Hydroponics: The Original Way to Grow Perfect Cannabis Every Time

This will keep your plants happy and fed up during every part of the growing cycle

There’s a reason hydroponics is such a classic choice for cannabis: it’s easy to set up, saves space, and without the variability that comes with soil, you can fine-tune your plants nutrients for each part of the growing cycle. Thanks to decades of breeders who came before you – as long as you are able to measure things – the guesswork is also near zero. This works for both beginners and old timers.

When the hydroponics herb grew in importance in the 1970s, General Hydroponics, now part of the Hawthorne Gardening Company, was right on the ground floor. In 1976 they launched their three-part Flora series, the OG cannabis nutrient system that growers swear by to this day.

With the personalized support from General Hydroponics, clear guidelines and straightforward nutrient system, first-time growers can get all the basics to start their first harvest. However, once you have the basics in place, it’s just as easy to personalize and adapt to each individual growth.

Whether you’re just starting out with cannabis growing or are used to growing in soil, hydroponics is the easiest way to get a full, healthy harvest. Here’s what you need to know.

What is hydroponics?

The Simple Version: Hydroponics is a way of growing plants using a mixture of water and nutrients instead of soil. While humans have been growing crops without soil for eons, technology has advanced over the past century. It was used to feed troops during World War II, and later it was used to grow lettuce in space.

Hydroponics gradually spread from scientists to gardeners and hobbyists. While many of them only grew vegetables, it was particularly popular with cannabis growers. Cannabis is a unique plant with very specific light, moisture, and nutritional needs, and hydroponics gave them a level of control they’d never had before. It made it easier than ever to avoid pesticides as well, as many common pests require soil to thrive.

Getting started with a hydroponic cannabis crop

A cannabis plant has two basic stages, although it breaks down into smaller ones. During the growth phase, priority is developing leaves and stems to create a sturdy, healthy plant. With this strong foundation, you’ll enter the flowering phase and create as many sticky buds as possible. Both processes require different nutrients for maximum yields – for example, cannabis needs the most nitrogen at the end of its growth phase – and with hydroponics it is incredibly easy to adjust it to the exact needs of the plant at any time.

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Stages of the growth cycle of marijuana plants

To start off, you can either buy a pre-built hydroponic system or, if you’re thrifty and practical, build your own. Make sure your plants receive adequate light and ventilation, either naturally or through growing light. (If you stick with it, you should do more precise environmental controls like you would with an air conditioner.) Check your water for the correct pH before mixing in your nutrients.

General Hydroponics’ Flora range is the easiest way to ensure your plants are well fed. Your plant receives all the nutrients it needs in just three different mixtures – FloraGro®, FloraBloom® and FloraMicro® – which are mixed in different combinations depending on the growth phase of the plant.

General Hydroponics’ straightforward feedchart, built on decades of experience, offers both a simplified, four-step nutrient plan and a weekly breakdown so your crop gets the right balance for a productive harvest.

Competent support

The General Hydroponics team is the original expert on hydroponic cannabis – and they’ve prepared an entire library of knowledge to get you started. Articles for beginners cover the basics and frequently asked questions. The next level growing resources provide everything you need to know about your growing environment to keep your plants healthy and to fix bugs.

But if all of that doesn’t cover everything, you can always give them a call. You will have a hydroponic assistant on the line to make sure you are set up for success.

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