2. Always use disinfected pots and trays to avoid transferring problems like insects or infections from one generation of plants to the next.
3. It is best to clean outside or in a basement – it can be messy. Keep in mind privacy considerations: avoid conspicuous cleaning of numerous pots and tools that may tip off a nosy neighbour.
4. Dispose of used soil, roots, etc. before starting. Do not “recycle” soil, since soil that has been subjected to more than three months of heavy nutrient use can be depleted and can result in “soil-lock”. Always start with fresh soil in each grow.
5. Use gloves and work clothes as you will be using bleach.
6. Solution: 9 parts hot water, 1 part bleach (quarts).
7. Use scrub brushes and scouring pads.
8. Let stubborn stains soak. Scrub. Soak again. Repeat.
9. Air dry. Pots must, MUST be allowed to dry fully before use. Otherwise bleach residue could harm plants.
10. Once dry, rinse pots well. Ideally, use a hose to save time and effort when sterilizing many pots. Let them air dry again.
11. Sterilized pots and trays can be returned to the grow room to dry to minimize hassle and security concerns.
12. Remember to sterilize stakes also – they can carry infection too!
A cardboard box cut into little squares is an effective way to ensure that staples don't rip polyethylene sheeting. Use these when constructing your grow room and have extras on hand in case repairs are needed.
Next, you will need to make two trips: one to a local hardware store, and a second to a local grow or hydroponics shop; these can be found in most medium size cities these days. At the hardware store, you will need to purchase tools necessary for the installation of the lights and setup of timers. You will also need to pick up a number of tools (e.g. shears and at least one set of small, sharp scissors, hooks and chains for hanging lights, etc.) and other odds and ends such as buckets, a plastic measuring cup and spoons and more. If you are on a budget, many of these materials can be located in dollar stores. You definitely will not want to skimp on your hardware (such as lights) or “software” such as seed and nutrients, but you don’t exactly need a set of pewter measuring spoons. A bargain bin plastic set will do the job more than adequately. Refer to the photo essay below (“A Grow Room Shopping List”) for more details.
At your hydroponics store, you will be able to buy necessary products that won’t be available at either a hardware store or garden center. You might assume, wrongly, as I did when setting up my first garden, that the lighting section of the hardware store would have the bulbs and ballast equipment you need. Wrong. You need to go to the pros for this stuff. Come prepared and read online before going so that you know what you are looking for and can save time, or at least have a better idea of what questions to ask staff. Here, you can buy the nutrients needed for your grow. Go slowly: you don’t need to buy every advanced nutrient, additive or gadget. This trip can get expensive quickly, so keep it simple. Your “local” should also stock a variety of plastic pots, trays and the like. They will have dry soil mixes, which are much less likely to be infested with pests than bagged potting soil from the hardware store (another place you definitely don’t want to skimp to save a few bucks!).
1. Talk to NO ONE about your new hobby. You will anyway, but don’t. You can never take this back. It is normal to want to discuss, even brag about your new project. But resist the urge.
2. Even someone you trust may talk about your grow to others that are less trustworthy.
3. Consider the 24 Hour Rule: when tempted to talk about your garden to someone new, wait for a full day. If it still seems like a good idea at that time, okay. You might be surprised how often a second thought will result in a closed mouth!
4. Garbage disposal: to avoid risk of detection, dispose of anything that might cause suspicion in secured garbage bags. Avoid recycling materials (e.g. seed pods or empty nutrient bottles) if they might be discovered, for instance by someone searching for returnable alcohol bottles in your bins. Opt for the garbage instead.
5. Leaves culled from plants and trim from harvest can be kept in a green bin in your grow room work area. When disposing of vegetative material, be sure to hide this green garbage in food scraps, for instance.
6. Make a habit of conducting weekly checks for smell or any other sign that might advertise your garden. Take steps to address security “leaks” proactively.
7. Soil that has been spent can easily be spread in a home garden if you have access to one. You may want to spread it after dark or as part of regular home gardening (the non-cannabis variety) to avoid attracting suspicion.
• You can get a lot of stuff at your local hardware store (but not lights!). You should go to a hydroponic store for “dedicated” grow tools and nutrients, such as these from General Hydroponics:
• Demineralized water
• Spray bottle of water for clones
• Nutrients and nutrient guide
• Measuring cup, water bucket, and spoons
• Seed/clone pods, bubbles, trays, medium (1 gallon)
• Large pots (3 gallon) with holes in base for drainage
• Potting soil
• Newspaper for lining pots (keep in soil/roots)
• Stakes and green garden ties (for maximizing proximity to lights as they grow)
