Getting Started
Part of the free Stevie Weedseed grow guide. No paywall, no account, written by a working grower.
Is It Legal Where You Live?
Always check your local laws before growing. Rules vary by state and country on: number of plants allowed, indoor vs outdoor restrictions, visibility from public view, and possession limits after harvest. Some places allow possession but NOT home growing.
- Check your state or country cannabis laws first
- Even where legal, keep grows private and secure
- Know your possession limits after harvest
Indoor vs Outdoor
Indoor: Year-round harvests, full environmental control, fewer pests, more privacy. Higher setup cost, electricity use, smaller plants. Best for consistent quality.
Outdoor: Free sunlight, massive plants possible, lower equipment cost. Weather risks, pests, seasonal harvests only. Best for large yields with less equipment.
Outdoor: Free sunlight, massive plants possible, lower equipment cost. Weather risks, pests, seasonal harvests only. Best for large yields with less equipment.
Basic Equipment Checklist
Minimum Indoor Setup:
- LED grow light (quantum board style recommended)
- Grow tent or dedicated space
- Fabric pots (5-7 gallon for most grows)
- Quality soil or coco coir
- Oscillating fan for airflow
- Timer for light schedule
- Carbon filter for odor control. Essential if stealth matters
- Temp and humidity monitor ($8-15). Do not skip this one
- pH pen ($15). Prevents 90% of nutrient issues
- Nutrients. Start with a simple 2-part system
Choosing Your Grow Medium
Soil (Best for Beginners): Forgiving, simple watering, natural pH buffering. Slower growth than hydro but much easier to manage. Start here.
Coco Coir: Faster growth, more control over nutrients. You must feed nutrients with every watering. Good middle ground.
Hydroponics: Fastest growth, maximum yield potential. Most complex. It requires monitoring pH and EC constantly. Not for first grows.
My recommendation: Start with quality soil. Fox Farm Ocean Forest or BuildASoil 3.0 are proven. Do not overthink this on your first run.
Use the Soil Recipe Builder →
Coco Coir: Faster growth, more control over nutrients. You must feed nutrients with every watering. Good middle ground.
Hydroponics: Fastest growth, maximum yield potential. Most complex. It requires monitoring pH and EC constantly. Not for first grows.
My recommendation: Start with quality soil. Fox Farm Ocean Forest or BuildASoil 3.0 are proven. Do not overthink this on your first run.
Use the Soil Recipe Builder →
Environmental Basics
Cannabis thrives in stable conditions. Small swings are fine. Big swings cause stress.
Temperature: Veg 70-85°F, Flower 65-80°F. A nighttime drop of 5-10°F is actually beneficial.
Humidity: Seedlings 60-70%, Veg 50-60%, Flower 40-50%, Late Flower 30-40%.
Airflow: Constant gentle breeze across the canopy. It strengthens stems, prevents mold, and helps leaves transpire.
Use the VPD Chart to dial in your environment →
Temperature: Veg 70-85°F, Flower 65-80°F. A nighttime drop of 5-10°F is actually beneficial.
Humidity: Seedlings 60-70%, Veg 50-60%, Flower 40-50%, Late Flower 30-40%.
Airflow: Constant gentle breeze across the canopy. It strengthens stems, prevents mold, and helps leaves transpire.
Use the VPD Chart to dial in your environment →