Build Your Own Indoor Home Grow

So, you’ve decided to tackle an indoor home grow in your apartment! If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. The process can be daunting, but we will take you step-by-step through the ABCs of growing your weed at home so you feel confident in your abilities and have everything you need to tackle this new hobby. 

If you’re just considering the option and aren’t fully committed yet, that’s okay too! By the end of this article, you’ll understand the ins and outs of home growth so you can choose whether or not to try it out for yourself. 

Where is Homegrown Cannabis Legal?

The laws surrounding the use and cultivation of cannabis are always changing. Hence, before you go any further, it’s vital to know the current regulations surrounding the use and cultivation in your state. 

Many states (although not all of them) with medicinal cannabis programs also permit home grows. Some allow up to four plants, while others may let you have a rotation of four mature plants and four seedlings. A handful of states have legalized growing up to 12 mature plants at a time — which takes up quite a bit of space!

You’ll likely have to follow some other regulations as well, such as keeping the plants in an area where they can’t be viewed by the public and refraining from selling any of your homegrown cannabis to others.

Why Should I Grow Cannabis in My Apartment?

Whether or not to grow cannabis in your apartment is completely up to you. However, there are a few important considerations that can guide you in making this decision.

The most important advantage of growing cannabis in your apartment is being able to control the quality and potency of your yield. You are responsible for managing various factors necessary for growth, like the day-night cycle, light intensity, watering, fertilizing, etc.

While the upfront costs of setting up a home grow can be more expensive than a dispensary trip, the long-term savings are often well worth the investment. You’ll have a steady supply of fresh, abundant cannabis tailored to your needs — meaning no more running back and forth to the store. This option is also more sustainable and earth-friendly. 

Finally, growing cannabis is a fun and rewarding hobby that can challenge you and push you outside of the box. Studies and research have found that gardening has many physical and mental health benefits, such as reduced anxiety, lowered risk of dementia, and increased bone and muscle strength. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get when you smoke cannabis you grew from seeds.

What To Know Before Planting 

Before you begin, be sure to read through the entire process so you have an idea of what supplies and resources you’ll need along the way. 

The Growth Cycle

Cannabis goes through several distinct stages as it grows, each with different features and requirements. It starts as a seed, then develops into a seedling, followed by pre-flowering, flowering, and the harvest phase.

The growth cycle begins with germination, where seeds sprout and develop roots. This is followed by the seedling stage, when small leaves, called cotyledons, emerge. Next is the vegetative stage, and the plant will begin growing larger leaves and stems to support future buds. The flowering stage is when the plant produces buds and you begin to see the coming rewards of your hard work. Finally, harvesting occurs when the buds are mature and ready to collect, followed by drying and curing to prep them for consumption.

Environmental Requirements and Materials Needed

Unlike growing weed outdoors and leaving it to the mercy of Mother Nature, you need to be able to recreate the conditions necessary for optimal growth artificially in your apartment. 

Let There Be Light

The weed-growing process depends heavily on carefully timed light cycles. The amount and intensity of light it is exposed to determines when it starts to bud out and grow flowers. You’ll need about 18 hours of medium-intensity light for the majority of the growth process, with the cycle changing to 12 hours on and 12 hours off during the flowering stage. 

You can create the perfect conditions by using full-spectrum LED grow lights and a timer to control the day and night cycles. Ensure most of the hours when the plants are exposed to light are well timed with a normal day cycle to prevent light exposure as much as possible at night.

Soil, Water, and Nutrients

These three factors are crucial for getting a good yield. The soil needs to hold enough water and nutrients for the plant to thrive, but it should also be well-draining to prevent mold and bacteria. To achieve this indoors, get soil rich in microbes and organic matter and put it in an appropriate-sized sack. Nutrients are the snacks plants eat, so supplements like nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus are added in determined proportions to ensure the plants eat well. Water the soil regularly. 

You might also need pH supplements and a pH meter to monitor and adjust the pH of your water. Other alternatives to organic soil include Froggy Soil and Pro-mix HP, and you can try adding mediums like rock wool and coco coir to your soil. 

CO2, Airflow, and Temperature

CO2 is oxygen for plants as they need it to produce the energy necessary for growth. You will need an inline fan to provide proper airflow and a constant, fresh supply of CO2. You can also use carbon filters to help prevent excess moisture formation, which may encourage fungi growth. 

Weed loves temperate areas and grows better at 70 to 85°F, with 40 to 60% relative humidity in the pre-flowering phase. In the flowering phase, a temperature of 65 to 80°F and a relative humidity of 40 to 50% are appropriate. To get this temperature right, you’ll need to set up your garden in an area of your apartment that is just a few degrees lower than what’s required. The LED lights will serve as an adjustable heat source to help you meet the optimal temperature requirement.

Planting Seeds vs. Clones

Now that you have all the important details you need before you start planting, it’s time to get your hands dirty! 

There are two types of seeds: regular seeds and feminized seeds. The regular seeds could be male or female; if you plant male seeds, the plant won’t flower or bud out. A feminized seed will give you the THC-infused cannabis nuggets you want.  

As such, be sure to always get female seeds that will flower and bud out. You can also try cloning, or cutting a piece of a grown weed plant and planting it. Clones start to flower and bud out faster since they skip the seedling phase. However, this may result in the plant flowering at a small size, thus reducing the yield. Feminized seeds are the best recommendation for beginners, but cloning is a fun way to experiment when you’re a little more experienced with growing. 

Ready to Start Planting?