Growing your own cannabis can become a tricky business, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment. Having the essential tools is a requirement for growing a healthy crop; not only can it determine the health of your cannabis plants, but it can make all the difference when trying to grow large potent buds with high THC contents. If you are a Canadian with your ACMPR license to grow medicinal marijuana, using the proper equipment is especially important. But whether you are growing for medical or recreational reasons, chances are you have high hopes for your cannabis. To achieve what you’re hoping for, be sure to incorporate these four pieces of essential equipment for your grow room.
Temperature and Humidity Gauge
Two of the most common errors when it comes to weed growing relate to temperature and humidity problems. If the temperature of the grow room is too hot or too cold, your plants won’t develop properly. Your plants will like the temperature to be a bit warmer in the vegetative state – between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit – and a bit cooler during flowering – between 65 and 80 degrees. Having a temperature gauge in your grow room is key for this reason. Be sure to place the gauge under the lights just above the plant canopy; it will be much hotter underneath the lights than above it.
Same goes for the room’s humidity. A room that is too humid leads to problems like mildew, mold, and root rot. A grow room that is too dry can potentially lead to dehydrated thirsty plants. The grow room should be around 50% humidity, so using a gauge to detect this is a smart idea.
Microscope or Magnifying Glass
Another major issue for growers is harvesting the plants too soon or too late. New growers especially get eager when picking their crops and often chop them down before they are ready. Who can blame them though? Testing the cannabis after the long growing process is the most exciting part? The best way to determine whether your plants are ready for picking is with a powerful magnifying glass or microscope. By examining your plants closely, you’ll see that they are ready for harvest once the majority of trichomes – or tiny hairs – on the buds have turned a combination of rich amber and cloudy white.
pH Meter
When your plants are given water that is too acidic or too basic they can fall flat. Testing your water before giving it to the plants is crucial to make sure it is at the proper pH – ideally somewhere around 6.2, but it can range from 5.5 to about 7. Using a digital pH meter is the most accurate way to test your water.
Carbon Filter
We all know that marijuana has a distinct pungent smell, and this is the biggest giveaway when growing from your home. Even if you love the aromas given off by your cannabis plants, the neighbors probably won’t. The best way to reduce the strong skunky odor given off by your grow room is to invest in a carbon filter. It works by filtering out contaminants, allergens, and most importantly odors from the air. If you have received a medicinal license allowing you a high plant count, your grow room is bound to be stinky. Having a carbon filter is also a great way to ensure the safety of your plants from theft.
