If you’re debating about whether to grow cannabis indoors or outdoors, consider doing it in a greenhouse instead! This method combines the best of both worlds.
Learn how to efficiently grow cannabis in a greenhouse.
Greenhouses provide the best of both indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation, and in this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about growing weed in a greenhouse. Plus, if you don’t have a greenhouse already built, we can help with that too.
Why Grow Cannabis in a Greenhouse?
Why would you want to grow weed in a greenhouse as opposed to other methods, such as indoor tents or outdoor gardens? Let’s explore the benefits of greenhouse cultivation.
1. You Can Extend Your Growing Cycle
By adding light during cloudy days and gradually lengthening the amount of time they are kept on, you can extend your cultivation period into fall and winter. Similarly, if you want to begin a new grow before winter ends, supplementing natural daylight with a low-powered light will do the trick.
2. Provides the Ideal Microclimate for Growing Cannabis
Not only can a greenhouse maintain average temperatures better than an open field or garden, but you can also regulate the temperature in a greenhouse if necessary. Furthermore, without resorting to heating or cooling methods, the climate inside a greenhouse is more consistent–preventing plants from experiencing conditions that are either too hot and dry or too cold. In other words, by creating a healthier growing environment, greenhouses increase plant yields overall.
3. Allows for Year-round Cultivation
By opening windows or installing fans, the climate in greenhouses can be controlled with ease. Furthermore, year-round cultivation is possible because the walls of a greenhouse trap humidity and heat inside. With regular outdoor cultivation, this level of control over climate and exposure to light isn’t an option.
4. More Consistent Harvests
Greenhouse harvests are usually steadier in both amount and quality, which is why the majority of medicinal cannabis grown today for commercial purposes takes place in greenhouses.
5. More Energy-efficient Than Indoor Growing
Save energy by growing in a greenhouse- the sunlight will provide more than enough light, and you’ll save on your electricity bill.
6. Provides Protection From the Elements
By cultivating your plants in a greenhouse as opposed to outdoors, you can shield them from the harshest weather conditions. Not only will this protect your investment from rainfall or storms, but it also makes it much more difficult for animals to get at your crops.
7. Keeps Plants Safe From Detection
A greenhouse is an ideal growing solution if you’re concerned about thieves or vandals damaging your plants. They’ll be out of sight and secure, allowing you to sleep soundly knowing your investment is safe.
8. It’s Not Expensive
If you’re looking to save, commercial greenhouses and expensive equipment aren’t necessary. Instead, opt for a walk-in greenhouse or build your own using this guide. For a more simplistic grow relying on natural light and hand-watering, forego the bells and whistles.
How to Grow Weed in a Greenhouse?
Generally, growing cannabis requires maintaining several key variables. This is also true when growing in a greenhouse; however, there are some additional differences between indoor and outdoor cultivation that must be considered. To help you run a successful greenhouse grow operation, here is a list of steps to take:
Pick a Suitable Strain
Different cannabis strains have different growing requirements. The best type of cannabis for your greenhouse ultimately depends on factors such as climate, available space, and whether you’re using artificial grow lights. Let’s take a closer look:
Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering cannabis is the best option if you want to grow using natural sunlight. With autoflowers, you don’t have to worry about setting a light schedule; they will flower regardless. This means that even if there are changes in sun exposure, it won’t damage your plants as much as photo-feminized plants would. Autos can also be planted and harvested in greenhouses at any time of year—as long it meets ideal environmental conditions.
Finally, autoflowering plants are often smaller in size, which is convenient if you lack space. For example, this is common with small greenhouse setups. If the plant yield is lower because of the smaller size, then you can simply grow more plants to make up for it.
Feminized Seeds
Although it is possible to grow photoperiod feminized cannabis in a greenhouse, there are some difficulties that come with it- especially if you’re only using natural light. These strains of vegetation flower based on the hours of light they receive. This means that you have to rely on the seasons changing in order to trigger both flowering and growth periods.
If you want to be in charge of your plant’s growth, use an artificial grow light with a timer. Just be aware that you may need to take extra steps to make your greenhouse light-proof so the natural daylight doesn’t disrupt your artificial light schedule and cause problems.
If you’re only using sunlight to grow your photo-feminized plants in a greenhouse, another issue you may come across is that they might get too tall and spindly. To prevent this, you might have to train and prune your ladies regularly. This includes topping, scrogging, etc.
Plan Your Grow Window
To allow your greenhouse to use natural light as its main source of energy, you should plan your grow window so that it takes advantage of the increased daylight hours and warmer temperatures in spring.
Only bring your plants into the greenhouse once there is no risk of frost, as the temperature inside a greenhouse is hotter than outdoors. The best time to do this varies depending on where you live and what the local climate is like.
Germinate Indoors
By germinating your seeds indoors and getting a head start on the growth process with low-powered CFLs, you can ensure that your plants are given the best chance to thrive. You won’t need a large space for this purpose, and CFLs usually don’t cost much money. Even if you plan to grow your plants primarily outdoors using sunlight, utilizing the outdoor growing season is still possible.
Move Seedlings to the Greenhouse Gradually
After your plants have had some time to grow and get stronger, usually after about a week or two, you can start slowly getting them used to their new environment. Do this gradually so you don’t shock them, moving them from indoors to the greenhouse all at once. Instead, place them in the greenhouse for just a few hours each day and then increase the amount of time over several weeks.
By following these tips, you can reduce stress and allow your plants to develop more smoothly. Keep in mind that your plants are delicate, especially now, so don’t take your greenhouse for granted.
Supplement Lighting According to Weather
Greenhouses provide growers with numerous advantages, such as the ability to supplement natural lighting. Poor weather conditions and cloudy stretches will no longer prevent your plants from getting the light they need to grow, and you’ll save a ton of money on your electricity bill in comparison to indoor growing methods.
If you’re growing cannabis in an appropriate climate with plenty of sunlight, a supplemental light may not be necessary. However, it’s always good to have one on hand just in case.
Use Blinds or Covers to Force Flowering
A greenhouse allows you to force-flower cannabis through light deprivation tactics. You could install expensive timed shutters to obscure the plants, but using blackout covers or blinds works just as well–for a fraction of the price and with much less effort involved.
Not only does a blackout cover allow you to flower your weed whenever, it also prevents outside light pollution (like from streetlights) that could interfere with flowering for photo-feminized plants.
Pro Tips for Growing Cannabis in a Greenhouse
Below are our professional tips to ensure your cannabis is content, thriving, and productive in your greenhouse grow-op.
Watch Your Temperatures
Without a doubt, one of the main benefits to greenhouse gardening is temperature control. You can grow in extreme conditions that would otherwise be impossible! That being said, it’s important to keep an eye on temperatures as they can still fluctuate greatly. For example, if your greenhouse is in direct sun, the temperatures could exceed what your plants can handle. By installing a simple thermometer, you’ll always have an accurate reading and be able to take action if additional heating or cooling is needed for your setup.
Install a Fan
To maintain optimal plant growth in your greenhouse, it is crucial to monitor air circulation and humidity levels. You can do this by ensuring that there are openings for airflow or using a fan to create a gentle breeze. This will also help regulate temperature and prevent hot or humid spots.
Plan for Your Space
One way to make efficient use of space in your greenhouse is by planning how many plants you can grow. Checking the final expected height from strain descriptions will help with this. Another good method, especially for small greenhouses, is called a SOG (sea of green) setup which involves growing a large number close together instead of just a few larger ones.
How Will You Water?
A greenhouse permits you to be adaptable in how you grow. You might utilize an old-school system with a bunch of pots that you water by hand, or select from various watering systems like drip irrigation or misting to entirely automate your grow-op.
Secure Your Greenhouse
If you choose to grow your plants in a greenhouse, there are some necessary safety precautions you should take in order to protect your investment. First and foremost, place the structure in a location where nosey neighbours can’t see it. Opaque walls will let sunlight pass through but won’t give away what’s inside. Secondly, consider investing in a security system with cameras or at least make sure to lock the doors when you’re not around. Not only will this safeguard your crop from theft, but it’s also much safer than growing weed out in the open!
Keep Your Greenhouse Clean
A greenhouse that is free of dirt will be less likely to invite pests and disease. To decrease the chances of harbouring fungus, mould, or pests, get into the habit of collecting debris such as fallen leaves on a daily basis. It’s also beneficial to use sterile soil and containers. Once every year, give your entire greenhouse – including all pots and tools – a good cleaning; it’s best to do this before starting a new growing season so you have a fresh start.
Conclusion
Why not have the best of both worlds by growing cannabis in a greenhouse? With increased sunlight, you can expect large harvests, plus control over your environment (including protection from bad weather and wind). Not to mention, lower energy costs. So what are you waiting for? Start your greenhouse grow today!