No matter the industry, professionals have specialized methods to achieve better results than beginners. Just like bakers have perfected their sourdough recipes and mechanics know how to keep your car running smoothly, professional cannabis growers have their own tips and tricks to cultivate the best plants. If you’re ready to take your cannabis growing game to the next level, here are 12 insider secrets to growing cannabis like a pro.
1. Seed Quality is Key
When it comes to cannabis, starting with top-quality seeds is essential. Avoid cutting corners by using old seeds or ones from a random bag—you risk growing subpar plants or nothing at all. Invest in reputable seedbanks that offer high-quality seeds with reliable genetics, ensuring you start your growing journey with the best foundation.
2. Choose the Right Strain
Different strains thrive in different environments. Some are better suited for outdoor growing, while others are more temperamental. Work with your seedbank to select strains that match your growing conditions, and be sure to pick a strain you’ll enjoy consuming. After all, growing cannabis should be as enjoyable as the final product.
3. Start with High-Quality Mother Plants
If you want a shortcut, consider cloning from a mother plant instead of starting from seed. A healthy female plant in its vegetative stage with strong yields and buds is the perfect source for clones, giving you a head start in your cultivation journey.
4. Manage Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a significant role in cannabis growth. During the vegetative stage, keep humidity levels high (above 45%) to promote healthy growth and reduce salt buildup. However, once your plant reaches the flowering stage, lower the humidity (around 20%) to optimize bud development and prevent mold.
5. Maintain Ideal Temperatures
Cannabis plants have different temperature needs during their growth cycle. In the vegetative stage, they prefer temperatures between 70-85°F. Once they enter the flowering stage, aim to keep temperatures below 80°F. If you’re growing indoors, mimic natural temperature changes by lowering it by about 10 degrees at night.
6. Adjust Watering Before Harvest
As your plant nears harvest time, reduce its water intake during the final weeks of flowering. This stress boosts resin production and intensifies the smell and flavor of your buds. Some experienced growers let the soil dry almost completely—but if you’re new, be cautious not to overdo it.
7. Embrace a Little Stress
Purposeful stress can be beneficial for cannabis plants, enhancing terpene production for stronger aromas and flavors. Each strain responds differently, so check with your seed supplier for recommendations on how to stress your plants effectively.
8. Use Filtered Water
Cannabis plants are sensitive to the quality of water they receive. Even if you’re fine with tap water, filtered water is a safer choice for your plants. For the best results, many pros use reverse osmosis (RO) filters to provide the purest water possible.
9. Prioritize Cleanliness
Professional cannabis growers take cleanliness seriously. Many even wear special clothes and disinfect themselves before entering grow rooms to prevent pests and diseases from contaminating their crops. Keeping your grow area clean will protect your plants from harm.
10. Be Patient with Harvesting
It’s easy to get excited and harvest your plants too soon, but waiting just a little longer can significantly increase THC and terpene levels. Many growers recommend waiting an extra week beyond the time you think your plant is ready to harvest for maximum potency.
11. Slow and Steady Wins the Drying and Curing Race
After harvesting, it’s tempting to rush the drying and curing process, but patience is key to high-quality buds. Dry your cannabis for at least 7-10 days, then cure it until the stems snap rather than bend. This slow process ensures richer flavors and better aromas in your final product.
12. Choose the Right Soil Mix
The soil medium you choose plays a crucial role in the health of your cannabis plants. A high-quality soil mix like Harvest Hero Enhanced Perlite Mix can improve flower bud dry weight, plant diameter, height, and even nutrient accumulation. Its balanced combination of perlite, diatomaceous earth, and essential macronutrients provides the perfect growing environment for cannabis plants.
Final Thoughts
Growing cannabis like a pro takes time, patience, and attention to detail. From choosing the best seeds to maintaining ideal humidity and temperature levels, these 12 secrets can help you grow healthier, more potent plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, following these tips will put you on the path to success.
