The Different
Methods for Cannabis Farming
Introduction
If
you're new to growing cannabis plants, you may be overwhelmed by the number of
possible farming methods.
We've
got everything from hydroponic setups to land-based farms, not to mention
greenhouses and indoor gardens.
It
can seem pretty overwhelming at first - but don't worry! Once you learn about
some of the most common methods for producing cannabis, it'll be as easy as pie
(or pre-baked brownies) to grow your very own plants at home.
Greenhouse
farming
Greenhouse
farming is an excellent option if you live in a cold climate and are looking
for a way to grow cannabis year-round.
A
greenhouse will offer protection from harsh weather conditions and keep the
temperature warm enough for your plants to thrive.
You
can also use greenhouses for other plants that can't be grown outdoors during
certain times of the year.
Greenhouse
farming has been around for centuries, and many different greenhouses are
available today.
The most common type is an "open-sided" design with an insulated roof, walls, and floor, allowing sunlight to keep out rainwater (or snow). Some are made from glass or plastic; others are heated by solar energy or electricity.
Hydroponic
farming
It
is the growing of plants in water without the use of soil. Instead, the plants
are grown in a medium that provides nutrients and support to their roots.
Hydroponics
is usually done with a nutrient solution that contains all the nutrients
required by the plant.
Careful monitoring and dosing make the solution perfect for every growth stage. Some growers use organic fertilizers or compost as supplements to provide additional nutrients when needed.
Indoor,
traditional farming
Indoor,
traditional farming is the most common method of cannabis cultivation. It's
more expensive than outdoor growing, but controlling conditions make indoor
growing easier to manage.
There
are other ways to set up an indoor garden for your plants—you can use a grow
box or tent system, invest in extensive lighting and ventilation equipment, and
so on—but in general.
It involves increasing your cannabis plants indoors under a controlled environment that mimics nature as much as possible: sunlight comes through a window or skylight; water and nutrients are delivered via a hose; fans circulate air around the room; heaters keep temperatures at optimal levels.
Land-based
farming
Land-based
farming is one of the most popular methods of cannabis cultivation. It's not
for the weak-hearted, though land-based cultivation requires a lot of land,
money, and time.
In
addition to these initial investments, you'll also have to invest time in
learning about the different types of growing mediums that work best for your
particular climate; you may need to invest effort into finding affordable water
sources nearby (if potable water isn't onsite), and patience will be required
if you want all your plants to contribute equally in terms of yield and
quality.
When
it comes to it, land-based farming is not worth it unless you have access to
cheap land or live somewhere where legislation permits outdoor growth as an
acceptable practice (e.g., Colorado).
If neither applies, but you still want the experience of growing your herb outdoors—without having any actual plants—you could always try planting them in a greenhouse or setting up an indoor grow tent with artificial light instead!
Conclusion
If
you're still feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! Plenty of resources help you
choose what kind of farming method is right for your needs.
We
hope this guide has helped clarify various ways and their differences so that
you can do so confidently when it comes time for you to grow your cannabis
crop.