A Crash Course on Growing Premium Cannabis.

Whether you're a seasoned pro with more harvests than you can count, or you've never planted a seed in your life - this guide is here to provide all the information you need so that you can make the most of your Cannabis plants.

We'll break down the simple stuff about growing, demystify all the different techniques you can try, and spill the tea on the nutrients that'll amp up your harvest. Let's make your cannabis game strong!

Don’t be rushed or get overwhelmed.

Don't let the avalanche of products, methods, and myths in this industry stress you out. There's no secret or magic ingredient when it comes to growing cannabis, no matter what some folks might want you to believe. It all boils down to figuring out the best way to grow for you and your situation, staying consistent, and getting your hands dirty with experience.

Every new skill has a learning curve, so don't be disheartened if your plants aren't pumping out the most potent buds right away. With a bit of learning and time, you'll get there! You might be thinking, "But isn't it just weed? Can't I just toss seeds in the backyard like my neighbour does and end up with giant plants?" Well, sure, Cannabis will grow in almost any condition, but that doesn't guarantee good, let alone excellent, quality buds! If you're aiming for top-notch weed, keep reading, and we'll fill you in on everything you need to know. 

 

Step 1: Choose your Strain Carefully.

The first big call you have to make is deciding what kind of weed you want to grow. It sets the tone for how good the quality of your cannabis will be. Now, here's the lowdown: Some plants, like tomatoes or lettuce, are all-in-one in the reproductive department. Cannabis is what they call an "outbreeding plant" - meaning they have a natural tendency for crossbreeding given their dioecious nature (each plant is either female or male). Female plants produce the buds we all love, while male plants have pollen sacs. Sure, there's the occasional plant that's a bit of both (hermaphrodite), but the good seed breeders make sure their seeds pass the stress test to avoid that kind of surprise.

The genetics of your cannabis strain directly impact the effects and strength of your final product. Different strains have different levels of cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, plus a bunch of other compounds. Whether you're after some chill vibes, pain relief, or a creative boost, the genetic makeup of your cannabis plant is the key player in making it happen.

Picking the right strain is a big deal. You want your plants to flourish, so it's all about giving them an environment where they'll really shine. Some strains prefer an indoor setup, while others love the great outdoors. Knowing the nitty-gritty details, like how tall they get, how long they take to flower, and how much they yield, is crucial for a successful grow-op. Get to know your strain, and you'll be rocking the best buds in town.

 

 

Step 2: Not All Seeds Are the Same.

Getting good cannabis seeds is a lot easier now than it was just a few years ago. Gone are the days of dealing with international seedbanks and nervously waiting for seeds hidden in DVD cases or phone covers. You can now find well-stocked seedbanks in South Africa that deliver in days, with no weird packaging involved.

Prices for seeds vary, ranging from R50 to over R1000 per seed. Forget the old advice of growing "bag seeds" (seeds found in the cannabis you smoke) – it often leads to disappointment. Those seeds are likely from plants lacking quality, with potential intersex issues.

Seeds come in two types: regular and feminised. Feminised seeds guarantee female plants, while regular seeds give you a 50%-60% chance of females. For beginners and most growers, feminised seeds are the way to go.

Cannabis is a photoperiod-annual plant, meaning it flowers as days get shorter with fewer hours of sunlight. Autoflower seeds, an exception, flower based on age, not light changes. They're not recommended for beginners due to limited room for error.

Clones, live cannabis plants, are a bit of a grey area in South African law. Making your own clones or having clones is legal if they are used for private purposes. Unfortunately, buying or selling clones is technically illegal, though it is not heavily enforced. Clones are forgiving and offer predictability compared to germinating seeds, which can be delicate. Rooted clones from reputable sources are a solid choice for a reliable harvest.

 

Step 3: Choose your grow setup.

Indoors:

    • Pros: Controlled conditions & protection from weather, pests, and diseases.
    • Cons: Initial setup costs can be high.

Outdoors:

    • Pros: Natural sunlight & potentially lower costs.
    • Cons: Vulnerable to weather, pests, and diseases.

Tunnel/Greenhouse:

    • Pros: Partial control & extended growing season.
    • Cons: Initial cost & requires maintenance.

 

 

Indoor 

Going the indoor route means you don't have to deal with any surprise rain showers or hailstorms. Your plants will be protected in a cosy spot where you're the boss of everything. No sunburn or soggy days, and even shielded from pests and diseases.

Growing Indoor will bring out a wonderful lighter shade of green, and it helps preserve those precious trichomes loaded with terpenes and cannabinoids.

The upfront cost might make you raise an eyebrow, but once you've got the hang of it, you'll be reaping the rewards like a pro. The key to this indoor growing game is getting the right gear. Check out grow tent kits for the best setup you could have indoors! For a 1m x 1m x 1.8/2m tent, go for a 480w LED grow light. If you're thinking bigger, try a 1.5 x 1.5 x 2m tent, the Gecko 640w LED or Lumii 720w LED lights are great.

LED lights sort out the heat hassle that older HID lights bring, like HPS and MH, which can seriously cramp your bud style. Keep the air flowing, too - most kits come with extraction and fans. If you're in a humid spot, a dehumidifier would be recommended. Just dial in your preferred humidity level and watch your buds reach peak happiness.

Indoor cultivation promises top-notch buds thanks to the tightly controlled environment. However, it's crucial to factor in the current challenge of erratic and unpredictable power outages (load shedding) before diving into the indoor growing scene.

 

 

Outdoor

South Africa has a mix of nine different biomes, from chill temperate forests along the Garden Route to the hardcore arid vibes of the Karoo. It's so diverse that no single guide can cover the whole shebang. But here's the lowdown: growing weed outdoors is a wallet-friendly gig, and with the right genetics, soil, and a little help from NEWTS products, you can rock it in various spots.

Some studies even suggest that outdoor-grown cannabis can cook up a bigger mix of terpenes and cannabinoids compared to its indoor siblings.

Outdoor growing brings in big yields, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Rainstorms might crank up the risk of funky fungal diseases, hail and locusts could play party crashers for your plants, and too much sunlight might give you some seriously dark foxtail buds.

While cannabis is a sun-soaker, wise outdoor growers throw in a bit of late afternoon shade for good measure. Soil is the go-to base, holding onto nutrients during rainy seasons when direct feeding is a no-go.

If you're in places like Cape Town with long summer days, kick off your seed planting in spring. For the inland crew, mid-summer planting is the move, riding the December wave of the longest days to prep your plants before the cool months hit.

Nailing the outdoor harvest dance is all about picking the right strain, giving them the best nutrients, and timing things just right.

 

 

Greenhouse/Tunnel Cultivation 

Cannabis grown in greenhouses or tunnels is like a close cousin to indoor-grown weed. Those with a keen nose and a discerning palate can usually tell the difference between the two.

Now, to set up your own cannabis haven in a greenhouse, you're going to need a tunnel, or some structure decked out with greenhouse plastic. There are various types of greenhouse plastic for you to make use of -they filter specific light spectrums and keep out the rain, wind, and bugs. That's the secret to growing those light-green, frosty nugs that reminisce indoor-grown cannabis.

Here is the catch with growing in a greenhouse - they can turn into literal ovens. So, to keep things chill, you have to bring in the heavy artillery: cooling and venting systems. Unfortunately, these gadgets can hit your wallet pretty hard. Worth it for those top-tier nugs? You be the judge.

 

Step 4: Choose Your Substrate.

Cultivating Cannabis in Soil:

Pros:

    • Nutrient Retention: Acts as a nutrient reservoir, providing a steady supply over time.
    • Microbial Activity: Supports a diverse microbial ecosystem for enhanced nutrient uptake and disease protection.

Cons:

    • Slower Growth: This may result in slower plant growth compared to other methods.
    • Pests and Diseases: Soil can harbour pests and diseases, posing risks like root diseases.
    • Overwatering and Feeding Risk: Easier to overwater, potentially leading to issues; careful use of NEWTS is necessary.

 

Cultivating Cannabis in Coco Perlite:

Pros:

    • Fast Growth: Excellent aeration and drainage promote faster plant growth.
    • Controlled Nutrients: Allows precise control over nutrient levels, optimising feeding.
    • Reduced Disease Risk: Lower risk of pests and diseases compared to soil.

Cons:

    • Requires Monitoring: Needs careful pH and nutrient level monitoring to prevent imbalances.
    • Initial Learning Curve: Slightly more challenging for beginners compared to soil.

 

 

Hydroponics:

Pros:

    • Optimal Nutrient Delivery: Direct nutrient delivery to roots optimises uptake.
    • Faster Growth: Plants often grow faster than in soil or coco perlite.
    • Water Efficiency: Uses less water compared to soil cultivation.

Cons:

    • Complex Setup: Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance.
    • Equipment Costs: Higher initial investment compared to soil or coco perlite.
    • System Failures: Failures can quickly impact plant health; concerns with load shedding.

The success of each method depends on factors like grower expertise, strain, and environmental conditions. Soil suits outdoor and some indoor use, while coco perlite and hydroponics are ideal for tunnels and indoor cultivation.

 

Step 5: Nutrients

Cannabis plants need a good mix of nutrients to hit their stride and give you a killer harvest. These nutrients ensure that plants have optimal growth, photosynthesis, and metabolic reactions. We're talking about key players like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, pulling weight in developing leaves, stems, and those beautiful buds. And let's not forget magnesium and iron - they are crucial for the photosynthetic process.

When these plants hit the flowering stage, it's their time to shine, and they need the best treatment in the nutrient department to rock those robust buds. The right nutrients also help the plant stay chill in the face of stress, pests, and diseases. It's basically the key to keeping your green pals in top-notch shape.

Sure, the soil provides some goodies, but in the cultivation game, you've got to step up your game. Tossing in some fertilisers or soil upgrades is like giving your plants a power-up, ensuring they have everything they need for a growth spurt and top-notch buds.

 

Why NEWTS Nutrient Solutions?

So, why is NEWTS the best option for your plants? It is a mineral-based nutrient solution meticulously crafted through scientific formulation to provide plants with precisely what they need to flourish at every stage of growth. What makes NEWTS stand out is its ability to deliver these essential elements in a form that the plant's roots can readily absorb, ensuring efficient uptake and optimal utilisation for robust and healthy plant development.

Let's delve into the aspects that make NEWTS a standout choice in the realm of plant nutrition:

  1. Comprehensive Mineral-Based Nutrients:

NEWTS is all about giving your cannabis the minerals it craves in a mineral-based nutrient package. We're not just talking about survival here - we're talking about your plant thriving and showing off with some seriously dense buds. NEWTS covers all the bases to make sure your green buddies get all the essential elements they need to grow big and healthy.

  1. Prudent Mineral Sourcing:

NEWTS doesn't mess around with its minerals - no unnecessary additives here. While some other formulas might throw in cheap salts like potassium chloride or sodium nitrate, NEWTS does not do that. Why? High chloride and sodium levels can be toxic for your plant. NEWTS is about keeping it real, making sure your plant only gets what it actually needs.

  1. Nitrogen Balance for Optimal Growth:

NEWTS knows how to rock the nitrogen game. It's got this sweet balance - 98.5% nitrate nitrogen and just the right amount of NH4 nitrogen. This combo not only speeds up growth but also avoids any burn risks so that your plant gets its nitrogen fix in the best possible way.

  1. Effective Chelation Process:

NEWTS makes sure your plants can easily snag those essential minerals. How? Chelators are used to up the availability game, especially for the micro-minerals. It's like a VIP access pass for your plant, making sure it can grab those nutrients ASAP. Efficient nutrient absorption? Check.

  1. Safety and Environmental Friendliness:

Safety first, right? NEWTS doesn't mess with the delicate balance of the soil. Plus, it's safe for pollinators and other insects - bees, earthworms, and other beneficial creatures. NEWTS supports being eco-friendly and a sustainable growing life.

  1. Streamlined Nutrient Delivery:

NEWTS keeps it simple - no complicated organic sources here. Unlike those fertilisers with stuff like manure or guano, NEWTS serves up phosphorous in a form (PO4) that your plant's roots can gobble up directly. No need for a microbial middleman! Efficient and easy, just how we like it.

In essence, choosing NEWTS isn't merely a matter of selecting plant nutrients; it's a strategic decision aimed at ensuring simplicity, safety, and the optimal growth of your cannabis plants. Whether you're a seasoned cultivator or a newcomer to the world of cannabis cultivation, NEWTS can be your reliable partner in your journey toward a bountiful and high-quality harvest.

In Summary

The wild world of growing cannabis is like stepping into a choose-your-own-adventure story. It's not just about throwing seeds in the ground and hoping for the best – it's a whole journey with decisions at every turn.

Getting the right genetics is like setting the stage for success. It's all about grabbing quality seeds or clones from trustworthy sources. If you're just starting out, feminised seeds are the easy choice – reliable and less drama.

Now, where you set up shop matters. Indoor, outdoor, or somewhere in between with a greenhouse? Each spot has its own vibe, affecting things like how fast your plant grows, the risk of diseases, and the overall harvest quality.

Then there's the ground itself – soil, coco perlite, or diving into the hydroponic world. Soil is the OG, packed with nutrients, but watch out for pests. Coco perlite is like the speed demon, but it needs some TLC. Hydroponics is the high-tech option, super efficient, but it's got a learning curve.

And now, the superstar – the nutrients. NEWTS is the top dog in the game. It's got that mineral-based magic, a custom mix that your plants love, and it won't mess with your soil or the little critters living in it.

In this cannabis cultivation maze, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It's about understanding what each method demands, rolling with the punches in your chosen spot, and sticking to the A-game. Whether you're a pro tweaking your skills or a newbie feeling your way around, it's all about staying flexible and keeping those green buds in their happy place. Cheers to the cannabis-growing adventure!

See our Nutrient Range for yourself and give it a try to ensure your harvest is the best it can be!