Want the Best Bud? (I know…silly question!) - It’s Easier Than You Think

Fisherman and growers are similar creatures. Some like to tell tall tales about their catch or harvests and how incredible their techniques are, some are modest and humble and just work hard, but both will never give away their secrets. Well, today I’m going to spill the beans on what I consider to be the secret for growing top-shelf plants. Ready? This is going to blow your mind: the secret to growing is quality genetics and environmental conditions. Oh, I know, what a letdown. As a hydro shop owner, I always got that question, and after experimenting with so many different growing mediums, methods and nutrients, success always boiled down to the most basic of controls: the quality of the genetics and the environment in which the plants were grown.  

Genetics is a never-ending quest. To date, there are 256,000 potential genetic cross-combinations for cannabis. That’s a big number! Now, that has favorable implications and not so favorable ones. My very good friend, known only as Dr. T , is a mad geneticist. I emphasize MAD because the man is brilliant but his methods are a bit scary. Thus far, he has created 72 new strains that have “made the cut” to be preserved. In that pursuit, there have been plants with only one leaf, ones that looked like thorn bushes and others that were just plain homely. But at the same time, there were strains that blew my mind in quality, aroma, yield and aura. These strains, planted in same environment as others, were consistently healthy, robust growing plants that produced top-shelf product.

What this highlights is the power that genetics plays in final results. Take your time and be critical of what strains you do put in your garden, and don’t be afraid to move on from lousy strains…remember, there are a plenty of options. After genetics, the plant’s environment is the next most critical factor for quality results.

For indoor growing, the environment includes temperature, humidity, cleanliness, light, airflow and keeping each of those in check throughout the growing process. In indoor growing, you are nature and your plants are dependent on you to create their growing environment. Some basics are to make sure your lights have spectrums that duplicate the sun’s spectrum, fresh air, and a gentle circulation of the air.  For best results, keep temperatures in a range of 65-85 degrees F and humidity levels around 60% during the vegetative stage and 35% during the flowering stage.

Keeping outside elements such as insects and disease away is critical, so always make sure you keep those pesky outsiders out of your garden. Very important: after visiting a garden center, hydro shop or another garden, always take precautions before visiting your own garden so as not to inadvertently transport and transfer nasty hitchhikers like aphids, spider mites or whiteflies to your plants. And if you ever see any insects, mildew or similar problems, always take immediate action. Those are issues that can get out of control real fast, so knock them out with an iron fist right away.  

So there you go: the big secret that is the basis of growing quality buds for you to enjoy. From the basics, you can try different growing mediums, nutrients and methods - but as long as you are working with good genetics and have a nice home for your plants, you’ll always come out smelling like…the chronic.  Keep growing!!

Aaron

If you love your bud, kiss a grower

Video of garden Dr. T's Garden