (veg only)
- Milk spray (1:9 milk:water)
- Remove affected leaves immediately
Critical: Can ruin harvest
Botrytis (Bud Rot) - Critical Risk
Identification: Gray/brown fuzzy mold inside buds, starts from stem
Prevention:
- RH below 45% in late flower
- Excellent airflow through canopy
- Avoid dense bud clusters
- Remove dying leaves immediately
Treatment:
- Remove affected buds entirely + 5cm around
- Increase airflow and decrease humidity
- No saving affected buds - discard immediately
Fatal: No cure for affected buds
Root Rot (Pythium) - High Risk
Identification: Brown slimy roots, wilting despite wet medium, foul smell
Prevention:
- Proper drainage in all containers
- Oxygen in hydro (air stones)
- Cool reservoir temps (18-20°C)
- Beneficial bacteria/fungi (Hydroguard, Great White)
Treatment:
- Hydrogen peroxide flush (initial treatment)
- Beneficial microbes (ongoing)
- Improve drainage/aeration
- May require plant replacement if severe
Difficulty: Hard to reverse
🚫 Never spray plants after week 3 of flower: Sprays can damage trichomes and cause mold. Focus on prevention and biological controls only.
✂️ Harvest Timing & Technique
🔬 Trichome Inspection Guide
Clear/Transparent Trichomes
Effect: Too early - minimal potency, racy/anxious high
Action: Wait longer
Immature
Cloudy/Milky Trichomes (70-90%)
Effect: Peak THC, energetic/cerebral high
Best For: Sativa effects, daytime use
Peak Potency
Amber Trichomes (10-30%)
Effect: THC converting to CBN, relaxing/sedative
Best For: Indica effects, sleep, pain relief
Balanced
Amber Trichomes (50%+)
Effect: Heavy couch-lock, very sedative
Best For: Insomnia, severe pain
Maximum Sedation
📋 Other Harvest Indicators
Pistil Method (Less Accurate)
- 50-70% brown: Early harvest window opens
- 70-90% brown: Peak harvest window
- 90%+ brown: Late harvest, more sedative
- Note: Pistils can brown from stress - always verify with trichomes
Breeder Timelines
- Use as general guide only
- Add 1-2 weeks to breeder estimates typically
- Environment significantly affects finish time
- Phenotype variations exist within same strain
Plant Signals
- Leaves yellowing/fading naturally (good sign if flushed)
- Buds stop swelling
- Reduced water uptake
- Strong aroma development peaks
🔍 Equipment Needed: 60-100x jeweler's loupe or USB microscope. Check trichomes on calyxes, not sugar leaves (which mature faster).
✂️ Harvest Process
48-72 Hours Before: Darkness Period
Optional: Give plants 24-48h darkness before harvest. May increase resin production slightly. Ensure soil is dry.
Harvest Morning: Cut Plants
Cut at base of stem. Work in morning for highest terpene content. Handle buds minimally to preserve trichomes.
Wet Trim vs Dry Trim Decision
Wet Trim: Remove leaves immediately after cut. Faster drying, easier trimming, better for high humidity.
Dry Trim: Trim after drying. Slower dry, better terpene retention, better for low humidity.
Hang or Rack Drying
Hang whole branches or use drying rack. Ensure good airflow but not direct fan on buds.
🌡️ Optimal Drying Environment
18-21°C
Temperature
45-55%
Humidity
7-14
Days to Dry
Dark
Light Exposure
⚠️ Drying Speed Matters:
- Too Fast (3-5 days): Harsh smoke, poor taste, "hay" smell
- Ideal (7-14 days): Smooth smoke, terpene preservation
- Too Slow (14+ days): Risk of mold, especially in dense buds
Drying Completion Test
- Snap Test: Small stems snap rather than bend
- Bud Feel: Exterior feels dry but not crispy
- Moisture: Interior still slightly moist
- Weight: Lost 70-75% of wet weight
🍯 Curing & Long-Term Storage
💎 Why Cure? Curing breaks down chlorophyll and residual sugars, developing flavor and smoothness while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. Properly cured cannabis is significantly better than dried-only product.
🫙 Curing Process
Day 1: Initial Jar
Trim dried buds, place in glass jars 75% full. Seal for 24 hours.
Day 2-14: Active Curing
Open jars ("burp") 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes. If buds feel wet, leave open longer.
Critical Period
Week 2-4: Reduced Burping
Burp once daily for 5-10 minutes. Buds stabilizing.
Week 4-8: Extended Cure
Burp 2-3 times weekly. Quality continues improving.
2+ Months: Long-Term Storage
Check monthly. Smoke quality peaks at 4-6 months for most strains.
Premium Quality
📊 Monitoring Cure Quality
| Humidity Level |
Status |
Action Required |
| Below 55% |
Too Dry |
Add Boveda pack. Cure may be compromised. |
| 55-62% |
Perfect |
Continue curing. Ideal range for preservation. |
| 62-65% |
Acceptable |
Burp more frequently. Monitor closely. |
| Above 65% |
Mold Risk |
Leave jar open for several hours. Increase burping frequency. |
Humidity Control Tools
- Hygrometer: Essential for each jar. Digital mini hygrometers recommended.
- Boveda Packs (62%): Two-way humidity control. Add after initial cure stabilizes.
- Integra Boost: Alternative to Boveda, similar function.
- Rice/Silica: Emergency moisture absorption only (reduces quality).
🪴 Growing Medium Deep Dive
🌱 Soil Growing
Soil Types & Composition
Super Soil (Living Soil):
- Pre-amended organic mix
- Water-only grow after establishment
- Rich microbial life
- Best flavor profile
- Requires 30-60 day composting before use
Standard Potting Mix:
- Peat moss or coco base
- Perlite (30-40%) for drainage
- Some nutrients included
- Requires supplemental feeding
- pH 6.0-6.8
DIY Mix Recipe:
- 40% peat moss or coco coir
- 30% perlite or pumice
- 20% worm castings
- 10% compost
- Add dolomite lime for pH buffering
Soil Pros & Cons
Advantages:
- Forgiving - buffers pH and nutrient mistakes
- Natural taste and terpene expression
- Lower maintenance than hydro
- Beneficial microbes support plant health
- Organic growing easier to achieve
Disadvantages:
- Slower growth than hydro/coco
- Heavier (difficult to move large pots)
- Can harbor pests (fungus gnats)
- Nutrient issues harder to correct quickly
- Requires larger containers for same yield
💧 Hydroponics Systems
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Setup: Roots suspended in oxygenated nutrient solution
Components: Bucket, air pump, air stone, net pot
Pros: Fastest growth, maximum oxygen to roots, simple design
Cons: Requires daily monitoring, temperature sensitive, power dependent
Difficulty: Intermediate
Growth Rate: 10/10
Ebb & Flow (Flood & Drain)
Setup: Periodic flooding of grow tray with nutrient solution
Components: Reservoir, pump, timer, grow tray, drain system
Pros: Versatile, good oxygenation, efficient nutrient use
Cons: More complex, pump failure risk, requires automation
Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Growth Rate: 9/10
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Setup: Thin film of nutrients flows past roots continuously
Components: Channels, reservoir, pump, slight slope
Pros: Water efficient, excellent oxygenation, commercial scalability
Cons: Root clogs possible, pump-dependent, temperature critical
Difficulty: Advanced
Growth Rate: 9/10
Aeroponics
Setup: Roots misted with nutrients in air chamber
Components: Chamber, high-pressure mister, timer, reservoir
Pros: Maximum oxygen, fastest growth possible, water efficient
Cons: Most complex, expensive, requires precision, high failure risk
Difficulty: Expert
Growth Rate: 10/10
🥥 Coco Coir
Coco Growing Guide
What is it: Coconut husk fiber - inert medium between soil and hydro
Preparation:
- Buffer with Cal-Mag before first use
- Rinse to remove salts
- Mix with 30% perlite for best results
- pH to 5.8-6.2 before use
Feeding:
- Feed every watering (no plain water)
- Requires hydroponic nutrients + Cal-Mag supplement
- Runoff important - 10-20% recommended
- Feed to slight runoff to prevent salt buildup
Advantages:
- Faster growth than soil
- More forgiving than full hydro
- Reusable (2-3 grows with proper buffering)
- Excellent air/water ratio
- Difficult to overwater
Growth Rate: 8/10
Difficulty: Intermediate
📦 Storage Best Practices
🌡️ Long-Term Storage
Short-Term (0-6 months)
Glass jars with Boveda packs in cool, dark place. Check monthly for mold.
Easy maintenance
Medium-Term (6-12 months)
Vacuum-sealed bags in freezer, or CVault containers. Boveda packs recommended.
Minimal degradation
Long-Term (1+ years)
Vacuum seal + freezer storage. Protect from light completely. Some terpene loss expected but cannabinoids stable.
Quality preserved
⚠️ Storage Enemies
| Factor |
Damage Type |
Prevention |
| Light |
THC degradation to CBN |
Opaque containers, dark storage |
| Heat |
Cannabinoid & terpene loss |
Store below 21°C (70°F) |
| Moisture |
Mold growth, bud rot |
Maintain 58-62% RH with Boveda |
| Oxygen |
Oxidation, potency loss |
Airtight jars, vacuum sealing |
| Time |
Natural degradation |
Proper storage slows but can't stop |
🔬 Science: THC degrades at ~4% per year under ideal storage. After 2 years, expect 20-30% potency loss. Freezing can preserve for 5+ years with minimal loss.
⚖️ Legal Compliance & Safety
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Cannabis laws vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Always verify local, state/provincial, and federal laws before growing. This guide is for educational purposes in legal jurisdictions only.
📋 Legal Checklist
Before You Start Growing
- ✅ Verify home cultivation is legal in your area
- ✅ Check plant count limits (typically 4-12 per household)
- ✅ Confirm age requirements (usually 21+ or 18+ medical)
- ✅ Understand possession limits (dried flower weight)
- ✅ Verify if medical card is required
- ✅ Check if landlord permission needed (renters)
- ✅ Understand visibility requirements (must be out of public view)
- ✅ Know distribution/sale restrictions (usually prohibited)
Regional Variations (Examples)
Canada: 4 plants per household, all provinces except Quebec & Manitoba
USA - Legal States:
- California: 6 plants, medical patients up to 12
- Colorado: 6 plants (3 flowering), up to 12 per household
- Oregon: 4 plants per household
- Michigan: 12 plants for medical, 12 for recreational
- Check current laws - frequently updated
🔒 Security & Safety
Physical Security
- Secure Space: Locked room or tent with restricted access
- Child Safety: Childproof locks if minors in home
- Fire Safety: Proper electrical setup, fire extinguisher nearby
- Odor Control: Carbon filters to respect neighbors
- Privacy: Avoid discussing grow publicly or on social media
Electrical Safety
- Use dedicated circuits for high-wattage lights
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips
- GFCI outlets in areas with water
- Proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup
- Regular inspection of cords for damage
- Consider hiring electrician for large setups
Record Keeping
- Keep receipts for seeds/equipment
- Document plant counts with dates
- Maintain medical documentation if applicable
- Track harvest weights
- Useful for compliance and personal tracking
📊 Quick Reference Stats
3-8
Months Seed to Harvest
15-500g
Yield per Plant Range
400-1000W
Light per 1m² (LED)
$200-2000
Startup Cost Range
💡 Final Tips for Success:
- Start simple - master basics before advanced techniques
- Environment matters more than nutrients
- Patience yields quality - don't rush harvest
- Keep detailed grow journal for continuous improvement
- Join online communities for support and troubleshooting
- Invest in good genetics - quality seeds = quality results