Common Cannabis Growing Mistakes

Cannabis cultivation is now more accessible than ever, with many enthusiasts keen to grow their own plants. However, like any plant, cannabis needs proper care, attention, and knowledge to thrive. For beginners, it’s easy to fall into common mistakes that can affect the plant’s health and yield. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top beginner mistakes in cannabis growing and how to avoid them. Whether you’re cultivating indoors or outdoors, these tips will help your cannabis plants flourish.

Choosing the Wrong Strain

One of the first and most common mistakes beginners make is selecting a strain unsuitable for their growing environment. Not all cannabis strains are the same—some are better suited for indoor growing, while others thrive outdoors.

What to do instead

Research beginner-friendly strains that suit your growing conditions. Auto-flowering strains, such as Northern Lights and Critical, are great for beginners as they are more resilient and less sensitive to light cycles.

Overwatering or Under-watering

Overwatering is a frequent error, as too much water can suffocate the roots and lead to root rot. On the flip side, under-watering can dry out your plants, especially during crucial growth phases.

What to do instead

Only water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure your pots have good drainage to avoid water pooling. Cannabis plants in the vegetative stage typically need more water than in the flowering stage.

Using Poor Quality Soil

Not all soil is ideal for cannabis growth. Beginners sometimes use generic garden soil that may lack proper nutrients or drainage, stunting plant growth or making them vulnerable to diseases.

What to do instead

Invest in high-quality, nutrient-rich soil with excellent drainage. Cannabis-specific soil mixes or custom blends with perlite and peat moss are great options for healthy root development.

Incorrect pH Levels

The pH level of your soil or water plays a critical role in your plants’ ability to absorb nutrients. If the pH is imbalanced, it can hinder nutrient absorption, potentially causing deficiencies

What to do instead

Regularly monitor the pH of your water and soil. The ideal pH range for cannabis is 6.0–7.0 in soil and 5.5–6.5 for hydroponics. You can use pH adjustment products to maintain the right levels.

Improper Lighting

Lighting is a vital factor in cannabis cultivation, especially for indoor growing. Beginners often make the mistake of providing too much or too little light. Inadequate lighting causes weak, spindly plants, while excessive light can burn the leaves.

What to do instead

Use high-quality LED or HPS grow lights that mimic natural sunlight. Ensure your plants get the appropriate light for their stage—18-24 hours in the vegetative stage and 12 hours during the flowering stage.

Overfeeding Nutrients

Many beginners think more nutrients mean healthier plants, but overfeeding can result in nutrient burn, turning leaf tips brown and crispy.

What to do instead

Start with a light feeding schedule, gradually increasing nutrients as the plants grow. Follow product guidelines and monitor how the plants react. If nutrient burn occurs, flush your plants with plain water to remove excess nutrients.

Ignoring Pests and Diseases

Even in controlled environments, pests and diseases can still affect your plants. Common threats include spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew, which can spread quickly if not addressed.

What to do instead

Regularly inspect your plants for pests or disease signs. Address problems immediately with natural solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep pests under control without harming your plants.

Harvesting Too Early

Many beginners get impatient and harvest their plants too early, which results in lower potency and reduced yields. Harvesting before the trichomes are fully developed can diminish the plant’s effects and flavour.

What to do instead

Wait until most trichomes are cloudy or amber, indicating the plant’s peak potency. Use a magnifying glass or jeweller’s loupe to check trichomes closely before harvesting.

Not Learning from Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable when growing cannabis, especially for beginners. However, the key to successful cultivation is learning from these errors and improving your technique.

What to do instead

Keep a grow journal to document your growing process, including what worked and what didn’t. This will help you refine your methods for future grows and improve your results.

Maximising Your Success

Growing cannabis can be highly rewarding, but avoiding these common mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success. From choosing the right strain to managing water, lighting, and nutrients, attention to detail is key to cultivating healthy, high-quality cannabis plants. By learning from your experiences and continuously improving, you’ll soon enjoy a thriving garden and bountiful harvest.