9 Steps to Grow Weed At Home Without Equipment

Growing weed at home isn’t as dramatic as you might think. Just ask my neighbor who’s growing it in a flower bed outside his bedroom window. With seeds, good soil, and a little know-how, you too can easily cultivate your own cannabis. Here is my step-by-step guide on how to grow weed at home without any specialized equipment.

1. Check Your Local Cannabis Laws

Before attempting to grow weed at home, it’s crucial to check your local laws about growing cannabis. Regulations can vary widely between localities. For example, in Canada, adults can grow up to four plants per household, while in some U.S. states like Colorado, the limit is six plants per adult.

Then you have states like Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Wyoming where growing weed is illegal. So, make sure your cannabis-growing plans are on the right side of the law before you get started!

2. Prep Your Grow Space

When figuring out where to grow weed at home, you must consider a cannabis plant’s basic needs: sunlight, warmth, and air. If you have a sunny window or outdoor space, great! Weed plants grow best in temperatures between 65-85°F with proper airflow.

Next, you need to decide where you’ll grow your plants—indoors or outdoors. If you grow weed indoors, you’ll have more control over environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity. A small room, closet, or even a grow tent (around 3 feet square and 6 feet tall) can work for one or two plants.

Other factors to consider before growing marijuana indoors are:

• Light Sealing: Ensure your indoor space is light-sealed to keep outside light from messing with your plants’ growth cycles.
• Reflective Surfaces: Using white or reflective materials on indoor walls can help maximize the light your plants receive.
• Ventilation: Don’t forget to include openings for airflow to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels.

3. Select Cannabis Strain

Choosing the right strain is essential. Think about what you want from your weed. Are you after relaxation? Consider an indica strain. Need a boost of energy? Go for a sativa. If you’re a beginner, start with easy-to-grow strains that are forgiving of newbie mistakes. Examples of beginner-friendly strains that don’t need a fancy farming setup are skunk weed, Northern Lights, and White Widow.

4. Plant Cannabis Seeds

Once your space to grow weed at home is ready, it’s time to plant, and for that, you need seeds. Place your selected cannabis seeds in healthy, moist soil. Keep the soil moist but not soaked and wait for your seeds to sprout!

Depending on your space and resources, you can choose between several options to grow weed at home (indoors or outdoors). These options include:

• Flower Pots: Flower pots are a popular recommendation among home growers. They offer flexibility because you can move the pots around to optimize light exposure. Plus, they come in various sizes, making it easy to adjust depending on your plant’s growth stage. Just ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Grow Bags: Grow bags are a popular alternative to traditional pots. These fabric containers allow for better airflow to the roots, helping prevent overwatering. They’re lightweight and inexpensive, making them great for beginner growers. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, from small to large bags that can support multiple plants.
• Flower Beds: If you have an outdoor space, planting in flower beds allows your weed to grow naturally with plenty of room for the roots to spread. Outdoor beds also benefit from natural sunlight, but you’ll need to ensure your plants are well-protected from pests and extreme weather.
• Raised Beds: Raised beds provide excellent drainage and prevent soil compaction. They allow you to customize the soil mix for optimal plant growth. However, this method requires a bit more setup and space but yields strong, healthy plants.
• Hydroponic Systems: For those wanting a more advanced setup, hydroponic systems let you grow weed without soil, using nutrient-rich water. While these systems offer faster growth, they require more maintenance and knowledge.

5. Monitor and Manage Growth

Once your seedlings pop up, it’s time to give them some light. Aim for 16 to 18 hours of light each day. Keep temperatures between 75-80°F and humidity around 60-70%. Ensure good ventilation so your plants get fresh air.

After about 4 to 6 weeks in the vegetative stage, it’s time to switch things up. At this stage of your how to grow weed at home journey, change the light cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. This triggers the flowering stage. Keep temperatures between 65-80°F and lower humidity to prevent mold.

6. Watering and Nutrients

When it comes to watering, check the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. A crucial part of learning how to grow weed at home is being careful not to overdo watering—too much water can lead to root rot. Use nutrient-rich soil or add fertilizers designed for cannabis at different growth stages.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Managing pests and diseases is a crucial part of learning to grow weed at home. Keep an eye on your plants by regularly checking for pests or diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases you might encounter while growing cannabis and tips for removing them:

• Spider Mites: Look for tiny webs and yellowing leaves. Increase humidity and spray with water. For severe infestations, use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Aphids: Symptoms include sticky honeydew and curled leaves. Introduce ladybugs or wipe them off with a damp cloth. Organic insecticides can help if needed.
• Whiteflies: Identify them by small white flying insects. Use yellow sticky traps or apply insecticidal soap for control.
• Fungus Gnats: Look for small flies and weak seedlings. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and use yellow sticky traps.
• Powdery Mildew: Recognizable by white spots on leaves. Remove the affected plant parts and improve airflow within your grow space. Also, spritz the plant with a water-baking soda mix.
• Root Rot: Signs include wilting and dark roots. Ensure proper drainage and repot with fresh soil if affected.

If you’d rather prevent problems instead of fixing them, maintain cleanliness and ensure your cannabis plants receive proper nutrients and light to minimize risks.

8. Harvest and Dry

When the trichomes on your buds are milky white with a touch of amber, it’s time to harvest. Cut the branches and hang them upside down in a dark, ventilated area to dry. This helps preserve their flavor and potency. Learn more about how to dry cannabis here.

9. Cure Harvested Cannabis

Once your buds are dry, place them in airtight jars for curing. This process can take several weeks, but it really enhances the flavor and potency of your cannabis. Just remember to “burp” the jars daily by opening them to release moisture.

Learn more about how to cure cannabis here. Alternatively, you can enjoy your product as uncured weed or turn it into concentrates like live resin and distillate carts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best growers run into problems from time to time. Here are a few common issues and how to handle them:

• Yellowing Leaves: This could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Check your nutrient levels and adjust as needed.
• Stunted Growth: If your plants aren’t growing well, it might be due to lack of light or improper watering. Make sure they’re getting enough light and the right amount of water.
• Pests: If you notice pests, act quickly! Organic pesticides can help manage infestations without harming your plants.

Additional Tips for Growing Cannabis Indoors

i. Lighting and Ventilation

If you’re growing indoors, consider using carbon filters to limit odors. Also, plants need fresh air to thrive, so proper airflow is crucial when learning how to grow weed at home. Open a window or place your plants in a spot where air flows naturally. This will help maintain the right temperature and humidity levels, preventing mold or pests.

 If using natural growing methods make the most of natural light by placing your plant near a sunny window or outdoors. This will provide 12-18 hours of sunlight per day and maximize natural lighting efficiency by using reflective materials to concentrate more light on your plants.

ii. Watering

The key to how to grow weed at home without equipment is to keep it simple. Water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. You don’t need special systems—just a bottle or cup will do. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

iii. Soil Quality

When learning how to grow weed at home, consider using regular garden soil. Just make sure it drains well and isn’t packed with rocks or debris. Nutrient-rich soil will help your plants grow stronger without additional fertilizers.

iv. Space Optimization

You don’t need a huge area to grow weed. A small room, closet, or even a balcony can work. Aim for a space about 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall if you’re growing indoors. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and light-sealed to prevent outside light from affecting the growth.

FAQs: How to Grow Weed At Home

Here are my answers to the most popular questions regarding growing weed at home.

Is it legal to grow weed at home?

The legality of growing weed at home depends on where you live. Some states and countries allow home cultivation with specific limits, while others don’t permit it at all. Always check your local laws before starting.

What’s the easiest strain to grow weed at home?

Most beginner guides on how to grow weed at home recommend strains like Northern Lights, Blue Dream, or White Widow. These strains are beginner-friendly because they’re hardy, resistant to pests, and don’t require expert-level care to thrive.

Do I need special equipment to grow weed at home?

While specialized equipment like grow lights, fans, and nutrient solutions can help, it’s possible to grow weed at home without expensive gear. You can use natural sunlight, basic pots, and organic soil to get started.

How long does it take to grow weed at home?

Growing weed at home typically takes 3-6 months from seed to harvest, depending on the strain and growing conditions. Autos tend to grow faster, completing their cycle in as little as 8-10 weeks.

Can I grow weed indoors without grow lights?

Yes, you can grow weed at home without grow lights if you have access to a sunny window or outdoor space where the plants can receive enough natural light. However, grow lights help maintain control over the light cycle, which is crucial for plant growth.

What kind of soil should I use to grow weed at home?

A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is best for growing weed at home. Look for soil with a mix of organic matter like compost, perlite, and peat moss for better water retention and root growth.

How often should I water my weed plants at home?

Watering frequency depends on the size of your plants and growing conditions. Generally, you should water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your pots have good drainage.

Can I grow weed at home in small spaces?

Yes! You can grow weed in small spaces like closets or tents using compact strains like autoflowers, which stay shorter and require less space. Vertical gardening setups can also help maximize your space.

How do I avoid pests when growing weed at home?

To avoid pests, keep your grow area clean and use organic pest control methods like neem oil or beneficial insects. Make sure your plants have proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent mold and pests.

Do I need to prune my weed plants when growing at home?

Yes, pruning can help improve light penetration and air circulation, which leads to healthier plants. Remove large fan leaves and any dead or damaged parts to encourage growth and improve yield.

Can I grow weed at home using seeds or clones?

You can grow weed at home using seeds or clones. Seeds are more readily available and offer more strain variety, while clones can speed up the process since they’re already partially grown.

What’s the best way to dry and cure weed after harvesting at home?

After harvesting, hang your weed upside down in a cool, dark room with good airflow for 7-10 days. Once dry, cure the buds in airtight jars, opening them daily for a couple of weeks to release moisture, which improves flavor and potency.

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