Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing Weed

Throwing yourself into a brand-new hobby is always exciting, but growing your own stash of weed? For sticky-icky enthusiasts, there really aren’t many things that can top watching plants grow from seed to harvest and getting elbows deep in the process.

In today’s continuation of our “Understanding the Basics of Cannabis Cultivation” series, we thought it was about time that we discussed the essential tools and all of the other equipment you’ll need not only to begin your cultivation journey but also to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your grow from the very start.

From seeds to soil, lights to fans, and scissors to pots, we’ve got you covered…

Choosing the Ideal Location for Cannabis Growth

The very first thing that all prospective ganga growers need to do, before evening considering all the kit, is find the ideal location for their garden (or crop). The factors that you need to take into account vary depending on whether you’re looking to grow indoors or out, so we’ll be splitting this section up into these two main categories.

How to choose the perfect spot to grow weed outdoors

If you’re looking to get started on a true outdoor grow, then there are 3 main things that you need to consider:

1. Sunlight – Cannabis plants thrive in sunny conditions, so choose a location where they will receive full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day, but the more, the better.
2. Soil type – Cannabis plants prefer soil that is light and airy, but most growers choose to mix up their own soil mix and plant in pots instead of directly in the ground.
3. Availability of water – Cannabis plants are thirsty, so make sure that your outdoor location is close to a reliable source of water or invest in an irrigation system.
4. Stealth and privacy – Depending on where you live, you may want to take into account the visibility of your garden from neighbors or potential passersby. Even if you live in a recreationally legal state or country, you will still need to legally keep your garden out of sight and comply with any local laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation.
5. Protection from the elements – Whether it’s strong winds, heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures, make sure to choose a location that offers some protection from the elements. This could be against a wall, under a tree, or in a greenhouse.

How to choose the perfect spot to grow weed indoors

Growing indoors means that you have complete control over your plants’ environment, but you still need to make sure that you’re choosing the right location:

1. Temperature and humidity control – Make sure to choose a room or space that is easily controlled in terms of temperature and humidity. The ideal range for cannabis growth is between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit with 40-60% humidity, depending on the stage of growth.
2. Lighting and ventilation – Indoor plants will need a good source of light, which we will discuss in more detail later, as well as proper ventilation to ensure a good flow of air and prevent issues such as mold and mildew.
3. Accessibility – Choose a space that is easily accessible for you to tend to your plants on a regular basis. This could be a spare room, closet, or even a dedicated grow tent or grow box.
4. Space and height – Keep in mind that cannabis plants can grow quite tall, so make sure to choose a location with enough vertical space for your plants to reach their full potential.

The vast majority of hobby indoor growers go down the grow tent path. Grow tents are relatively cheap, make climatic control and light management a breeze, and can be set up and pulled down quickly. They are also self-contained so the whole grow operation is in one space with minimal mess or clean-up. Tents reduce the chances of pest infestations by a huge amount, they come with reflective interiors to maximize light distribution, and often have multiple access points for easy plant maintenance.

Lighting Equipment: The Heart of Indoor Cannabis Growing

Now, let’s talk about lighting – the beating heart of any indoor cannabis growing operation. Several types of lighting equipment can be used for growing weed, each with its own pros and cons.

Fluorescent Lights

‘Fluros’ don’t offer much in terms of lighting strength or penetration, but they are cheap and easy to set up, and they are powerful enough for seedlings and clones in the first few weeks of growth.

Some growers also like to add a few fluros into their main grow tent as supplemental lighting as they can be easily hung vertically along the walls of the tent, allowing for better canopy light spread.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights

This type of lighting was seen as the ‘gold standard’ in grow lights for more than half a century, and for good reason. HID lights offer high-intensity light that is great for both vegetative growth and flower development thanks to how well they punch through the upper canopy, but they come with some downsides. HID lights have high energy consumption, heat output, and the need for ballasts and reflective hoods, which can all add up in terms of cost.

That’s not to mention that you will need to buy two different bulb types, one for veg and one for flowering (or invest in a more expensive dual-spectrum bulb). While LED lights are slowly but surely starting to overtake HID options, some growers still swear by HID lights due to the quality of the end product and the tried-and-tested results.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lights

For the longest time, LED grow lights were thought of as somewhat of a gimmick. But in recent years, LED technology has advanced significantly, and LEDs are now proving to be the top option for indoor weed cultivation.

LED lights offer much lower energy consumption, almost zero heat output, and better light spectrum coverage compared to HID lights. Good LED grow lights will actually be able to cover the entire light spectrum, and not just the blue and red spectrums like HID lights. While LED lights may have a higher initial cost, their energy efficiency and longer lifespan can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Don’t cheap out on your lighting equipment!

Remember that a decent LED grow panel will definitely come with a higher upfront investment than HIDs, but if you plan to make growing a long-term hobby, you will save in the long run due to lower energy costs and how long LEDs last.

So, which option do we suggest?

LEDs, no question about it.

If you want to get a small seedling or clone grow area set up away from your main tent, then you could also look into grabbing a cheap fluro or two.

Oh, and remember to grab a timer to control the light cycles.

Irrigation Tools for Optimal Cannabis Hydration

Your everyday home grower isn’t going to need to invest too much cheddar into irrigation. When you’re just starting out, hand watering with a watering can or even directly from the hose will do the trick, but once you start thinking about leveling up to a larger crop size or switching over to hydroponics, things get a little more complicated.

Drip irrigation systems are a popular option for larger grows, as they can be set up to run on timers and provide consistent watering throughout the day. They also allow you to customize the amount of water and nutrients each plant receives, which is important for cannabis as over-watering can lead to root rot, among other issues.

Essential Nutrients and Fertilizers for Healthy Cannabis Plants

Cannabis is a nutrient-hungry plant, and it’s important to provide the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth. Depending on your chosen growing medium, there are different types of nutrients and fertilizers that you will need:

1. Soil-based mediums – If you plan to grow your cannabis in soil, it is always best to look into either buying or making a cannabis-specific soil mix. There are more than a few great options out there, but say you live somewhere where premade soils are hard to source. In that case, you can’t go wrong with a good quality compost mixed with some coco coir and perlite. You can even look into creating your own super-soil.
2. Hydroponic systems – For hydroponic setups, it’s best to use nutrient solutions specifically made for hydroponic cannabis growth. These will typically come in two or three parts (grow, bloom, and sometimes micro) that provide all the necessary nutrients for each stage of growth. Check out our post on space buckets if you want to try an easy hydro system out.

When growing in high-quality organic soil mixes, the plants themselves will usually do a fantastic job regulating their nutrient uptake. But for hydroponic systems (pure hydro or when growing in coco-coir or clay balls), it’s important to closely monitor and adjust nutrient levels to prevent deficiencies or excesses.

Some basic nutrients and supplements that all cannabis plants need include:

• Nitrogen (N) – The most important nutrient for all plants, N helps with vegetative growth and overall plant health.

• Phosphorus (P) – Important for root development, flowering, and supporting overall plant structure.

• Potassium (K) – Helps with essential functions like photosynthesis and water retention.

• Calcium (Ca) – Vital for healthy cell growth and strong stems.

• Magnesium (Mg) – Plays a role in photosynthesis and chlorophyll production.

• Sulfur (S) – Important for plant structure, growth, and metabolism.

• Micronutrients (iron, zinc, copper, etc.) – These are essential for healthy plant development, but only needed in small amounts.

On top of these basic nutrients, there are a bunch of additives and supplements available that can help with specific stages of growth or address any nutrient deficiencies that may arise. As with any nutrient regimen, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions and not overdo it, as this can lead to nutrient burn and other issues.

Organic Fertilizers

A healthy, thriving compost heap is an organic gardener’s best friend, but that’s not where the story ends. As with most things cannabis cultivation related, the never-ending quest for the perfect super soil is an ongoing process, and there are a few key ingredients that most organic growers swear by. These include:

• Worm casting

• Bat guano

• Blood meal

• Bone meal

• Kelp meal

• Fish emulsion

They offer unique benefits and are a great way to add organic nutrients to your soil, but make sure you know what you’re doing before incorporating them. Overusing these organic fertilizers can lead to nutrient burn and other issues, so do your research first.

Temperature and Humidity Control Equipment

Outdoor growers are, for the most part, at the mercy of their climate when it comes to temperature and humidity control. Greenhouses can help mitigate some of these issues, but indoor growers have much more control over these factors.

Temperature control

Cannabis plants thrive in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 58-70°F (14-21°C) at night. To maintain these ideal temperatures, you may need to invest in a temperature control system, as well as a decent measuring device. The list of equipment you can use to control temperature includes:

• HVAC system – This is the most reliable and efficient way to maintain consistent temperatures in a large indoor grow space. It involves installing ducting, vents, and fans to circulate air and regulate temperature. This type of system is usually reserved for larger grow operations.

• Air conditioners and heaters – Smaller scale grows may opt for portable AC units or space heaters to control temperature, as they are more budget-friendly options. However, these can be less effective in maintaining precise temperatures.
• Extraction fans – Indoor growers will need to invest in a decent extraction fan to remove excess heat from the grow area.

Humidity control

Humidity levels should be kept at 60% plus for seedlings and clones, between 50-60% during the vegetative stage, and around 40-50% during the flowering stage. To maintain these levels, here are some tools for growing weed that you may need:

• Humidifiers – These can be used to increase humidity in dry environments.
• Dehumidifiers – For more humid climates or during the flowering stage when lower humidity is needed, a dehumidifier can help control humidity levels.
• Internal Fans – Having an oscillating fan inside your grow tent can also help control humidity by circulating air and preventing stagnant areas where mold and mildew may grow. The air movement created by an internal fan also helps strengthen plants and prevents them from becoming too tall and spindly.

To measure both temperature and humidity, most growers opt for a digital hygrometer, which provides accurate and real-time readings. These can be found relatively cheaply online or at any hardware store.

Carbon Dioxide Boosters: Enhancing Cannabis Yield

Carbon dioxide is an essential element for photosynthesis and plant growth. If you’re growing in a closed indoor environment, supplementing CO2 levels can make a surprisingly big difference in plant growth and yield. However, CO2 supplementation is not necessary for outdoor grows or those using natural ventilation, and if you are just starting out with indoor growing, you don’t need to worry too much about CO2 enrichment.

To boost CO2 levels indoors, you can invest in a few different options:

• Compressed CO2 tanks – Tanks are the most common method of CO2 supplementation for larger operations. You can get tanks filled at a local hydroponics store or welding supply shop, and they usually come with regulators to control the flow of CO2 into your grow space. Most serious home growers that want to boost CO2 go down this route
• CO2 bags and bottles – These are also pretty commonly used for hobby grow CO2 supplementation, as they are cheap, easy to implement, and can be used in smaller grow spaces. The bags or bottles contain a blend of yeast and other ingredients that produce CO2 as they break down.

• CO2 generators – These produce CO2 through igniting alcohol, natural gas or propane. They are typically more expensive than compressed tanks and are rarely used by home growers.
• Homemade solutions – Some growers also experiment with homemade ways to produce CO2, such as using a vinegar and baking soda mixture. While these methods can be effective, they can also be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if not done correctly.

Overall, adding CO2 supplementation to your crop may give you bigger yields and healthier plants, but it’s considered an ‘advanced growing method’. It’s best to focus on proper nutrient and environmental control before adding CO2 supplementation to your grow.

High-quality Soil: The Root of Successful Cannabis Cultivation

Weve already gone over soil briefly above, but only really scratched the surface.

Soil is often overlooked, especially by beginners, who may opt for hydroponic or coco coir setups instead. But with a high-quality soil mix and proper care, you actually cut the complexity of growing wildly. You don’t need to worry about pH (at least, not as much), nutrient concentrates, or reservoir changes when using soil. It’s a more forgiving environment for your plants, but it still requires attention and proper maintenance.

Most experienced organic growers swear by making their own soil mix, which usually consists of high-quality compost, perlite, coco-coir, and a mix of the above-mentioned soil amendments. The results speak for themselves, but is the time and effort involved really necessary?

For novice growers, probably not. With the rise of recreationally legal weed has come an explosion of specialty potting mixes designed for cannabis plants, and these often work just as well. A few factors you should consider before buying are:

• Nutrient content – The soil should contain enough nutrients to sustain your plants throughout their life cycle. Look for a product with added organic fertilizers and amendments such as bone meal, guano, and kelp.
• Drainage – Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues. Look for a soil mix with good drainage properties, such as perlite or vermiculite.
• pH balance – A proper pH is crucial to nutrient uptake in plants. Cannabis-specific soil mixes will always be pH balanced for optimal growth (pH 6-7).
• Aeration – Soil should be airy enough to allow roots to breathe and prevent compaction. Look for an option that uses around 30% coco coir.

As a general rule of thumb, avoid generic topsoil or potting mixes. These are usually too nutrient-dense, especially for young plants.

Hydroponic Systems for Efficient Cannabis Growth

We could spend all day going through every hydro setup with a fine tooth cone, but for the sake of brevity, we’ll stick to the basics.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water as the growing medium instead. The fundamentals are pretty simple –  you need a reservoir to hold your nutrient solution, a water pump to circulate the solution, and some way for the plants (the roots) to absorb it.

There are several types of hydroponic systems that can be used for growing cannabis, but some popular options include:

• Deep Water Culture (DWC) – In this method, plants sit in net pots filled with clay pebbles or other growing media, suspended above a reservoir of nutrient solution. The roots are then able to grow down and absorb the nutrients directly from the water.
• Ebb and Flow – This involves flooding the root zone with nutrient solution at specific intervals, allowing for periods of saturation followed by drainage. Plants are usually grown in pots filled with an inert medium like clay pebbles or rock wool, which helps with aeration.
• Drip Irrigation – As the name suggests, this method uses a drip system to deliver nutrient solution directly to the root zone. Plants can be grown in pots filled with growing media or in hydroponic channels. This setup also allows for easy automation and customization.
• Continuous flow hydroponics – An interesting way to structure your hydro system that requires a little more than ebb and flow but is nonetheless something to consider.

While hydroponics offers the potential for faster growth and larger yields, it requires close monitoring of nutrient levels and pH. We don’t usually recommend that new growers start with hydroponics, as it can be a steep learning curve. But then there’s coco-coir…

Using coco-coir as a Hydroponic Growing Medium

If hydro weed growing is for you, but you’re not quite ready for the challenges of a DWC or ebb and flow system, coco-coir is the perfect middle ground. Offering most of the advantages of both soil and hydro cultivation in one neat package, coco-coir is where we suggest everyone starts with hydroponics.

Coco-coir is a natural, renewable growing medium made from the fibrous material found between a coconut’s outer shell and its husk. It offers the same protection to the root zone as soil, but does so while providing up to 70% more oxygen and 30% better drainage. As a totally inert substance, coco-coir acts as a hydroponic medium that readily and effectively absorbs nutrient solutions.

Coco-coir is also incredibly easy to use. Simply fill your pot with a coco mix, water it until it’s about 10% runoff, and then pop your plant inside as you would when using traditional soil. The only difference comes when watering thereafter; instead of plain water, you’ll need to add in a suitable specific coco-coir hydroponic nutrient solution.

Carbon Filters: the often-forgotten key to successful indoor grows

One piece of kit that new growers sometimes strike off as unnecessary (or too expensive) is the trusty carbon filter, but they do so at their own detriment. Carbon filters should be one of the first things that all indoor growers look to buy, no matter the scale of their setup.

When cannabis plants are in the flowering stage, they emit a strong and distinctive odor that can be hard to disguise. Carbon filters work by eliminating this smell through a process called adsorption. The odorous air is pulled through the carbon filter, where it comes into contact with activated charcoal. This neutralizes the odor particles and allows clean air to pass through.

But they’re not just there to help you keep your grow under wraps. A good carbon filter can also remove harmful gases and particles from the air, keeping your plants healthy and reducing the risk of pests or diseases.

When choosing a carbon filter, make sure it is rated for the size of your grow space. You can find smaller filters designed for grow tents or larger ones for bigger rooms or warehouses. It’s also important to replace the carbon filter regularly (about once every 18 months), and to make sure your exhaust fan is strong enough to pull air through the filter.

The Importance of Proper Ventilation in Cannabis Growth

Outdoor growers shouldn’t have to worry too much, but ensuring that indoor crops have proper ventilation is one of the fundamental keys to achieving healthy and productive plants. Proper air exchange (that is airflow in and out of the tent or room) helps maintain a stable temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the grow space, all of which are essential for plant growth. This is where the extraction fan and carbon filter do their thing.

You also need to make sure that you have a few internal (hopefully oscillating) fans, moving air around your grow space as well. These help increase air circulation, preventing stagnant pockets of air no matter how bushy and cramped it gets.

You want to create an even distribution of temperature and humidity throughout the canopy and push those developing branches around to strengthen them and stop the promotion of fungal issues.

Pruning Tools for Cannabis: Sculpting Your Plants

Are specific cannabis pruning tools necessary? No, not for most home growers, anyway…

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in them, though.

When it comes to pruning, you should always aim for precision and cleanliness. This not only prevents damage to your plants but also helps prevent the spread of pests or diseases. While a pair of sharp scissors might be fine for smaller grows, having specialized pruning tools like weed-trimming scissors and a scalpel can make a big difference.

Plant Training Tools: How to Maximize Output

Cannabis plant training comes in two distinct flavors –  LST (low-stress training) and HST (high-stress training). Both techniques involve manipulating the shape of your plants to maximize light exposure and encourage growth in specific areas, but they do so in slightly different ways.

Low Stress Training (LST) is the less aggressive, gentler, and at times more aesthetically pleasing of the two. It involves bending, tying down or otherwise manipulating branches to create an even canopy with all branches receiving equal amounts of light. This can be achieved using basic tools such as soft ties, plant clips, and stakes.

High Stress Training (HST), on the other hand, involves much more drastic measures such as

• topping (removing the top of the central cola growth during veg to force more lateral growth and an increased number of bud sites),
• fimming (damaging the top sprout to encourage bushier growth)
• super cropping (intentionally damaging the plant’s branches to promote healing and thicker, stronger growth)
• mainlining (a more advanced technique involving multiple toppings and careful training to create a symmetrical, evenly-spaced plant structure)
• lollipopping (removing the leaves and budding sites on the lower branches to force the plant’s energy into the top canopy and main cola)

For these more heavy-handed approaches, having the right tools makes life easier. A set of good-quality trimming scissors, a scalpel or even a specialized bonsai tool are all you really need for most HST techniques, but auxiliary items like hand sanitizer, tweezers, pliers, and tape can also come in handy.

And then we have the techniques that kinda strike a balance between LST and HST, like

• SCroG (Screen Of Green) – which involves creating a horizontal screen or net above the plants and weaving branches through it to create an even canopy with all buds receiving equal light
• SoG (Sea of Green) – a technique where multiple smaller plants are grown closer together, encouraging faster growth and creating a dense canopy of colas.

Beneficial Insects: Natural Pest Control for Cannabis Plants

Pest infestations are just part of a growers life, no way around it. You can be as careful as you like,  but more likely than not, something will inevitably find its way into your grow space. Common cannabis pests include spider mites, thrips, aphids, fungus gnats, and root aphids which can all wreak havoc on your plants if left unchecked.

While there are plenty of chemical pesticides and insecticides available on the market to deal with these annoying critters, the organic revolution is seeing more and more growers turning to natural remedies, and beneficial insects are at the top of this list.

They can be added to any garden as a great prevention measure but are most effectively used as a biological control once you’ve discovered an infestation. Ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites, and nematodes are just some of the beneficial insects that can be purchased online or at your local hydroponics shop.

Choosing the Best Pots and Containers for Cannabis Growth

Its all about drainage and aeration when it comes to choosing the best pots, and so that really only leaves two options – smart pots (fabric pots) or air pots.

Both options offer superior drainage and aeration compared to traditional plastic or ceramic pots. They also prevent over-watering, promote healthy root development, and discourage the roots from growing in circles as they would in traditional pots.

Ultimately, the choice between smart pots and airpots comes down to personal preference, but we prefer the fabric options.

Harvesting Tools: When and How to Harvest Cannabis

Depending on the size of your green queens, you may only need a set of classic gardening shears or a pair of snips. But for 10-foot beasts, you’re going to need something a little bigger…

When harvesting cannabis, timing is crucial. Ideally, you want to harvest when 30% or so of the trichomes have turned from clear to amber. But to see this change happening, you’re going to need to grab a jeweler’s loupe or, even better, a USB microscope.

Curing and Storage Equipment: Preserving Your Cannabis

Pretty simple here. There’s really only one right way to cure and store cannabis, and that’s by using glass jars.

Not only do they allow for proper airflow and moisture control, but also protect your precious buds from light exposure – something that can degrade the potency of your stash over time. That means that blacked-out jars are better, but that also means that you don’t get to revel in the glory that is your jars full of the best weed in town.

As a compromise, use good old-fashioned rubber-sealed flip top jars and keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Even better, store them in a cupboard and only take them out when needed.

Organic vs Chemical Solutions: What’s Best for Your Cannabis Plants

That’s a decision only you can make.

We’ve already gone over organic options a little further above, but when it comes to synthetic nutrient options, the choices are endless.

Every grower has their own preferences and recommendations, but some of the most popular nutrient brands include Fox Farms, Advanced Nutrients, General Hydroponics, and Canna. In the end, they all offer pretty much the same thing – a wide range of nutrient solutions designed to support and encourage plant growth at different stages of development.

Monitoring Your Plants: The Importance of pH and PPM Meters

If you’re growing au-natural, then you can skip the PPM meter (EC or TDS), but all growers need to invest in a reliable pH meter.

This tool will let you know if your water and soil are too acidic or alkaline, helping to prevent nutrient deficiencies and maintain optimal growing conditions for your plants.

When it comes to pH meters, accuracy is key, so don’t skimp on quality. Digital probes are the most accurate and user-friendly option, and they’re pretty affordable.

Maintaining a Clean Grow Room: Sanitation Tools

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to growing healthy cannabis plants, and maintaining a clean grow room is essential. This includes regularly disinfecting all equipment and surfaces to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Basic sanitation tools include hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol, but you will also want to give your grow space a deep cleaning with bleach between each grow.

Understanding and Controlling Cannabis Growth Cycles

Every single weed plant goes through 3 distinct stages in its lifecycle:

• Seedling Stage – starts when the seed has germinated and continues until the plant starts growing its first set of “true” leaves

• Vegetative Stage – when the plant is actively growing, developing the majority of the actual plant structure, large fan leaves, and branches in preparation for flowering

• Flowering Stage – This is where the plant focuses all of this effort into producing massive buds, encouraging faster growth and creating a dense canopy of colas.

Every single photoperiod weed plant, no matter the strain, requires around 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day to remain in the vegetative stage. Indoor growers can choose to keep their plants in this stage for as long as they want by adjusting the light cycle, but outdoor growers are at the mercy of Mother Nature’s natural light cycle.

Timers allow indoor growers to automate the light cycle, giving them more control over the plant’s growth. Once you’re ready for the crop to switch over to flowering growth, simply set the timer controlling your lighting rig to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

Automating Your Cannabis Grow Room

When you first start out, you’ll probably want to be as hands on and involved in the growing process as possible, but as your cannabis-growing experience grows, you may find yourself wanting to automate certain tasks. By automating certain aspects of your grow room, you can better ensure consistency and accuracy in the yield and potency of your crop.

Large-scale commercial operations often use advanced automation systems to control lighting, watering, and nutrient delivery. But for the average home grower, simple timers and irrigation systems can make a big difference in streamlining tasks and maximizing results.

Exploring the Different Types of Cannabis Strains

Looking back just a decade or so ago, it’s pretty wild to see where the industry has gone. In this brave new world of cannabis legality, both medical and recreational, the truly ridiculous range of strains now available can make the task of choosing just one or two to grow a little more difficult than it needs to be.

Luckily, there are some key basics that can help you narrow down your options. First and foremost, understanding the different types of strains is crucial in finding the right fit for your needs.

• Indica strains tend to have more sedative effects and are better for relaxation and pain relief, as well as appetite stimulation.
• Sativa strains tend to have more uplifting and energizing effects, making them great for daytime use and creative activities.
• Hybrid strains are a blend of both indica and sativa, offering the best of both worlds in terms of effects.

On top of the Sativa/Indica genetic split, you also need to decide whether autoflowering or photoperiod strains are the right fit for your grow room.

• Autoflowering varieties don’t depend on a specific light cycle to start flowering, making them great for beginners or those with limited space and time available.
• Photoperiod strains require specific light cycles to switch between vegetative and flowering stages, but they generally offer higher yields and more potency than autoflowering varieties.
• Fast Flowering strains are the new kids on the block – they’re photoperiod strains, but with shorter flowering times for a quicker harvest.

If you’re looking for some recommendations, our best selling strains right now include:

1. Permanent Marker Seeds – Permanent Maker was crowned “Best Strain Of 2023” by Hightimes, and for good reason. This strain offers a unique combination of intense relaxation and cerebral euphoria that will have users feeling uplifted and happy, yet calm and relaxed.
2. Jealousy Seeds – Leafly’s 2022 “Strain of the Year”,  Jealousy is a powerful evenly balanced hybrid strain that packs a punch with its high THC content and juicy, citrusy flavor profile.
3. Cereal Milk Seeds – Another new school banger, Cereal Milk is a favorite among those looking for a sweet and creamy smoke with a punchy, uplifting experience.
4. Cinderella 99 Autoflower Seeds – If you are looking for an auto to add to your next grow, check out Cinderella 99 Autoflower. Get amazing autoflower yields after going from seed to harvest in less than 10 weeks while still pushing out mountains of nugs, this strain is one to try, no doubt.
5. White Truffle Seeds – About as loud as they come, White Truffle is the perfect blend between a powerful body-high and a mind-expanding cerebral effect. Great for socializing or creative projects, this strain has become an instant classic.

Top-Rated Cannabis Growing Tools

Before we dive into the guts of the write-up, let’s breeze over the current top-rated items that every grower needs to have. These essential tools will be the backbone of your setup and ensure that you get off to the best start possible.

Grow lights

These range in price widely, but right now, the top choice for the lights themselves are Samsung LM301B/H full spectrum diodes, so look for options that use these. You should also make sure that you get a dimmable array, and if possible, a remote control for easier manipulation.

• Budget pick: Mars Hydro TS 1000
• Mid-range pick: Spider Farmer SF-4000
• Premium pick: Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 600 R-Spec

Fans and Ventilation

While it may not be essential if you’re growing weed outdoors, proper air circulation is vital for indoor growers. This prevents mold and fungus growth while also helping to strengthen the stems of your plants.

• Inline exhaust fan: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE T6
• Clip-on oscillating fan: OPOLAR 10000mAh Rechargeable Battery Operated Clip on Fan

pH Meter

The pH level of your water is crucial to the success of your plants. Make sure that you’re getting an accurate reading with a digital pH meter.

• Budget pick: Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 pH Tester Combo Kit
• Mid-range pick: Bluelab PENPH pH Pen Fully Waterproof Pocket Tester

EC or TDS meter

Similar to a pH meter, an electrical conductivity (EC) or total dissolved solids (TDS) meter measures the concentration of nutrients in your water. This helps you maintain the optimal nutrient levels for your plants.

• Budget pick: Pancellent Water Quality Test Meter TDS PH 2-in-1 Kit
• Mid-range pick: HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester
• Premium pick: Bluelab PPM Pen Economy Waterproof Nutrient Meter

Pots

Choosing the right pot for your plants is essential. It needs to provide proper drainage, enough space for root growth, and be made of a breathable material.

• Affordable pots: VIVOSUN 5-Pack 3 Gallon Fabric Pots
• Premium pick: Root Pouch Boxer Brown Fabric Pot, 10 Pack

Scissors or Trimming Shears

When it comes to trimming your weed plants, having the right tools can make all the difference. Make sure you have a good pair of scissors or trimming shears for precise and clean cuts.

• Budget pick: Dope Clips Premium Gardening Scissors
• Mid-range pick: Fiskars Softgrip Bypass

Pre-mixed cannabis-specific soil

While you can create your own soil mix, new growers should stick with pre-mixed options that are designed specifically for growing weed.

• Our favorite: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil