The last few years have seen a dramatic shift in the legal cannabis landscape. Notably, a plant that was once illegal in most countries is now legally accessible in several jurisdictions worldwide.
Thanks to cannabis’ ever-expanding legal landscape, several methods exist to invest in this lucrative industry. One popular way to become a stakeholder in the global cannabis trade is by becoming a cultivator.
But as you shall find, certain requirements are paramount to excel as a cannabis farmer. This article looks at the five major industrial equipment every cannabis grower needs.
- Thermometer and Hygrometer
Cannabis plants flourish within a daytime temperature range of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during their vegetative growth and about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during their flowering phase.
Growers living near the equatorial belt may not have to worry much about significant temperature fluctuations. But suppose your weed plantations are located in regions that experience weather extremes.
Not only will your thermometer help you monitor temperature fluctuations. You can use it alongside a hygrometer to measure the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). That’s especially true if it’s an infrared (IR) thermometer.
Vapor-pressure deficit refers to the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold when saturated. In that case, you’ll invariably need an HVAC system from a reputable brand like Altaqua to keep tabs on the ambient temperature.
- Grow Containers
Grow containers are one of the essential pieces of equipment a cannabis farmer requires.
Note that nearly all cannabis plants start out as seeds. The seeds must be germinated in special containers before being repotted (transferred into other pots, typically larger ones). Once they’re past their seedling stage, you can repot the plants again or transfer them to their permanent growing location outdoors.
Certain factors influence the choice of the best cannabis to grow containers.
Begin by picking a properly sized container. This is especially important if you plan to grow weed in pots throughout the plants’ life.
Clay pots are highly recommended for their ability to provide optimal growing conditions for cannabis plants. The soil’s porosity makes it incredibly easy for air and moisture to access the roots of your weed plants. This promotes aeration while also stimulating healthy root growth and overall plant development.
Cannabis grow pots also need holes at the bottom to drain excess water. And needless to say, the containers should be of suitable shapes.
- Humidifier and Dehumidifier
Cannabis is a fairly resilient plant. But you’ll need to maintain humidity conditions between 40% and 60% for optimal growth. Anything outside of this range can lower your yields significantly.
Like temperature, humidity levels can vary considerably with the seasons. Summer tends to be hot and humid, while winter is typically cold and dry.
A humidifier can go a long way in keeping your cannabis plantation moist during low-humid conditions. These equipment are particularly important if growing cannabis indoors. As you scout around for the best humidifier, it would also help to consider a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier is a device that creates the opposite effects of a humidifier. It lowers the moisture levels in the air and can help reduce nutrient burn associated with high-humid conditions, such as those commonly experienced during summer months.
- Grow Lights
Light is another essential requirement for the normal growth and development of cannabis plants. That makes grow lights a necessary equipment for any aspiring cannabis cultivator.
Cannabis typically needs at least 13 hours of light daily during its vegetative growth stage. Increasing light duration up to 18 hours a day may help the plants transition into their flowering phase. This especially applies to photoperiodic weed species.
Grow lights take away the hassles of manually controlling the light duration and intensity in your cannabis farm.
When choosing grow lights for your cannabis plants, consider their efficiency vis-à-vis projected strain on your utility bills. The most efficient grow lights are the light-emitting diodes (LED) variety. But you could also consider high-intensity discharge (HID), high-pressure sodium (HPS), or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Other considerations when choosing cannabis grow lights include the plantation size, number of plants, and power source.
- pH Meter
A pH meter is one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment by new cannabis growers. But that doesn’t make it any less useful.
Cannabis thrives best in slightly acidic soils with an average pH of 6.0 and 6.5-7.0. pH levels outside this optimal range could lead to chlorosis and nutritional deficiencies.
Since cannabis thrives under a relatively small pH window, investing in a reliable pH meter is imperative. The tool will come in handy in helping you track significant changes in soil acidity and alkalinity.
A pH meter is particularly useful during the planting season. Land preparation activities like plowing, burning of rubbish, and pre-irrigation can significantly alter the soil’s pH balance. The same is true for certain fertilizers. So, use a pH meter right after feeding your weed plants.
Final Words
Although cannabis is widely considered one of the hardiest plants, certain growing conditions are still paramount to enjoy a bumper harvest. Achieving those ideal conditions requires investing in the above-reviewed equipment.
Leave a Comment