How to Grow Weed in a Greenhouse
Growing your weed in a greenhouse can be fun. Here’s a simple guide to get you started, including the basics, costs, and the best strains to grow.
What is a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure with a durable frame and a transparent cover, usually made of plastic. It lets you grow plants by controlling the environment. Greenhouses protect plants from the weather, increase carbon dioxide levels, and maintain consistent temperatures. Do check out best edibles toronto
Benefits of Growing Weed in a Greenhouse
Growing weed in a greenhouse combines the benefits of outdoor and indoor growing. It offers protection from natural elements, better control over the environment, and often results in faster growth and better yields.
What to Grow in a Greenhouse
Greenhouses are flexible and can grow various plants, including flowers, vegetables, and cannabis. They are perfect for starting plants that will eventually be moved outdoors or for growing plants to full maturity. Cannabis grows in the controlled environment of a greenhouse, benefiting from the sun’s power and protection from the elements.
How Many Cannabis Plants Can You Grow?
The number of cannabis plants you can grow depends on your state’s laws. For example, in Oregon, you can grow up to four recreational plants per household. Medical marijuana cardholders can grow more. Ensure you have enough space for your plants to grow. Each mature cannabis plant can take up an 8×8 foot area.
Growing Weed Year-Round
Growing weed year-round in a greenhouse depends on your climate and setup. In colder areas, you might need heaters and supplemental lighting for shorter days. Choose an A-frame or gothic-style structure to withstand heavy snow.
Starting Your Greenhouse Grow
Here’s what you’ll need to start growing weed in a greenhouse:
Greenhouse framing materials
Durable covering
Fans and ventilation
Pots (like Smart pots)
Soil or growing medium
High-quality nutrients
Water supply
pH meters and adjusters
Thermostat
Trellis materials
A light deprivation system (light dep) can help you grow more than one crop per year by controlling the light your plants receive.
Costs
The cost of starting a greenhouse varies. A basic DIY greenhouse with aluminium framing and polyethene plastic costs about ₹1,200-1,600 per square foot. A custom greenhouse with advanced features like an automated light dep system costs around ₹2,800-3,200 per square foot. A budget-friendly 1,000-square-foot greenhouse with light depth can be built for about ₹8,00,000.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Protection from animals and weather
Controlled microclimate for ideal growing conditions
Consistent annual harvests
Cheaper than indoor growing
Cons:
High energy costs for heating and lighting in winter
Potential odour issues for neighbours
Takes up significant space
Can be expensive to build
Best Strains for a Greenhouse
The best cannabis strains for greenhouse growing are auto-flowering and photoperiod feminized strains. Autoflowering strains, like Purple Punch and Northern Lights, switch from the vegetative to the flowering stage on their own, making them easy to grow. Photoperiod feminized strains, such as Blue Dream and Sour Diesel, need a light dep system to control their flowering cycle.