Cannabis cultivation is, without a doubt, an agricultural endeavor and, as such, is subject to all the problems that can plague any farm.
Pests, diseases, and stormy weather can all wreak havoc on a crop, and cannabis is no different.
While there are many ways to deal with these problems organically, sometimes using chemicals is the only way to save a crop.
Here are a few tips on how to deal with common cannabis-related problems.
1. Learn to Deal with Bad Weather
When growing outdoors, bad weather can be a grower’s worst enemy.
High winds can damage fragile plants, heavy rains can wash away nutrients, and extreme heat can stress plants and reduce yields.
While little can be done to prevent bad weather, some things can be done to mitigate the effects.
If high winds are a problem in your area, try to grow plants more resistant to wind damage.
Indica strains are generally sturdy than sativas, so they may be a good choice for windy climates. If possible, build a windbreak around your garden to help protect plants from strong gusts.
Heavy rains can leach nutrients out of the soil and wash away topsoil, damaging plant growth.
To help prevent this, make sure your garden is on a slope so that water runs off instead of pooling around plants.
You can also build raised beds to help keep roots dry and protected.
If you live in an area with scorching summers, try to grow heat-tolerant strains or choose a spot in your garden that gets some afternoon shade.
Plants stressed by heat are more susceptible to pests and diseases, so trying to keep them as cool as possible is essential.
2. Prevent Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, even the most carefully tended gardens can prey on pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are all common problems for cannabis growers, and dealing with them can be a real challenge.
The best way to deal with pests is to prevent them from getting into your garden in the first place. Start with healthy plants that have been treated for pests and diseases.
Keep your garden clean and free of debris, and remove any infested plants as soon as possible.
If you find pests in your garden, several organic pesticides can be used to eliminate them.
Diseases can also be a problem for cannabis growers.
The best way to deal with diseases is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Start with healthy plants that have been treated for pests and diseases.
Keep your garden clean and free of debris, and remove any infested plants as soon as possible.
If you find diseases in your garden, several organic fungicides can be used to eliminate them.
3. Understand Plant Nutrition
Understanding plant nutrition is one of the most important aspects of growing healthy cannabis plants.
Cannabis plants need various nutrients to grow properly, and if they don’t get enough of them, they will become unhealthy and more susceptible to pests and diseases.
The three primary nutrients that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen is responsible for leaf growth, phosphorus is responsible for root growth, and potassium is responsible for flower and fruit production.
In addition to these three nutrients, plants also need smaller amounts of other minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Most soils have enough nutrients to support plant growth, but if your soil is deficient in any of the above nutrients, you can add them to your garden as fertilizer.
There are many different types of fertilizer available, so be sure to choose one specifically designed for cannabis plants.
4. Give Your Plants Some TLC
Cannabis plants need love just like any other plant.
They need to be watered regularly, fertilized occasionally, and pruned occasionally.
They also need to be given some time to rest between growth cycles.
If you take good care of your plants, they will reward you with abundant beautiful flowers.
So don’t be afraid to give them a little TLC.
5. Know When to Harvest
Harvesting your cannabis crop is a crucial step in the growing process.
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting; if you’re even a day or two late, you could end up with lower-quality buds.
You’ll need to test to determine when to harvest your cannabis crop.
The most accurate way to test for maturity is with a digital microscope, which can be expensive. An alternative is to use a magnifying glass to inspect the trichomes on the buds. When the trichomes are mostly clear, it’s time to harvest.
Once you’ve determined it’s time to harvest, cut down the plants and hang them upside down to dry.
The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your drying area.
Once the buds are dry, they’re ready to be trimmed and packaged for storage.
6. Trim and Store Your Buds
Trimming your cannabis buds is an essential step in the post-harvest process.
Trimming helps remove excess leaves and plant matter, improving the quality and taste of your buds. It also makes them easier to store.
You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors and a clean work surface to trim your buds.
Start by removing any large fan leaves, then trim off any small leaves and excess plant matter. Once your buds are trimmed, they’re ready to be stored.
The best way to store cannabis is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Glass jars or Tupperware containers work well for storage.
If you’re storing your buds for an extended period, you can also vacuum-seal them to help preserve freshness.
Bottom Line
Cannabis is a relatively easy plant to grow, but there are still some crucial things to keep in mind if you want to grow healthy plants.
Be sure to start with healthy plants or quality cannabis seeds, understand plant nutrition, give your plants some TLC, know when to harvest, and trim and store your buds properly.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy, abundant cannabis crops.
