Growing cannabis indoors requires a well-equipped grow tent to create the ideal environment for your plants. This guide will cover the basics of setting up a grow tent for four cannabis plants, highlighting the differences in lighting and environmental requirements for autoflowering and non-autoflowering feminised seeds.
Grow Tent Essentials
- Size: Choose a grow tent that provides sufficient space for plant growth and ease of access. A tent measuring around 120cm x 120cm x 200cm is ideal for four plants.
- Material: Select a tent with a reflective interior (Mylar lining) to maximise light efficiency. The exterior should be durable and light-proof to prevent light leaks.
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Lighting:
- Type: LED grow lights are popular due to their efficiency and low heat output. Alternatively, HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights can be used but produce more heat.
- Intensity: Ensure the lights provide the correct spectrum for both vegetative (blue light) and flowering stages (red light).
- Placement: Adjustable light hangers allow you to change the height as the plants grow.
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Ventilation:
- Oscillating Fans: Circulate air within the tent to prevent hotspots and promote even growth.
- Inline Fans: Exchange air inside the tent with fresh air from outside to manage temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels.
- Filters: Carbon filters attached to inline fans help control odours by filtering the air before it exits the tent.
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Environmental Controls:
- Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 21-29°C (70-85°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
- Humidity: Keep humidity levels between 40-60%. A hygrometer can help monitor this.
- CO2: Proper air exchange with an inline fan typically provides enough CO2, but supplementation can boost growth in advanced setups.
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Growing Medium and Pots:
- Pots: Fabric pots (5-7 gallons) allow for better root aeration and growth.
- Medium: Choose soil, coco coir, or hydroponic setups based on your preference and experience.
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Additional Equipment:
- Timers: Automate light cycles to maintain a consistent schedule.
- Thermometer and Hygrometer: Monitor the environment inside the tent.
- Nutrient Management: Use appropriate nutrients specific to cannabis growth stages.
Lighting and Environmental Differences: Autoflowering vs. Non-Autoflowering Feminised Seeds
Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering cannabis seeds flower based on age rather than light cycle, making them easier to manage for beginners.
- Lighting Schedule: Autoflowering plants do not require a change in light schedule to initiate flowering. A consistent 18/6 (18 hours light, 6 hours dark) or 20/4 (20 hours light, 4 hours dark) schedule is recommended throughout their lifecycle.
- Environment: Autoflowering plants are generally more resilient and can tolerate slightly wider temperature and humidity ranges. Aim to maintain temperatures between 21-29°C (70-85°F) and humidity levels around 40-60%.
Non-Autoflowering Feminised Seeds
Non-autoflowering feminised seeds require a change in light schedule to transition from the vegetative to the flowering stage.
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Lighting Schedule:
- Vegetative Stage: Maintain an 18/6 light schedule (18 hours light, 6 hours dark) to promote strong vegetative growth.
- Flowering Stage: Switch to a 12/12 light schedule (12 hours light, 12 hours dark) to stimulate flowering.
- Environment: These plants can be more sensitive to environmental changes. Maintain temperatures between 21-29°C (70-85°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Keep humidity levels between 40-60%, starting higher (around 60%) for young plants and gradually decreasing as they mature.
Lighting Schedule for Vegetative Stage
For non-autoflowering feminised plants in the vegetative stage, the lighting schedule should mimic long daylight hours to promote strong, healthy growth.
Example Schedule for Non-Autoflowering Feminised Seeds:
- Light On: 6:00 AM
- Light Off: 12:00 AM (midnight)
This schedule encourages robust vegetative growth and prepares the plants for the flowering stage.
Transition to Flowering Stage
When you’re ready to transition non-autoflowering feminised plants to the flowering stage (typically after 4-8 weeks of vegetative growth), switch to a 12/12 schedule to stimulate flowering.
Example Schedule:
- Light On: 6:00 AM
- Light Off: 6:00 PM
This schedule mimics the shorter daylight hours of late summer and autumn, signalling the plants to begin producing buds.
Tips for the Vegetative Stage
- Lighting Intensity: Ensure your grow lights are at the appropriate height and intensity to provide adequate light without burning the plants.
- Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 21-29°C (70-85°F) and slightly cooler at night.
- Humidity: Aim for humidity levels between 40-60%. Young plants prefer higher humidity, so start around 60% and gradually decrease it as they grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
By maintaining an 18/6 light schedule during the vegetative stage for non-autoflowering feminised seeds and a consistent 18/6 or 20/4 schedule for autoflowering seeds, along with monitoring environmental conditions, you’ll support healthy growth and prepare your cannabis plants for a successful transition to flowering. With these basics in place, your grow tent will provide the optimal environment for your cannabis plants, leading to a bountiful harvest.