The EVOLUTION Magazine December 2021 | Page 23

others . Keeping your seeds warm will help expedite the germination process .
When you ’ ve chosen your seeds and the method for which you will germinate them , they are ready for the grow medium . First , place the seeds about two inches deep in the growing medium . It is crucial to keep the seeds moist but not soaking . If the seeds are soaked and need to dry out some — the process stops there .
Properly watering your seedlings is essential for the growth of your plants so they can be strong enough to support large flowering buds . Pour the water in a small circle around the base of the seedling to ensure you ’ re watering it instead of the dirt . Wait until the top part of the soil is mostly dry before watering again . When your seedling starts to grow , slowly increase the water amount so the circle around the base is about the same width as the leaves .
When your seedlings are ready , you ’ ll need to transfer them into your garden . Remove the seedlings from their small containers and place them into large containers so they can continue to grow properly .
It is very important to complete this process with as minimal light as possible , so the plants will have time to settle into their new homes before the next cycle of photosynthesis begins . Make sure the soil you select for your cannabis plants is highly drainable but still has the ability to retain water . You ’ ll also want to consider the pH level , nutrients , and texture .
Now , you are entering the Vegetative Stage . During this stage of growth , your plants will start to produce new stems and leaves without buds . Caring for your cannabis plants during this stage is rather simple , especially if you have any gardening experience . To prevent excessive heat from killing your plants , periodically adjust the grow lights as the plants get taller . Removing discolored leaves from your cannabis plant will help grow bigger buds because the plant can focus its energy on growing buds instead of trying to revive the leaves .
After your plants have reached half the final desired size , they should start flowering and begin the Flowering Stage . This is the most coveted growth stage among cannabis enthusiasts because the flower produced during this stage will become smokable buds .
Initiate the flowering stage by setting your grow lights on a timer with a 12 / 12 light schedule , which means the lights will be off for 12 hours and on for 12 hours . Make sure the plants are in absolute darkness during the dark period , or the buds will not grow properly . Ensuring the grow space is totally without light is the key to this process .
After the first few weeks with the 12 / 12 light schedule , your plant will be growing quickly . Many cannabis cultivators get extra growth out of their buds during this period by providing their plants with CO2 and switching from regular nutrients to bloom nutrients . The plants will typically start growing buds within two to three weeks after the light schedule switch . When your plants start flowering , double-check to make sure all of them are female . Male plants will produce pollen sacs at stem junctions , and you should remove them immediately and discard them in plastic bags to prevent possible pollen spread .
Those are the basics . Happy indoor growing !
The Department of Health and Senior Services ( DHSS ) offers details and regulations for Patients wanting to obtain home grow cultivation license . To stay current , all patients are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter at https :// health . mo . gov / safety / medical-marijuana and view the “ Patient Services ” tab . More information about the DHSS can be found at http :// health . mo . gov .
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