Hydroponics cannabis grow

 Hydroponics cannabis grow

If you are looking for a way to grow cannabis without soil, hydroponics might be the answer. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based nutrient solution, instead of soil. Hydroponics has many advantages over soil cultivation, such as faster growth, higher yields, water conservation, space saving, and pest control. In this blog post, we will explain the basics of hydroponics cannabis growing and how to get started.

What do you need for hydroponics cannabis growing?

To grow cannabis hydroponically, you will need some basic equipment and supplies, such as:

- A hydroponic system: This is the structure that holds the plants and the water reservoir. There are different types of hydroponic systems, such as drip, ebb and flow, deep water culture, aeroponics, and nutrient film technique. Each system has its own pros and cons, depending on your budget, space, and preference.

- A growing medium: This is the material that supports the roots of the plants in the hydroponic system. It can be an inert substance, such as rockwool, perlite, coco coir, clay pebbles, or sand. Or it can be an organic material, such as compost or peat moss. The growing medium should be porous, sterile, and pH neutral.

- A water pump: This is the device that circulates the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the plants and back. It should be powerful enough to deliver enough water and oxygen to the roots.

- An air pump and air stones: These are optional devices that provide extra oxygen to the roots by creating bubbles in the water. They can improve the health and growth of the plants.

- A nutrient solution: This is the liquid fertilizer that feeds the plants. It should contain all the essential macro and micronutrients that cannabis needs, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc. You can buy ready-made hydroponic nutrients or make your own from organic or synthetic sources.

- A pH meter and a TDS/EC meter: These are tools that measure the acidity and the concentration of the nutrient solution. They are important for maintaining the optimal pH and nutrient levels for cannabis growth.

- A light source: This is the artificial or natural light that provides energy to the plants for photosynthesis. You can use different types of lights for hydroponics cannabis growing, such as LED, HID, CFL, or sunlight. The light source should match the size and stage of your plants.

- A timer: This is a device that controls the light cycle and the water cycle of your hydroponic system. It should be set according to the vegetative or flowering phase of your plants.

- A fan and a filter: These are devices that regulate the temperature and humidity of your grow space and prevent odors and mold. They should be adjusted according to the climate and ventilation of your area.

How to grow cannabis hydroponically?

Once you have all the equipment and supplies ready, you can follow these steps to grow cannabis hydroponically:

1. Germinate your cannabis seeds or clone your cuttings. You can use any method you prefer, such as paper towels, peat pellets, rockwool cubes, or water glasses. Make sure to keep them moist and warm until they sprout roots.

2. Transplant your seedlings or clones into your hydroponic system. Place them in small pots or baskets filled with your chosen growing medium. Make sure they fit snugly and securely in your system.

3. Fill your reservoir with water and add your nutrient solution according to the manufacturer's instructions or your own recipe. Check the pH and TDS/EC of your solution with your meters and adjust them if needed. The ideal pH range for cannabis is 5.5 to 6.5 and the ideal TDS/EC range depends on your system and stage of growth.

4. Connect your water pump to your system and turn it on. Set your timer to run your water cycle according to your system type and plant size. For example, you can run a drip system for 15 minutes every hour or a deep water culture system continuously.

5. Connect your air pump and air stones to your reservoir and turn them on. They will provide extra oxygen to your roots and prevent root rot.

6. Hang your light source above your plants and plug it into your timer. Set your timer to run your light cycle according to your plant phase. For example, you can run a 18/6 light cycle for vegetative growth or a 12/12 light cycle for flowering.

7. Place a fan