A compact Guide To Cannabis Hydroponic Cultivation
Indoor weed growing is on the rise, all thanks to the amount of flexibility one obtains through the process. For instance, you no longer require having a huge apartment or a backyard garden in order to get started. Plus, you have complete control over the plant, meaning you can cultivate weed almost any time of the year.
One of the most preferred ways of growing cannabis is through a hydroponic system. As the name suggests, this method of cultivation mainly involves water as the primary medium. And since the plant doesn’t get any natural nutrients found in the soil from water, the growers are required to manually add all the vital nutrients for the plant to thrive and survive.
Even though every basic hydroponic system works in a similar fashion, the forms may differ based on the grower’s preferred setup.
In this article, we will cover most of the aspects of the hydroponic system, but first, let’s take a look at some of the advantages it has to offer:
The advantages of using the hydroponic system to grow weed
One of the major advantages of using the hydroponic system to grow weed is that it promotes faster growth of plants compared to soil medium.Visit i49 to find out about the wide range of cannabis products.
You can expect the plants to grow 30% to 50% faster while offering larger yields. This is because the nutrients in hydroponic setups are much more readily available to the plants. The nutrients do not require navigating through the soil to reach the plants, meaning they have direct access to the root system.
With easy access, the plants end up preserving their energy, therefore using it in the right place that is towards the plant’s growth instead.
What materials do you need to get started with a DIY hydroponic system?
In order to create a basic indoor setup, you will require things like:
- Lighting (LEDs or HPS)
- Hydroponic reservoir and tray
- Growing medium (Rockwood, coco coir, etc.)
- Ventilation fan and ducting tubes
- Oscillating fan
- Hygrometer
- PH and PMM meters
- Carbon filters
- Seeds
- Net mesh planting pots
- Airstone and pump
- Grow tent
- Lighting hangers
- Hydroponic nutrients
How much does it cost to grow weed with hydroponic?
Typically everyone assumes that hydroponic systems are high-tech systems, meaning one may require investing in flashing lights, automated switches, ticking timers, and all the other fancy equipment.
But you must know that hydroponic systems can be created without breaking the bank. For instance, the simple plastic bucket will work well, too. You can also invest in cheap hydroponic starter kits that are available for under $200 and contains everything you require, from sowing to harvesting cannabis.
What is a growing medium?
To get started with growing cannabis using a hydroponic system, you will require selecting a growing medium to hold the intersection of the stem and roots in place.
From the growing medium, the roots will grow down in search of nutrients into the water. This inert medium also offers adequate access to air to the top of the roots.
The growers can use a wide range of different mediums, but the following are some of the common mediums. Each of these has its unique benefit and can prove better based on the system you have. So, experimentation is key to harness the best outcome
- Clay pebbles: Clay pebbles are one of the most popular options as they offer an incredible aerating system to the roots. Sometimes, the grower may require altering the PH so the plants can be offered a proper growing environment. Besides, it is also possible to purchase pre-altered pebbles to avoid PH alterations altogether. Regardless, ensure to place them in a plastic hydroponic basket that provides space for the roots to grow.
- Rockwool: Rockwool is yet another widespread option created using volcanic rocks and wool texture. Rockwool has the incredible capacity to maintain water, therefore allowing good hydration to the upper root system. Rockwool can be lodged directly into the bucket’s top or placed within the hydroponic basket.
- Perlite: This porous, white-colored volcanic rock tends to expand when exposed to high temperatures. Perlite is often employed in garden soils to offer aeration, making it beneficial to hydroponic growing medium for weed.
- Coco coir: Coco coir is nothing but fibers from the shells of coconuts that offers the best aeration and moisture retention, therefore making it the best and sustainable option for the growing medium. Coco coir also helps in protecting the roots from the infection that can be a result of the plant-stimulating hormone.
- Wood chips: These are the best organic and biodegradable solution for the growing medium that will last for a long time, too.
What are the best hydroponic growing setups to help the plant thrive and survive?
Once you have selected a suitable growing medium, it is time to choose a hydroponic system. Even though all the systems have similar functions and utilize nutrient-enriched water solutions to help your cannabis grow, but setups can vary widely based on some factors like circulation and water exposure.
Here are some systems you can purchase in the market, but if you have the DIY skills, then you can always make one using buckets, pumps, drills, and air stones.
1- Deepwater culture: A deep-water culture is a good option for beginners to get started because it is the cheapest hydroponic setup option. In this setup, the plant is placed in a bucket that is filled with nutrient-rich solution and an air pump. The air pump works to offer a continuous supply of oxygen to the plants.
2- Ebb and flow: Also referred to as flood and drain, the ebb and flow setup system comprises various buckets that are suspended above the growing tray, which contains both water inlet and outlet. Both the waterways are attached to an external tank filled with nutrients, an air stone for aeration purposes, and a pump to transfer the water into the growing tray.
And since the water keeps frequently flooding in this system, the roots aren’t submerged continuously. This means the roots get a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients every now and then. As soon as the pump cycle ends, the water drains back into the external tanks.
Ebb and flow works well for periodic feeding, too, and allows growers to tend to the plants when the tray is empty.
3- Drip system: This system works in a similar fashion as a drip irrigation system. The setup comprises a large tray stocked with grow mediums such as clay pebbles. The plants are directly placed into the medium, and each plant has its own drip pipe near to it.
Another water tank consisting of air stones and pump continuously supplies drip-feed of water to each plant. This means the roots are continuously exposed to air while the excess water keeps dripping in the medium and back into the external tank.
4- Nutrient film technique: Nutrient film technique is similar to growing cannabis over a river. In this system, the plants are placed into a tube that is slightly tilted so the water can enter from one side and exit from the other.
The roots grow down in the tube and are continuously exposed to the flowing water.
The water from the tanks enters the tube due to the pump and air stone and returns back once the cycle is complete.
5- Wick system: This is a basic hydroponic setup that employs a growing tray, the same as the drip system stocked with clay pebbles. Beneath the tray is a water tank through which various wicks enter and exit the growing medium.
Water seeps in using the wick and then passively hydrates the medium, meaning the system doesn’t require a pump.
6- Aeroponics: These are the most technologically forward inventions that use misted water dispersed through the air to improve aeration and hydration efficiency.
In this setup, the plants are placed on the top of the large tank that is filled with 25% water in the bottom. Underneath the water, there is a pump that pushes the water into the misters beneath the root systems. These mists continue to soak the roots, allowing the plant to obtain a good quantity of air and water.
Signing off
For an observer, a hydroponic system can definitely seem intimidating. However, simplicity is key when it comes to getting started. So, focus on important aspects like choosing the appropriate strain and understanding the plant’s environmental needs. Once that is sorted, go through the tips we suggested above.
Trust us; hydroponic setup can prove rewarding when done right!
