Highland Oaxacan, Lowland Colombian Red, High Coastal Colombian Gold, a nice Guerreroan Green Spike, various Hawaiian and Jamaican, a “woody” Mexican Flower-top and a Piney/Citral from India that I called “Gin Blossom.” I had also been working with a few of the more special local treats (from the prized few sinsemilla that had a renegade seed or two in them). Another aspect I attribute to my success is a very sensitive, discerning and educated palate.
After a couple of years of working the breeder’s magic and performing the necessary crosses, the Sweet Kush Indicas arrived in 1981. These ranged in luscious flavors from honey to various fruits and berries. “Blueberry Kush” became the herb of choice for many from then on. Several more years of research and development yielded the floral and blossom flavors of “Flo” and “Blue Velvet.”
The late ’80s and early ’90s were some of the hardest years on us. CAMP escalated to a frenzy and Operation Green Merchant went after the indoor farmers and their equipment suppliers. Mandatory minimum sentences proved to be a further burden on the community. We were forced further underground—deeper and smaller. It was a very rough go for a while there. We were scraping the bottom during those lean years. I quickly learned that the best camouflage in regard to greed-heads was under a veil of poverty, or for those who could afford it, the security of affluence. Then I tenaciously waited for the sun to shine again. That’s how I protected and continued my humble and precious stash. The sun seems to be shining a little bit lately. The clouds are slowly parting in many areas of the world. In parts of Canada, Europe, the South Pacific and even some places in the States, many people are beginning to lighten up their attitudes toward cannabis. I do hope that the trend continues and our cannabis consciousness has a chance to expand and grow a little further. As for the long run, I know a few things for certain. We will survive. And the sun will shine again. It is merely a matter of time.
About this Book
Without seeming too contrary, the first and primary tip I would like to offer to the potential farmer is, in fact, rather contradictory to a book that focuses on indoor gardening: Whenever possible, grow outdoors. I realize that the budding apprentice indoor grower may not want to accept this. But I cannot emphasize enough the importance and the completeness of the outdoor environment. At least consider the possibility, it may help you better appreciate what it is you are trying to duplicate.
Having said that, there are a number of gardening principles and practices that contribute to successful indoor cultivation of exceptional cannabis. The chapters in Section I cover the important facets of the garden environment and describe what to do at each stage of the plant life cycle in order to produce a garden of the utmost quality.
No matter how scrupulously a gardener maintains a loving environment for cannabis, quality genetics are the other essential ingredient to arrive at exceptional results. Section II of this book discusses the art of breeding Fine Quality Cannabis.
1. I refer to these strains as the Heritage Strains. They are discussed in detail in Chapter 17.
2. Some loose and some from stick. The Golden or Highland Thai became known as “Juicy Fruit Thai” and the Chocolate Thai crossed with the Highland Oaxacan became known as “Purple Thai”—both were sweet, fruity Thai’s.
Section I
Cultivating for Quality
1
Safety First
Let’s first examine the primary influence for current-day indoor cultivation: security. And why is security an issue? To protect one’s valuables from rip-offs and the law. These are two distinct and primary security concerns: legal (persecution by the law) and criminal (unscrupulous cads). Fortunately, “out of sight, out of mind” is the goal to achieve for both of our adversaries. I often wonder if “cops and robbers” got together and decided to team up against the passive and successful farmer. Time will tell. In the meantime successful concealment is rule #1. “Out of sight” is a good start, but by no means a complete solution. There are, however, a few other precautions one can take.
I believe that the basic rules involve a simple karmic mantra: Don’t Be Greedy. Do not, under any circumstances, steal electricity or damage rental property. If one follows these two simple rules, one is already 99% ahead of the game. For those who choose to grow for their income, another is to not flaunt one’s acquired wealth. Discretion is, after all, the better part of valor.
Absolute rule number one is: Never Tell (Show) Anyone. If followed impeccably, these criteria insure a probable success.
I survived the nightmarish 1980s and early ’90s and preserved my seed collection from behind a veil of poverty. This tactic, however, is one that can’t be faked. Urban ghettoes and low-rent trailer parks prove quite useful in disguising wealth, but extra caution regarding the physical security of the property is important in these environments. They require that one learn all there is to know about doors, locks and windows, and then add other security measures such as video surveillance, landscaping for security and computer automated grow and security systems that can be monitored and run online. Unless or until one can afford the securities of affluence, middle- to upper-class neighborhoods afford the best security options.
Simple Anti-Theft Tactics
There are two types of thieves to be concerned with: professional and random. Random theft is often minimized by any of a number of simple tactics, such as leaving a “decoy” booty easily found but difficult to carry. One form of such “insurance” is to leave a big canvas bag or jar of change (a couple of hundred dollars worth) next to an entryway in an obvious, unmissable place—that way, if the thief is a desperate junky (random thief), they will likely snag the heavy bag or jar and be on their way. There are a number of ways to decoy would-be thieves away from one’s grow space. A little imagination and a creative mind go a long way in this capacity. As for thieves in general, there is little beyond the “out of sight, out of mind” remedy that needs to be employed.
Controlling Telltale Odor
One security factor that can betray the herbal producer is odor. Modern technology has provided the indoor herbalist an adequate tool—the in-line charcoal exhaust system. These systems contain a charcoal air filter placed in-line with the exhaust fan. The result, especially when combined with either a negative ion or ozone generator, eliminates the odors including those associated with indoor herbal cultivation. The in-line charcoal exhaust system is run constantly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The external filter in this system (which wraps around the charcoal filter) needs to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly and the charcoal filter itself changed periodically.
For outdoor odor problems, distance from any nosy noses is preferred. Other than that, companion plants that mask odor with their own may work. Plants such as herbs, scented flowers and bushes may help camouflage odors. Covering plants with plastic over a “tunnel” frame made of re-bar or PVC pipe in the fall helps conceal the garden from curious noses and eyes. This also works as a small greenhouse, protecting the plants from colder temperatures.
Electricity Basics
Learn your electric system, including its limits and overall set-up. When in doubt, hire a confidential professional. It is never a good thing when one’s grow set-up starts
