four square feet) is used for drying and curing bud, as well as storage of other supplies such as mason jars (for bottling bud), shelving (for raising seedlings closer to the T5s when other, larger plants must also be under the lights), additional nutrients (for feeding), and additional light bulbs as well as other miscellaneous gear.
Beyond this, I have also installed a good set of stereo speakers so that I can easily play music or listen to the ball game on the radio. This might seem like a small detail, but given that even a small grow can be a time consuming hobby, it is important to have such creature comforts ready to go when possible. Cold beer and a vaporizer are also steps away. As a result, I’m more than happy to spend hours each week in my secret garden.
Hot air rises! Raise your exhaust vent and be sure to make the exhaust tube light-tight so that no light from outside can disturb sleeping beauties.
The only real shortfall of this setup is the lack of easy access to water. There is no sink in the basement and consequently I must lug pails of water downstairs each day. This is something I want to address in the future. If you have a small work sink (as one would typically find in a laundry room) nearby for watering plants and cleaning up, that is a big plus.
Since I began this grow journal with some plants already partially matured, there are two Master Kush females in my home garden as of right now. They are confirmed females since they were grown from previously sexed clones taken from a mother plant. Master Kush is a pure indica strain. Typical of the Kush family, it really packs a punch in terms of effects, but I chose to grow it because it has a relatively “small nose” (i.e. it doesn’t stink like some more skunky strains), and has a clean taste when vaporized – just a hint of pine needles and maybe a bit of lemon but the weed itself really shines through.
The grow journal that follows documents the continuation of this strain: I start by taking several new Master Kush clones to propagate the next generation of plants. It also involves the germination of a new strain in my garden: Tangerine Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid. I am growing these from seed that came billed as a good “daytime smoke” since Tangerine is supposed to taste of citrus and to cultivate a cerebral rather than body high. The idea here is to create a crop of plants that can be alternated for use during the day and at night.
Be sure to secure all wires to make your garden a safe workspace.
Timers and power bars should be kept off the floor. It is a good idea to label each wire with a nametag. This takes the guesswork out of unplugging lights or other appliances when needed.
Smaller, single tube T5s can be easily added to compact grow spaces.
Since this grow, I’ve graduated to more than a dozen different strains (and counting) as I continue to experiment with new growing methods and new strains. I also like to renew the genetics of each plant strain (starting over from seed) at least once a year, and this allows me to decommission particular strains when I have created an adequate supply and to then move on to new ones or to reintroduce strains of times gone past. With some preparation and a bit of hard work, you can be here too. Let’s take a look at how to get you there.
Detail number one is perhaps the most crucial consideration: where to grow? Your first task will be to survey and prepare the location of your grow room or rooms. There isn’t really a limit on the size of your grow space, apart from the amount of physical space you have to work with, and what you can easily manage. A grow can also be very compact, sometimes no larger than a moderately sized closet.
Above all, choose a location that is secure. Account for daily use of the space in your home or apartment. Will guests or visitors such as repair people need and be able to access this space? Ideally, the answer to this will be no. Choose a space that is inconspicuous. Your space will also be one that can quickly be swept clear if, for instance, a furnace repair or emergency visit from a plumber is required nearby. It should be a space that can be locked. This is also a consideration for would-be gardeners who have kids. You’ll probably want to avoid a conversation with the parents of your child’s friend about the strange, stinky garden they found while playing Hide and Go Seek at your house! You should definitely have the ability to lock it down, even if it is something that you rarely, if ever, have to do.
Basements are ideal, particularly those typical of old houses that may be little more than a glorified crawl space, unfinished and largely not subject to much traffic. Attics, which typically lack proper insulation let alone air conditioning, can be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter to use effectively. Spaces in close proximity to a washroom, laundry area or even water tank are also good, provided they can be hidden, because this makes watering your garden less time consuming. Watering plants will be the most time consuming part of your daily grow. You will also have a frequent need to clean up the room, the tools, and even yourself. Hauling water buckets up and down some stairs isn’t the end of the world, but it is also not ideal. Choose a space that you will be comfortable working in; you will spend hours over the life of your garden, or even a single grow, in this space. Ask yourself this: would you choose to hang out here, even if nobody else would? Even small touches make a big difference. In my case, I purchased of a good set of speakers to allow me to play music or listen to the radio from my iPhone while working. These things matter. If tending to your garden is a drag, you’re more likely to avoid it, give it insufficient attention or otherwise make avoidable mistakes. Make this space a room into your own little haven!
One final consideration: this book details the particulars of indoor grows only. You may have an outdoor space that is ideal for growing, a cottage or farm property with a quiet space or even a fenced and heavily shielded back yard in the city, one that for instance is lush with the growth of many plants that can hide one or more marijuana plants in its leafy confines, and you might understandably be very tempted to start a grow there. However, I strongly discourage such grows. They are definitely much less secure and the chance of discovery by a friend, a would-be thief or, worst of all, a law enforcement agent also grows exponentially in these situations. Outdoor growing of any type, and most especially “guerilla” style grows (ones where you plant one or more cannabis plants surreptitiously in a public space or on property belonging to another person) are definitely not for the faint of heart.
Green lights are a must. They allow cannabis to effectively remain in the dark cycle. This is important for when you need to work in the garden at these times.
Your chosen grow space will also need to be properly wired. Ensure that you have access to an adequate number of electrical outlets before you start building; my small rooms consistently use no less than seven plugs when lights, fans, vents and, occasionally, space heaters are considered. If you will be using extension cords, they should be secured to reduce the chances of tripping or immersing in spilled water.
Power bars and timers (or best, power bars with timer functionality) are a must to control different light schedules. Finally, do some rough and easy to figure calculations: does your home or apartment have sufficient
