Growing Medical Marijuana During Vegetative Cycle
Many growers are sticking to their guns and continuing to use soil as a medium while hydro and aeroponics seem to be taking over the growing world. There are mammy things to be mindful of when vegging a medical marijuana plant. There is definitely more interest in the budding stage, however if proper care and techniques are implemented during the vegetative cycle ( 18/6 Light Cycle ) the yield will be much more rewarding. Lets prepare the right way before switching to the exciting 12/12 cycle.
Many new growers user pots that will end up too small in the long run. Growers with more experience can grow a monster in as small a pot as a 2 gallon and never think twice about it. Newer growers should plan ahead and use more soil as it creates a buffer for accidents when feeding ( adding nutrients ). Newer growers should shoot for at least a 5 gallon pot for the end result. If space or soil quantity is a factor I would suggest starting the plant out in a 2-3 gallon and transplanting the 5 gallon plus at least a couple weeks before switching the light cycle to 12/12.
The vegetative cycle is the planning stage. When you are starting out it is nowhere near as exciting as the flowering stage however, once you have grows under your belt, vegging becomes more and more interesting. The reason for this is that with some knowledge and skill you can really stack the chips in your favor in the long run. Topping and LST ( Light Stress Training ) are two main concepts that can greatly increase yield if done properly in the vegetative cycle. Light stress training is done by bending the main cola over and tying it down exposing lower nodes not the stalk that would otherwise not get the necessary light to grow as fast as the main cola. The result is more main colas that you know what to do with if this process is multiplied with each main cola that appears. Topping is the cutting of top nodes exposing the underdeveloped lower nodes to more light. This process can be repeated to create many colas, however I like to only top once after extensive LST.
Its smart to take it easy on the nutrients during the early stages of vegetative growth. Good soil such as Fox Farm and Happy Frog have sufficient organic nutrients for the first 30 days of use. I would suggest not using nutrient heavy soil during cloning, then transplanting into a fox farm happy frog mix once it takes. Towards the end of the 30 days start a gradual switch to the nutrients you will be using.
Set yourself up for success during the vegetative cycle. Give the plant proper growing room and nutrients with the long term in mind. Don't let trying concepts like topping and light stress training intimidate you. With a little practice and experience of watching the end result you will be producing the harvest that you want.
Many new growers user pots that will end up too small in the long run. Growers with more experience can grow a monster in as small a pot as a 2 gallon and never think twice about it. Newer growers should plan ahead and use more soil as it creates a buffer for accidents when feeding ( adding nutrients ). Newer growers should shoot for at least a 5 gallon pot for the end result. If space or soil quantity is a factor I would suggest starting the plant out in a 2-3 gallon and transplanting the 5 gallon plus at least a couple weeks before switching the light cycle to 12/12.
The vegetative cycle is the planning stage. When you are starting out it is nowhere near as exciting as the flowering stage however, once you have grows under your belt, vegging becomes more and more interesting. The reason for this is that with some knowledge and skill you can really stack the chips in your favor in the long run. Topping and LST ( Light Stress Training ) are two main concepts that can greatly increase yield if done properly in the vegetative cycle. Light stress training is done by bending the main cola over and tying it down exposing lower nodes not the stalk that would otherwise not get the necessary light to grow as fast as the main cola. The result is more main colas that you know what to do with if this process is multiplied with each main cola that appears. Topping is the cutting of top nodes exposing the underdeveloped lower nodes to more light. This process can be repeated to create many colas, however I like to only top once after extensive LST.
Its smart to take it easy on the nutrients during the early stages of vegetative growth. Good soil such as Fox Farm and Happy Frog have sufficient organic nutrients for the first 30 days of use. I would suggest not using nutrient heavy soil during cloning, then transplanting into a fox farm happy frog mix once it takes. Towards the end of the 30 days start a gradual switch to the nutrients you will be using.
Set yourself up for success during the vegetative cycle. Give the plant proper growing room and nutrients with the long term in mind. Don't let trying concepts like topping and light stress training intimidate you. With a little practice and experience of watching the end result you will be producing the harvest that you want.
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