Richard Owl Mirror
12-24-2008, 09:56 PM
I originally posted this elsewhere on the site but, this area seems the best topic for it.
Sorry for the double-post !
Medical Marihuana Perpetual Garden ?
I have been thinking about growing my own marijuana.
There has been much talk recently regarding the role and compensation of designated caregivers.
Throughout the discussions, I have come to realize I won't benefit from that type of relationship so, I decided to design a plan to grow my own at home. I've been to many of the Marijuana websites on the Internet, the plethora of commercial suppliers for the necessary equipment and marijuana seed providers. The standard equipment used by the growing community is quite expensive. Acquiring particular genetic strains to grow is also a bit expensive. Yes, it is possible to buy the lessor priced equipment and seeds and still grow marijuana. Many will tell you the marijuana grown under inferior equipment will produce inferior quality marijuana.
I have come to the conclusion that, for me, it will have to do.
While researching the various strains available, I came across strains that are referred to as being Auto flowering.
"Auto flowering cannabis is a cannabis plant that is not dependant on the light cycle to go into flowering you simply plant a seed and water it will grow under 24 hours light a day then start to flower when that particular strain is ready most from around 3 weeks to 5 weeks from planting then it will grow out its bud for a further 5 to 7 weeks depending on particular strain of auto so all you need to do is sit back and let it grow when you see flowers starting change the light bulb to a flowering bulb and wait then site back and enjoy a good smoke."
My thoughts on this strain is that for a patient who is confined at home and living on limited funds, this plant could provide a perpetual garden. Obtaining enough seeds to keep a continuous supply would be the stumbling block. My thought is that, if you had enough seeds, you could start new plants each week so as to stagger the predicted harvests. If a patient could harvest enough marijuana for themselves until the next harvest is usable, this easy to grow plant could provide a steady, constant supply.
This solution could never succeed if the patient had to continue paying $30-$50 for 10 seeds.
It would need to be supported by a seed-bearing mother.
If you select a candidate from your grow room, co-mingle with a waiting male then, moved back into the grow room to finish, that might provide enough seed stock towards a perpetual garden.
Being on a low-income budget, I decided to find an inexpensive way to build a system that compliments this strain.
Here is what I've come up with so far.
(2) 150-watt HPS lamp
(2) extra bulb
(2) shroud
(1) 8 SITE HYDRO UNIT
(1) Perlite
(1) Vermiculite
Cost estimate: $132.19 plus shipping, there may be added expense for cabinet, wiring supplies, etc.
This cost estimate doesn't include seeds or nutrients.
Ceiling Mount 150-watt HPS lamp 120/277-volt HX ballast (NPF). Lamp included.
Lamp Output: 15000 lumens @ $25.00
HP150M ~ 150-watt bulb @ $5.75
15-inch aluminum shroud for large Vapor Tight fixture @ $18.90
Horticultural Perlite ~ 16 Dry Quarts $7.95
Horticultural Vermiculite ~ 16 Dry Quarts $7.95
8 SITE HYDRO UNIT ~ COMES WITH 6 QT TUB 8 NET POTS HYDROTON CLAY GROWING PEBBLES @ $16.99
This system could also, if desired be supplemented with:
400-watt PSMH Construction Light Lamp Output: 38000 lumens @ $84.90
I believe use of these two 150-watt HPS, producing 15000 lumens each will offer enough quality light to grow these small-sized plants in a very confined footprint would produce a quality crop.
Using this 8 SITE HYDRO UNIT serves to confine your growing area, which doesn't need to be large as would be necessary with regular marijuana plants. It would be similar to what is known as a SEA of GREEN growing style.
This system is dependant upon seed production because this strain doesn't lend itself to cloning very well. That being said, understanding what is involved in promoting seed production on one plant while not pollinating the rest of your crop is an important feature in maintaining a perpetual garden.
First you have to collect the pollen from the male plant, this is usually done by placing a bag over the plant and shaking it. Then you transfer the pollen to your female plant. This can be done by dipping a small paint brush into the pollen and applying it to the flowers on the female plant. Naturally, you will need to grow the male plant in a separate area. These Auto-flowering strains should begin showing sex attributes after 3 weeks growth. At that time you may take any male plants out of the grow box and put them under a set of fluorescent lights to continue growing and producing their pollen.
Obtaining enough seed stock, you should be able to continuously grow and harvest marijuana in a rotating cycle. I feel that beginning 3 or 4 plants and waiting three weeks then beginning 3 or 4 more plants will provide sufficient yields of marijuana for the individual patient. Replacing the empty spaced upon harvesting the mature plants will keep this cycle going as long as you have enough seeds to plant.
My goal in proposing this solution is to allow the average certified medical marijuana patient the ability to provide for themselves on a small scale, reducing dependency on a caregiver relationship which might cost you $100's upon $100's of dollars each month. I believe after the initial investment this system should pay for itself time and time again.
I am hopeful that the patient who is living on a low-income budget can still provide for themselves. The marijuana produced from this set-up certainly won't rival that grown by an experienced marijuana grower who has invested $1,000's of dollars in the latest equipment but, I believe it will suffice for most common ailments.
I hope you have found this informative and useful.
ps. I have a host of links that went with this article.
This idea isn't set in stone, improvements are always in the future.
If these plants can produce the needed effect for relieving most medical complaints and, if done properly, one could have a perpetual garden able to harvest an ounce or two every other week.
I wish someone would comment on the THC content of these strains.
If it is equal to that found on the street, maybe that is the strength a patient needs and wouldn't need 30%THC grade Marihuana?
While it might be nice, not everyone needs to get knocked on their ass in seeking relief.
Sorry for the double-post !
Medical Marihuana Perpetual Garden ?
I have been thinking about growing my own marijuana.
There has been much talk recently regarding the role and compensation of designated caregivers.
Throughout the discussions, I have come to realize I won't benefit from that type of relationship so, I decided to design a plan to grow my own at home. I've been to many of the Marijuana websites on the Internet, the plethora of commercial suppliers for the necessary equipment and marijuana seed providers. The standard equipment used by the growing community is quite expensive. Acquiring particular genetic strains to grow is also a bit expensive. Yes, it is possible to buy the lessor priced equipment and seeds and still grow marijuana. Many will tell you the marijuana grown under inferior equipment will produce inferior quality marijuana.
I have come to the conclusion that, for me, it will have to do.
While researching the various strains available, I came across strains that are referred to as being Auto flowering.
"Auto flowering cannabis is a cannabis plant that is not dependant on the light cycle to go into flowering you simply plant a seed and water it will grow under 24 hours light a day then start to flower when that particular strain is ready most from around 3 weeks to 5 weeks from planting then it will grow out its bud for a further 5 to 7 weeks depending on particular strain of auto so all you need to do is sit back and let it grow when you see flowers starting change the light bulb to a flowering bulb and wait then site back and enjoy a good smoke."
My thoughts on this strain is that for a patient who is confined at home and living on limited funds, this plant could provide a perpetual garden. Obtaining enough seeds to keep a continuous supply would be the stumbling block. My thought is that, if you had enough seeds, you could start new plants each week so as to stagger the predicted harvests. If a patient could harvest enough marijuana for themselves until the next harvest is usable, this easy to grow plant could provide a steady, constant supply.
This solution could never succeed if the patient had to continue paying $30-$50 for 10 seeds.
It would need to be supported by a seed-bearing mother.
If you select a candidate from your grow room, co-mingle with a waiting male then, moved back into the grow room to finish, that might provide enough seed stock towards a perpetual garden.
Being on a low-income budget, I decided to find an inexpensive way to build a system that compliments this strain.
Here is what I've come up with so far.
(2) 150-watt HPS lamp
(2) extra bulb
(2) shroud
(1) 8 SITE HYDRO UNIT
(1) Perlite
(1) Vermiculite
Cost estimate: $132.19 plus shipping, there may be added expense for cabinet, wiring supplies, etc.
This cost estimate doesn't include seeds or nutrients.
Ceiling Mount 150-watt HPS lamp 120/277-volt HX ballast (NPF). Lamp included.
Lamp Output: 15000 lumens @ $25.00
HP150M ~ 150-watt bulb @ $5.75
15-inch aluminum shroud for large Vapor Tight fixture @ $18.90
Horticultural Perlite ~ 16 Dry Quarts $7.95
Horticultural Vermiculite ~ 16 Dry Quarts $7.95
8 SITE HYDRO UNIT ~ COMES WITH 6 QT TUB 8 NET POTS HYDROTON CLAY GROWING PEBBLES @ $16.99
This system could also, if desired be supplemented with:
400-watt PSMH Construction Light Lamp Output: 38000 lumens @ $84.90
I believe use of these two 150-watt HPS, producing 15000 lumens each will offer enough quality light to grow these small-sized plants in a very confined footprint would produce a quality crop.
Using this 8 SITE HYDRO UNIT serves to confine your growing area, which doesn't need to be large as would be necessary with regular marijuana plants. It would be similar to what is known as a SEA of GREEN growing style.
This system is dependant upon seed production because this strain doesn't lend itself to cloning very well. That being said, understanding what is involved in promoting seed production on one plant while not pollinating the rest of your crop is an important feature in maintaining a perpetual garden.
First you have to collect the pollen from the male plant, this is usually done by placing a bag over the plant and shaking it. Then you transfer the pollen to your female plant. This can be done by dipping a small paint brush into the pollen and applying it to the flowers on the female plant. Naturally, you will need to grow the male plant in a separate area. These Auto-flowering strains should begin showing sex attributes after 3 weeks growth. At that time you may take any male plants out of the grow box and put them under a set of fluorescent lights to continue growing and producing their pollen.
Obtaining enough seed stock, you should be able to continuously grow and harvest marijuana in a rotating cycle. I feel that beginning 3 or 4 plants and waiting three weeks then beginning 3 or 4 more plants will provide sufficient yields of marijuana for the individual patient. Replacing the empty spaced upon harvesting the mature plants will keep this cycle going as long as you have enough seeds to plant.
My goal in proposing this solution is to allow the average certified medical marijuana patient the ability to provide for themselves on a small scale, reducing dependency on a caregiver relationship which might cost you $100's upon $100's of dollars each month. I believe after the initial investment this system should pay for itself time and time again.
I am hopeful that the patient who is living on a low-income budget can still provide for themselves. The marijuana produced from this set-up certainly won't rival that grown by an experienced marijuana grower who has invested $1,000's of dollars in the latest equipment but, I believe it will suffice for most common ailments.
I hope you have found this informative and useful.
ps. I have a host of links that went with this article.
This idea isn't set in stone, improvements are always in the future.
If these plants can produce the needed effect for relieving most medical complaints and, if done properly, one could have a perpetual garden able to harvest an ounce or two every other week.
I wish someone would comment on the THC content of these strains.
If it is equal to that found on the street, maybe that is the strength a patient needs and wouldn't need 30%THC grade Marihuana?
While it might be nice, not everyone needs to get knocked on their ass in seeking relief.