About this Book
Without seeming too contrary, the first and primary tip I would like to offer to the potential farmer is, in fact, rather contradictory to a book that focuses on indoor gardening: Whenever possible, grow outdoors. I realize that the budding apprentice indoor grower may not want to accept this. But I cannot emphasize enough the importance and the completeness of the outdoor environment. At least consider the possibility, it may help you better appreciate what it is you are trying to duplicate.
Having said that, there are a number of gardening principles and practices that contribute to successful indoor cultivation of exceptional cannabis. The chapters in Section I cover the important facets of the garden environment and describe what to do at each stage of the plant life cycle in order to produce a garden of the utmost quality.
No matter how scrupulously a gardener maintains a loving environment for cannabis, quality genetics are the other essential ingredient to arrive at exceptional results. Section II of this book discusses the art of breeding Fine Quality Cannabis.
1. I refer to these strains as the Heritage Strains. They are discussed in detail in Chapter 17.
2. Some loose and some from stick. The Golden or Highland Thai became known as “Juicy Fruit Thai” and the Chocolate Thai crossed with the Highland Oaxacan became known as “Purple Thai”—both were sweet, fruity Thai’s.
Section I
Cultivating for Quality
1
Safety First
Let’s first examine the primary influence for current-day indoor cultivation: security. And why is security an issue? To protect one’s valuables from rip-offs and the law. These are two distinct and primary security concerns: legal (persecution by the law) and criminal (unscrupulous cads). Fortunately, “out of sight, out of mind” is the goal to achieve for both of our adversaries. I often wonder if “cops and robbers” got together and decided to team up against the passive and successful farmer. Time will tell. In the meantime successful concealment is rule #1. “Out of sight” is a good start, but by no means a complete solution. There are, however, a few other precautions one can take.
I believe that the basic rules involve a simple karmic mantra: Don’t Be Greedy. Do not, under any circumstances, steal electricity or damage rental property. If one follows these two simple rules, one is already 99% ahead of the game. For those who choose to grow for their income, another is to not flaunt one’s acquired wealth. Discretion is, after all, the better part of valor.
Absolute rule number one is: Never Tell (Show) Anyone. If followed impeccably, these criteria insure a probable success.
I survived the nightmarish 1980s and early ’90s and preserved my seed collection from behind a veil of poverty. This tactic, however, is one that can’t be faked. Urban ghettoes and low-rent trailer parks prove quite useful in disguising wealth, but extra caution regarding the physical security of the property is important in these environments. They require that one learn all there is to know about doors, locks and windows, and then add other security measures such as video surveillance, landscaping for security and computer automated grow and security systems that can be monitored and run online. Unless or until one can afford the securities of affluence, middle- to upper-class neighborhoods afford the best security options.
Simple Anti-Theft Tactics
There are two types of thieves to be concerned with: professional and random. Random theft is often minimized by any of a number of simple tactics, such as leaving a “decoy” booty easily found but difficult to carry. One form of such “insurance” is to leave a big canvas bag or jar of change (a couple of hundred dollars worth) next to an entryway in an obvious, unmissable place—that way, if the thief is a desperate junky (random thief), they will likely snag the heavy bag or jar and be on their way. There are a number of ways to decoy would-be thieves away from one’s grow space. A little imagination and a creative mind go a long way in this capacity. As for thieves in general, there is little beyond the “out of sight, out of mind” remedy that needs to be employed.
Controlling Telltale Odor
One security factor that can betray the herbal producer is odor. Modern technology has provided the indoor herbalist an adequate tool—the in-line charcoal exhaust system. These systems contain a charcoal air filter placed in-line with the exhaust fan. The result, especially when combined with either a negative ion or ozone generator, eliminates the odors including those associated with indoor herbal cultivation. The in-line charcoal exhaust system is run constantly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The external filter in this system (which wraps around the charcoal filter) needs to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly and the charcoal filter itself changed periodically.
For outdoor odor problems, distance from any nosy noses is preferred. Other than that, companion plants that mask odor with their own may work. Plants such as herbs, scented flowers and bushes may help camouflage odors. Covering plants with plastic over a “tunnel” frame made of re-bar or PVC pipe in the fall helps conceal the garden from curious noses and eyes. This also works as a small greenhouse, protecting the plants from colder temperatures.
Electricity Basics
Learn your electric system, including its limits and overall set-up. When in doubt, hire a confidential professional. It is never a good thing when one’s grow set-up starts a fire or worse, causes serious damage. Common sense and the ability to pay close attention are mandatory requirements in this regard. The efficient use of electricity is also helpful for successful indoor gardening. Two energy saving techniques are running one’s lights at night to best recycle the heat generated by HID lighting, and recycling heat from the home indoor garden into one’s living area to help lower overall energy usage. Another simple approach is to understand the limits of one’s grow environment. Primarily, never overload the electrical system.
A Final Note on Security
Aside from concealing very bright artificial light sources and odor, noise and disposal of wastes are aspects of production that require detailed scrutiny and planning. There are many fine published works that deal directly with the issues of successful concealment. Thoroughly consult a few of these manuals to learn from others’ experiences. One last suggestion that I can add is: Keep it small.
Someday, hopefully soon, the insanity will recede and concealment will no longer be an issue. Even then, I’m sure many will still opt to keep a “hobby garden” in the closet. It is with these saner times in mind that I proceed.
2
Sprouting and Planting Tips
Sprouting for Success
I prefer sprouting seed using the wet paper towel method. Take six sheets of white paper towel and fold them to a roughly 5" × 6" square (approximately twenty-four layers thick). Soak this in water. Place the seeds in the centerfold with twelve layers above and twelve layers below them. Keep the pad wet and the seeds will sprout in one to ten days. On rare occasions I’ve had seeds take up to two weeks to sprout. The ideal temperature for sprouting seeds is around 70 degrees F. Higher temperatures hasten the sprouting time, but also increase the chance of infection and promote stem stretching.
The