What You Need for a Successful First Indoor Home Grow

A lot of earthlings that I visit often are curious about cannabis seeds and how to get started with a successful first indoor home grow. Just the other day, I was joy-riding in my ship and met up with my earthling friend, Zack, who had a few questions about what it takes to be successful with an initial indoor home grow.

Zack has never grown cannabis seeds before and has always been very curious every time I start talking about many of the awesome cannabis seeds available in the Multiverse. He wants to grow a large amount of cannabis to make his own edibles, oils, and tinctures with, while avoiding the often way-too-expensive prices at the local dispensary.

As a favor for my friend, I broke down the main factors and equipment that go into having a successful first indoor home grow below. With a few tips & tricks, Zack or any indoor home grower will eventually be able to reap a harvest of super dank, home-grown buds at a fraction of the retail cost.

Table of Contents

Choose the Right Cannabis Seeds and Strains

Growing cannabis seeds consists of many steps that need to be done correctly. For the beginner indoor home grower, it’s best to start with simple-to-grow cannabis seeds and strains that won’t add any more uncertainty to the mix.

It’s also very important to grow cannabis seeds and plants that you are interested in. Whether there’s a specific terpene profile, aroma, or effect, be sure to choose strains that you’ll be very happy with once all is said and done with the indoor home grow process.

Indica & Hybrid Seeds

Indica seeds take a shorter amount of time to flower and are great choices for a beginner grower for that reason. However, new indoor home growers should still choose proven hybrid seeds that have resilient and vigorous growing reputations from other indoor home growers that have cultivated them.

But don’t just take my word for it. Consider what full-scale cannabis seed breeders like Ben Koch from Speedrun Seeds have to say:

“Hybrid vigor [heterosis] is a real thing. Crossing two distinct lines with each other introduces genetic diversity, which increases the likelihood of beneficial gene combinations.”

For example, a good hybrid cannabis seed will have growing traits of both parent strains, such as mold resistance, that can really benefit it.

Sativa cannabis seeds

Avoiding sativa cannabis seeds is typically a good idea for the rookie indoor home grower with no experience because of how much longer and difficult they can be to grow. That’s not to say that there still aren’t plenty of sativa-dominant cannabis seeds out there nowadays that are exceptions to this rule. Do your research!

Photoperiod Seeds

Photoperiod seeds are typically chosen by home growers who wish to control the growth and flowering phase of their plants more easily. This type of cannabis seed is reliant on a light cycle duration shift in order to transition from the vegetative stage (18-24 hours of light) to the flowering phase (12 hours or more of light).

Autoflower Seeds

Autoflower seeds are a great choice for the beginner grower due to their less-demanding maintenance and quicker flowering time.

The ability of autoflower seeds to transition seamlessly into the flowering phase much quicker than photoperiod can be very convenient. Autoflower seeds can grow under almost any indoor lighting conditions with a light cycle typically at 20 hours light/4 hours dark.

In addition, autoflower seed breeders have honed in on strong genetics, higher potency, and traits that make these types of cannabis seeds even more desirable for the new indoor home grower.

How Much Space Do I Need to Grow Weed Indoors?

In order to perform a successful indoor home grow it’s very important to have enough space for your cannabis seeds to develop.

According to my humanoid friend Ben, “A great place to start is with a 4’×4′ tent. That gives you enough space for some variety, but it won’t take up a whole room.”

Ben also added, “Remember, though–overcrowding a tent with too many plants is a problem, but having some empty space in your tent is not.”

Establish a Dedicated Indoor Home Grow Space

Establish a clean, climate-controlled area as your dedicated indoor grow space. A designated grow room, grow tent, or roomy walk-in closet is ideal. Equipment such as an AC Infinity Grow Tents are amazing for continued indoor home growing, with their all-in-one customizable setup and functionality.

How High do Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa Seeds Grow?

Ensure you have at least 2-4 feet high of space to accommodate for indica cannabis seeds. This is, however, just an average since there are so many different indica cannabis seeds with a range of heights.

On the other end of the spectrum, sativa seeds require upwards of almost 8-10 feet high of space and sometimes more to stretch properly. However, there are breeders that have dialed-in sativa cannabis seed genetics that promote slightly shorter heights.

“Make sure you’ve either got the vertical space to handle a taller growing strain, or be very mindful with your plant training,” Ben K. chimed-in regarding the growth potential of sativa seeds.

Hybrid seeds definitely grow on a case-by-case basis, and can vary anywhere in between the heights of sativa and indica seeds depending on the type of strain being grown.

Even a small factor the indoor home grower may not be thinking of right away can affect plant height, such as how high the grow light is from the plant canopy. Be sure to do your research on the specifics of each type of cannabis seed you grow to be able to always account for height.

Indoor Home Growing with Soil & Nutrients

Choosing a soil medium that contains plenty of nutrients is ideal for having a healthy root system and plant development. The first step is to avoid many of the ‘quick fixes’ or mainstream soils that are full of additives and fillers.

A good soil with solid natural ingredients is highly preferable. Some companies such as BuildASoil have the foundation to build upon with customizable grow kits that cover all of the bases for the indoor home grower, including nutrients and amendments to further support growth.

Lighting

One of the most important factors in growing any type of cannabis seed is to ensure that your plants are getting the correct lighting. There are different options of grow lights available for indoor home growers that have specific advantages, such as HID lights, LED lights, and CFL lights.

HID Lights

High-intensity discharge lights (HIDs) are popular amongst indoor home growers for their overall power and full light spectrum. There are two types: metal halide (MH) lights and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights.

Both types of lights are great for different stages of the cannabis seed growing process. MH lights promote lush vegetative growth due to their blue light spectrum, while HPS lights provide the red light spectrum needed for flowering.

However, HID lights can get very hot and typically need more airflow and ventilation to run properly and efficiently.

LED Lights

LED lights have become increasingly popular with indoor home growers in recent years due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. Many modern LED lights have customizable light spectrums that can be adjusted to specific wavelengths for each stage of growth.

While they can be more expensive upfront, LED lights are generally considered to be a worthwhile investment due to their energy savings over time.

CFL Lights

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a great option for the beginner indoor home grower due to their affordability and availability. These lights are typically less powerful than HID or LED lights, but they can still provide adequate lighting for smaller grows or supplementing other light sources.

While they may not be as efficient or long-lasting as LED lights, CFLs are a good entry point for new growers who are just getting started with their indoor home grow setup.

Air Circulation & Ventilation

Proper air circulation and ventilation are crucial for maintaining a healthy growing environment for your cannabis seeds. Stagnant air can lead to issues such as mold, mildew, and pest infestations.

Installing fans and an exhaust system will help to keep fresh air moving through your grow space and regulate temperature and humidity levels.

Ensure that your grow space has a constant flow of fresh air, as well as proper ventilation to remove excess heat and humidity. This will create a more stable environment for your plants to thrive in.

Watering Your Cannabis Plants

Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of your cannabis plants. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to various issues such as root rot, nutrient deficiencies, and stunted growth.

It’s important to establish a consistent watering schedule based on the needs of your plants. Monitor the moisture levels of your soil and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.

Using filtered or distilled water can help to avoid the buildup of harmful chemicals and minerals in your soil. Additionally, consider using a pH meter to ensure that the water you’re providing is within the optimal pH range for cannabis growth (typically between 6.0 and 7.0).

Stress Testing, Training, & Pruning

Training and pruning your cannabis plants can help to optimize their growth and increase your overall yield. Techniques such as topping, low-stress training (LST), and supercropping can help to promote a more even canopy and increase light penetration to lower bud sites.

Regularly pruning your plants by removing dead or yellowing leaves and any unnecessary growth can help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mold and pests.

Stress testing your plants through these techniques can also help to build stronger, more resilient plants that are better able to withstand environmental stresses.

Pest Control

Pests can be a major issue for indoor home growers, as they can quickly infest your grow space and damage your plants. It’s important to take preventative measures to keep pests at bay and to address any infestations promptly.

Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of pests and using organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects can help to keep your grow space pest-free.

Maintaining a clean and sanitary grow space by removing dead plant material and keeping the area free of debris can also help to prevent pest infestations.

Harvesting, Drying, and Curing Your First Indoor Home Grow

Knowing when and how to properly harvest your cannabis plants is crucial for maximizing the quality and potency of your final product. Pay close attention to the trichomes on your buds, as they can indicate the optimal time for harvesting.

Once harvested, it’s important to dry your buds slowly and evenly to preserve their flavor and potency. Hang your buds in a dark, well-ventilated area with a consistent temperature and humidity level.

After drying, curing your buds in airtight containers for several weeks can help to enhance their flavor and potency. Regularly burping your containers during the curing process can help to release excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

Curing Your First Indoor Home Grow Harvest

Curing your cannabis harvest is a crucial step in ensuring the best quality and potency of your final product. Place your dried buds in airtight glass jars and store them in a cool, dark place. Open the jars daily for the first week to release excess moisture and allow for fresh air exchange.

Continue to cure your buds for at least two to four weeks, or longer if desired. The longer the curing process, the more the flavors and aromas of your cannabis will develop.

Burping Your First Indoor Home Grow Harvest

Burping is the process of opening your curing jars to release excess moisture and allow for fresh air exchange. This helps to prevent mold growth and ensures an even curing process.

During the first week of curing, burp your jars daily by opening them for a few minutes to allow for fresh air exchange. After the first week, you can reduce the frequency to every few days or once a week.

Monitor the humidity levels inside your jars using a hygrometer to ensure that they remain within the optimal range of 58-62% RH.

Where Can I Find All of this Equipment?

There are many online retailers and local hydroponic stores that carry a wide range of equipment and supplies for indoor home growing. Websites such as Amazon, GrowersHouse, and BuildASoil offer a variety of products to suit the needs of any indoor home grower.

Additionally, many online cannabis seed banks and breeders offer high-quality cannabis seeds for purchase. Be sure to research and choose reputable sources to ensure that you’re getting the best genetics for your grow.

Multiverse Beans Indoor Home Grow Buyer’s Guide

For more detailed information on the best equipment and supplies for your indoor home grow, check out the Multiverse Beans Indoor Home Grow Buyer’s Guide. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to get started with your indoor home grow, from choosing the right cannabis seeds to setting up your grow space and more.

Contact Multiverse Beans for Your Cannabis Seed Needs!

If you have any questions or need assistance with your indoor home grow, don’t hesitate to reach out to Multiverse Beans. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, from selecting the best cannabis seeds to troubleshooting any issues that may arise during your grow.