Marijuana Horticulture Fundamentals. K of Trichome Technologies

with oxygenated, nutrient-treated water and use them as a deep water culture system. Finally, you can simply place rockwool in the mesh baskets and use the tubes as a periodic drip feed system.

      Stack of growtubes to be cleaned.

      Always have a clean and tidy electrical system.

      Photos: Andre Grossman

Timers, Ballasts, Wiring

      A professional-quality electrical system is a must! Many growers are displaced or arrested every year because they overloaded electrical circuits or installed inferior wiring, timers, or other electrical components. The example you see here is small, simple, and professional. The ballasts, which are the white boxes at the bottom of the photo, plug into the power outlets that run to Intermatic timers (center of the photo) which are connected to a junction box that houses the main wiring and the wiring that goes to the lights themselves in a separate room. The reason for separating the ballasts and plants is to prevent any unwanted sources of heat that could elevate grow-room temperatures and cause plant growth stress or even death.

Drying Racks

      This method provides excellent airflow and is inexpensive to construct, but should have Plexiglas underneath to collect any resin glands that may fall.

      After harvesting and manicuring the buds, you can gently place them on simple drying racks such as these. For small amounts or irregular harvests, elaborate drying racks do not make sense and are usually not required. That said, for small or intermittent harvests you can stack window or door screens on top of each other with milk crates (see photo above). The screens allow for complete airflow under and on top of the buds. All trimmed leaf, also known as shake, is also placed on a rack. A dehumidifier is placed in the room and set for 0% humidity; it will need to be drained every four to six hours. A heater should be set to 75°F and placed in the center of the room. Place an oscillating fan in the room to move the air around and facilitate even drying. Rotate the buds periodically (again, every four to six hours) to facilitate complete and even drying. When shake and buds are in the drying stage you must be aware of conditions in the drying room at all times. Slow-drying buds can mold and begin to decompose; over-dried buds burn too quickly and produce a harsh, tarry smoke with diminished odor and flavor. Buds and shake usually take four to six days to dry, depending on conditions. Proper drying is kind of an art—not too fast, not too slow—and even drying is a must.

      Very simple yet very effective drying rack.

      Cannabis drying on improvised racks.

      Grow room with nutrient delivery system visible.

      Photo: Mel Frank

       CHAPTER 5

       Growing Medium

Soil vs. Hydro

      There are some pros and cons of both soil-based and soilless (hydro) growing. Refer to the chart on the following page and compare them to your capabilities and needs, weigh up the pluses and minuses, and make your own choice.

      Hydroponic gardening requires careful monitoring of your grow at all times and involves much trial and error when you are first starting out.