Growing cannabis at home may seem intimidating at first. When we think about growing cannabis, we usually picture those sprawling cannabis farms decked out with the latest equipment. But did you know you can grow weed at home with little to no equipment? All you need is hard work and dedication, and, of course, this guide.

In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know on how to grow weed at home without equipment and guide you through making your weed garden a reality. Let’s start!

How to grow weed at home without equipment 

Growing weed at home might seem tricky, especially if you don't have any fancy equipment. But it's totally doable, and we’re here to show you how.

7 Essentials to Growing Weed At Home Without Equipment

Before you dive into growing your own cannabis, there are six crucial things you’ll need to get right:

Space

Think about how much room your plants will need to grow. Consider whether you'll grow cannabis indoors or outdoors, as they require different setups. If you choose indoors, you’ll have more control over the environment.

However, you’ll need a lot of space and need to consider how the lighting, ventilation, watering system, etc., will work. With an outdoor setup, plants can grow larger and use natural light, but you need to consider weather conditions and privacy issues.

Lighting

Without proper lighting, your plants won’t produce the yields or quality you’re hoping for. If you're growing indoors, you’ll likely need artificial lights that can mimic the spectrum and intensity of sunlight, like LEDs, high-intensity discharge (HID), or fluorescent bulbs. Outdoors, you need to place your plants where they’ll receive maximum sunlight throughout the day (at least six hours per day). Usually, a south-facing spot is best.

Growing medium

Your choice of growing medium affects your plants’ health. For beginners, we recommend soil as it’s the most common and most forgiving for first-time growers. However, you can also choose soilless mixes like coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite for better aeration for the roots. Whatever medium you choose, make sure it drains well and is contaminant-free.

Watering system

Consistent watering is key to healthy cannabis plants. You don’t need fancy tools for this — simple hand watering is enough. The key here is to make sure that the soil is well-watered, not waterlogged. Make sure to adjust your watering schedule according to plant size, the temperature, and the humidity.

Air

You’ll want to prioritize good air circulation if you want to prevent mold and pests. It also helps keep your plants healthy. If you’re growing indoors, you might need an oscillating fan to keep air moving. If outdoors, properly space out your plants to avoid overcrowding and promote natural airflow.

Nutrients

Cannabis plants need various nutrients throughout their lifecycle. The three most important are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, the required amounts vary during different stages of growth. To start, you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Just make sure you don’t use too little or too much.

Temperature

Maintaining the right temperature is vital for optimal growth. Cannabis plants generally thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (19-29°C) during the day. At night, the temperatures will be slightly cooler but should not go below 60°F (15°C). If you’re growing outdoors, be mindful of extreme temperature changes.

Steps for Growing Cannabis at Home with Minimal to No Equipment

What You’ll Need:

• Cannabis seeds or clones
• Natural light or a simple LED bulb
• Soil or growing medium
• Containers or pots with drainage
• Water
• Basic household fan for air circulation (if indoors)
• Optional: natural fertilizers

Step 1: Choose your cannabis seeds or clones 

First, research a strain that fits the growing conditions in your environment. Seeds are great for beginners because they’re more readily available and offer more variety. On the other hand, clones can provide a head start and are predictable every time.

Step 2: Prepare your growing area 

Find a spot that provides good lighting and air circulation that’s secure and away from frequent disturbances. If indoors, set up your growing area near a south-facing window or a spot supplemented with artificial lighting that mimics sunlight. For outdoor setups, choose a discreet area with ample sunlight and protection from harsh weather.

Step 3: Prepare the soil or pots

Find clean pots or containers with good drainage and fill them with organic, nutrient-rich growing medium. For outdoor setups, prepare a small bed and make sure it's well-aerated and has proper drainage.

Step 4: Plant your seeds or clones 

For seeds, plan them around half an inch deep into moist soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. If you’re using clones, make sure the roots are well-covered in the soil to encourage stability and growth.

Step 5: Water and fertilize 

Have a set watering schedule. If the top of your soil feels dry, that’s a clear sign your plants need watering. Be careful, though: overwatering can lead to plant rot or mold formation. Make sure the water you’re using has a pH balance of 6.0-6.5 to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

Once your plants show robust growth, that’s when you begin fertilizing with a mild organic solution. Continue at intervals. Make sure to consult the fertilizer manufacturer’s guidelines.

Step 6: Monitoring

Continuously monitor your plants and check for signs of distress like wilting or discolored leaves, as these could be a sign of pests or plant disease. Adjust the lighting, watering, humidity, and temperature if needed.

Common Challenges to Growing Cannabis at Home

While growing cannabis at home sounds fun, it comes with its own set of challenges that you should be aware of before you start:

• Pests: Pests like caterpillars, spider mites, and aphids can destroy your cannabis plants. To avoid this, make sure to regularly inspect your plants for the tell-tale signs of pests, such as yellow leaves, drooping, wilting, and others.
• Mold and mildew: High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew, damaging plants. That’s why it’s important to provide proper ventilation and humidity for your growing setup.
• Temperature fluctuations:This is especially apparent if you have an outdoor growing setup. Extreme temperature changes can harm cannabis. When growing cannabis, time it with the seasons to maintain a stable environment for healthy growth.

Storing Your Cannabis At Home

We worked hard to grow our weed. It would be a shame if they all go bad because of improper storage, right?

To prevent that and maintain the quality of our homegrown cannabis, store your buds in airtight containers made of glass to prevent moisture from getting in or odors from getting out. If you're into DIY, consider using mason jars with humidity control packs to keep the perfect moisture level.

Keep these containers in a cool, dark place to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes. We don’t recommend plastic bags or containers since they are susceptible to chemical leaching, which can affect the taste of your cannabis.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis at home is absolutely possible, but it's not a walk in the park. It requires careful planning and a lot of hard work. Like any crop, cannabis needs your attention and care to thrive. All the effort pays off come harvest time. Growing cannabis can be a rewarding experience that helps you understand and appreciate this plant we all know and love.