How to Grow Marijuana: The Ultimate Guide

Top 6 Factors Affecting Your Marijuana Growing

Every weed plant needs the following things in order to survive and thrive:

• Light: To have the highest bud quality and yields, regardless of what you're using, grow lights or sunlight, you must know the light requirements for a robust cannabis plant.
• Air: For the best result, you may need a space that has good air circulation and a mild breeze.
• Growing Medium: That is the place where your grow the weed plant. Soil-based growing is very common, but hypodronics brings higher yields.
• Temp: Remember, if it's too hot or cold for you, your cannabis plants are feeling the same way. Don't throw them in any environment with extreme temperatures.
• Water: Every life form needs water to live, and there's no exception for your weed plant.
• Nutrients: Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three basic fertilizers that the weed plant requires during its growing process. You can purchase pre-made cannabis fertilizers.

6 Stages of Growing Marijuana Indoors

Stage 1: Germination

The germination stage usually takes 7-10 days, during which you will grow a seedling that is ready to transplant into the device. During the germination stage, the grow light will be on for about 18 hours at a low light intensity, which will keep your plant safe. We recommend using the Hey abby seed kit, which allows you to germinate and easily transplant your seedling into your Hey abby grow box.

Stage 2: Vegetation

During the vegetative stage, growers can utilize various techniques such as topping, trimming, pruning, Low Stress Training (LST), and lollipopping to shape the plant, control its size, and limit its height to increase yields. The aim is to develop 8-12 robust branches that fit the size of the grow box. The branches should be at roughly the same level, not exceeding 10 inches in height.

These techniques ensure even growth and prevent the plant from becoming too bushy, which could limit airflow and light penetration in the lower sections of the plant. LST is also beneficial in spreading out the branches, allowing for more light exposure and an even canopy. By carrying out these techniques during the vegetative stage, growers can create a robust and healthy plant that is ready for a productive flowering stage.

The length of the vegetative stage is usually around 4 weeks, but it can vary depending on factors such as the plant's strain, genetics, and unique condition.

Stage 3: Flowering

The flowering stage is a critical phase in the development of cannabis buds. During this stage, it's important to change the water and nutrient solution more frequently, ideally every three days, to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients.

For best results, it's recommended to maintain the pH level around 6.0~6.5, which will enhance the plant's ability to absorb calcium.

Moreover, it's important to lollipop the plant once a week before the buds have formed (usually before week 4 of the flowering stage) to redirect the plant's energy towards the upper canopy where the buds are developing.

The duration of the flowering stage typically lasts between 8 to 12 weeks, but it can vary depending on several factors such as strain, genetics, and the plant's overall health.

Lollipopping

Lollipopping during the early flowering stage aims to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mold or mildew, and also redirect the plant's energy towards the buds, resulting in better quality buds. However, this technique can also cause stress to the plant, potentially reducing the overall yield.

To lollipop a plant, follow these steps:

• Prepare the tools: you will need a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant;
• Identify the small, weak branches that are new and growing under the 4th node of each robust branch and remove them.

Assessing Readiness

The flowering stage usually takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on the strains, genetics, and plant condition, etc. After completing 8 weeks of the flowering stage, you can begin assessing whether your cannabis plant is ready for the flushing stage and soon for harvest.

To determine if your cannabis buds are ready for flushing, follow these steps:

• Check the Trichomes: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect the trichomes on your buds. When the trichomes appear milky white or opaque, it's a sign that the buds are reaching their peak potency and it's time to start flushing;
• Check the Pistils: Examine the pistils, or hairs, on the buds. If the majority of the pistils have turned from white to brown or orange, it's another indication that the buds are reaching maturity and are ready for flushing.

Once you have determined that your buds are ready for flushing, it's recommended to flush the plant with pH-balanced water for at least 3-7 days before harvesting. This will help to remove any excess nutrients from the plant and improve the overall taste and quality of the buds.

Stage 4: Flushing

The flushing process typically lasts for 3-7 days, during which you should stop adding nutrients to your plants and provide them with only pH-balanced fresh water. This allows your plants to absorb any remaining nutrients in their system. Proper flushing improves the quality of your smoking experience.

To assess if your buds are ready for harvest, look for the following signs:

• Leaf Color: The fan leaves will then start to fade, which indicates that it is ready to harvest.
• Trichome Color: Trichomes are the small, crystal-like structures on the buds. When they turn from clear to cloudy, it is a sign that the buds are reaching maturity. If you want a more relaxing effect, wait until the trichomes turn amber.

Tips:

• The peak THC content in cannabis buds is typically reached when the trichomes have turned from clear to milky. On the other hand, more mature trichomes that have turned from milky to amber may indicate higher levels of CBD, which can lead to a "harsher" smoke characterized by more coughing.
• Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to inspect the pistils and trichomes closely. This will help you see the color and clarity of these structures more clearly.

Once you have completed the flushing process, it's time for harvest!

Stage 5: Harvest & Drying

Harvest

Harvesting cannabis buds is a delicate process that requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps for a successful harvest:

• Prepare your tools: Gather sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, gloves, a drying rack, and paper bags or glass jars for storage.
• Choose the right time: Look for signs that the buds are ready for harvest, such as the color of the trichomes and the fading of the fan leaves. It's important to harvest at the right time for the best results.
• Protect your hands: Wear gloves while trimming to avoid your hands getting covered in sticky resin.
• Cut the branches: Use your scissors or pruning shears to cut the branches just above the main stem of the plant. Be gentle and try not to damage the buds or the plant itself.
• Remove the fan leaves: Once you have cut the branches, remove the large fan leaves. This will make it easier to see the buds and improve airflow during the drying process.
• Trim the buds: Use your scissors or pruning shears to carefully trim the buds from the branches.

Drying

When you're prepared to dry the harvested buds, place them and the sugar leaves onto the drying rack, then hang them in a dark and well-ventilated area. Or just put it inside the hey abby grow box and activate the drying mode. The duration of the drying process typically takes 3-7 days, which varies based on strain and plant size.

It is important to avoid exposing the buds to direct light as it can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes. To achieve this, the grow light should be turned off, and the exhaust fan should be set to low speed, as recommended by the abby algorithm.

This allows for a slow and gentle drying process that helps to prevent the buds from becoming too dry or crumbly, which could result in a harsher smoking experience.

Stage 6: Curing

Curing cannabis is the process of preserving and improving the flavor, aroma, and potency of buds after they have been dried. Proper curing can also extend the shelf life of buds for up to two years without a significant loss of potency.

The process involves storing the buds in an airtight container at a specific humidity level of 55-65% RH for 1-4 weeks. Burping the container is necessary to prevent mold growth when humidity levels rise above 65%. After curing, it is best to store buds in a cool, dark place to avoid mold and mildew growth and buds can last for two years with potency.

What is Hydroponic Cannabis Growing?

Hydroponic cannabis growing involves cultivating plants without soil, utilizing water as the primary medium. In this method, the plant's roots are immersed in water, which is enriched with a nutrient solution. This allows for efficient nutrient uptake, resulting in faster growth and improved yields. Hydroponic systems offer the advantage of year-round cultivation and the ability to grow plants in various locations. Unlike traditional soil-based methods, hydroponics provides a controlled environment where nutrients are readily available to the plants. By incorporating hydroponic technology, growers can optimize their cannabis cultivation and achieve impressive results.

The Hey abby Automated Grow Box is designed with the DWC (Deep Water Culture) hydroponic cannabis growing system at its core, making it a comprehensive and efficient solution for those interested in how to grow marijuana. Novice growers looking to learn how to grow marijuana will appreciate the user-friendly nature of the Hey abby system, aided by the inclusion of detailed growing guides accessible through the Hey abby app. Additionally, Hey Abby provides one-on-one support, ensuring growers have expert assistance whenever they need it in their marijuana-growing journey.

Hey abby Hydroponics Interface 

What is the Average Yield in a Hey abby Grow Box?

The average yield in a Hey abby Grow Box is up to 8 oz within a three-month period. This yield is attributed to the scientific formulation of the Hey abby fertilizer and the intelligent algorithm used in the grow box. The Hey abby Grow Box is designed to be user-friendly and suitable for novice growers, making it easier for individuals with limited experience to achieve successful yields. With its automated features and optimized cultivation system, the Hey abby Grow Box aims to deliver efficient and productive results for home growers.

Final Thoughts

At Hey abby, we are building a community of growers who are educated and empowered to grow cannabis at home. We understand that learning how to grow marijuana can be a complex process, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.