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Wednesdays

(20,308 posts)
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 10:27 AM Apr 2024

How can I (a beginner) begin growing plants?

Okay, so I’m a total newbie to home-growing (I once grew a small plant from a seed back in the 1970’s, but that might have been a miracle). What would be the easiest strains to grow (I’m not necessarily looking for anything strong, just a hardy plant that I can use).

I can legally grow a few plants in my home or on my property. I live in growing zone 7. I would prefer to grow indoors, but the room available never gets sunlight although the temperature stays steady between 70-80F year round.

So, what do I need to start growing? (Prefer not to have to buy a bunch of expensive equipment). And where can I legally get inexpensive seeds?

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Iwasthere

(3,376 posts)
2. I've found seeds on Facebook marketplace before
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 11:29 AM
Apr 2024

I grow Indica plants (more relaxed). Put seeds on a paper towel and keep it wet. After sprouting put them in a large pot with good soil specifically designed for this, they'llbecome massive if the pots big enough. Water often. Learn to pinch the tops now and then. Easy Peasy.

If you want higher yields learn to bend them horizontal, it turns you plant into a mega plant. Oh, it's important that you destroy any plants that begin to show seeding.

broiles

(1,400 posts)
3. The best advice I received when I started gardening was
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 11:34 AM
Apr 2024

"Don't allow yourself to be intimidated by a fern."

5X

(3,987 posts)
4. Easiest way to start is with clones if you can find them at a dispensary.
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 11:39 AM
Apr 2024

You will need sunlight or other strong lights. LED lights have gotten much cheaper. My main light cost me 150
and has vegetative and blooming settings.
I started with single led bulbs and moved plants outside during good weather for extra light.

Reading forums or You Tube has countless entries for growing tips.

Good luck.

getagrip_already

(17,404 posts)
5. Youtube used to be a priceless resource...
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 11:47 AM
Apr 2024

Then they caved to rwnj objections and shut down all the accounts that provided step by step video with trouble shooting help.

All gone now. Some landed on twitch, but even they clamped down.

Rollitup.org, the original outlaw grow site, is still there and still has valuable info, but you need thick skin. Ego's and commercial interests can make threads hard to navigate.



mike_c

(36,332 posts)
6. there are numerous books available
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 01:10 PM
Apr 2024

My local Barnes & Noble has a section of cannabis books, including propagation and growth manuals.

Emile

(29,375 posts)
7. White Widow is a very easy strain to grow and
Wed Apr 3, 2024, 01:57 PM
Apr 2024

easy to clone too. Seed to harvest is three months. 24 hour light the first month and then set your light timer to 12 hours on 12 hours off. This will trigger the plant into flowering.

https://www.cropkingseeds.com/

58Sunliner

(4,975 posts)
8. A good soil that is pretty much fool-proof is Coast of Maine Growers Platinum.
Thu Apr 4, 2024, 01:37 PM
Apr 2024

Add a little extra worm compost, maybe some of their shell based compost for the main grow. Start with a small container at first-4"-6'' and move up to a gallon container after you get a healthy small plant with true leaves and roots at the bottom, and eventually transplant into your final size after you see roots at the bottom of your 1 gallon pot. Don't crowd your plants, keep your planters free of dead plant material-attracts pests- and keep your drain trays clean. You want to keep the plants in a fairly consistent environment so they don't get stressed. You can grow outside and bring them in at night, but it is a hassle. If you have an area that gets full sun, without night time light interruption, meaning no extra lights coming on that will cause problems, you could grow outside. I am going to go that route this year, I live in zone 7a.

MiHale

(10,707 posts)
9. Hi there!...
Thu Apr 4, 2024, 01:57 PM
Apr 2024

I have a fairly longish post on the new grow I started this winter. The growing of cannabis has undergone a tremendous change in the last 20 years or so. Tons of info out there, maybe too much it can get confusing. If you think politics is divisive hang on to your hat.
Seeds are easy to get online. There are seed banks that represent many different breeders, kinda like a supermarket. Then there are the small artisan breeders. At first I’d say stick with the bigger banks first till you get your feet under yourself.
Bigger question is … type of plant, a photoperiod type that requires lighting changes you make to move it from a vegetation state to flower or an Autoflower type that moves through the changes all on its own with no input from you. This is the first question you need to answer.

Here’s some help…
https://2fast4buds.com/news/Photoperiod-vs-Autoflowers-Which-One-is-Better

https://www.democraticunderground.com/127911554

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