Key Differences Growing Cannabis Indoors vs. Outdoors
Differences growing indoors vs outdoors
There are several key differences between growing cannabis outdoors and indoors, and they can affect the quality of your harvest. The best way to decide which method is right for you will depend on your growing conditions and personal preferences. Outdoor marijuana grows typically require warmer temperatures and more sunlight than indoor plants. Latitude will affect the length of the growing season and the number of daylight hours. Indoor growers are more likely to be able to control the CO2 level and environment, and they will usually produce higher THC percentages.
An indoor grow requires more personal attention and equipment. You'll need high-quality lights, a growing tent or facility, carbon filters, and dehumidifiers. You'll also need to buy additional gear. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for electricity and water. If you're planning to grow cannabis indoors, it's best to spend more money on growing supplies than on actual cannabis.
In terms of growing conditions, the outdoors offer greater flexibility. However, if you are growing a large number of plants, outdoor cultivation is generally less expensive. Outdoor growers also don't need to pay for ventilation or watering systems. These are typically expensive in indoor grow environments. Indoor cultivators can experiment with different variables until they find the ideal conditions for their plants.
Another important difference between indoor and outdoor marijuana is the number of terpenes. Both types of marijuana have different amounts of cannabinoids but indoors have more terpenes than outdoor plants. Indoor growers can control this process better, but their yields are lower and their products tend to have a higher terpene content than those grown outdoors. If you're growing cannabis outdoors, you may not want to forget about drying as the weather can make terpene profiles evaporate before harvest.
Importance of proper HVAC systems
One of the most important parts of a grow room is its HVAC system. It should produce a "natural like breeze" and offer extensive filtration to prevent smells and mold spores from forming. An intelligent HVAC cooling unit is essential and should include smart technology. You should choose a unit that can handle your indoor climate changes while saving you money and energy. There are several things to consider when choosing an HVAC system for your indoor growing space.
Keeping the temperature and humidity consistent in your grow room can ensure the best growth possible. By controlling the environment, you can maximize the rate of product development, yield, and quality. Proper HVAC systems can reduce operating costs and increase your yields. In addition to controlling the growing environment, some innovative systems provide perceptive analytics that helps you predict what your plants need. For example, EasyRoots' system uses perceptive analytics to monitor plant growth. This helps you make more informed decisions regarding your grow room's HVAC needs.
In addition to maintaining the proper air quality, an efficient HVAC system also keeps your cannabis plants safe and happy. Marijuana plants thrive in a Mediterranean climate, and while grow lights can help offset the cold, a good HVAC system will maintain a consistent environment. HVAC systems are your last line of defense when the environment becomes uncontrollable. These systems are vital to the growth of your plants.
The most important HVAC system component of your grow room is the humidity level. Controlling the humidity level is the biggest challenge for climate control in a cultivation facility. As plants grow, they increase transpiration rates, which require the removal of excess moisture. Conventional HVAC systems cannot cope with these loads, as their sensible heat ratios are very high. Furthermore, dew point temperatures in the late flowering phase fall below 40 degrees. Therefore, vapor-compression technology is not appropriate for high-dew point temperatures.
Preventing mold and powdery mildew
There are various ways of preventing mold and powdery mildew when growing your cannabis plants indoors. Depending on the location, cannabis plants can develop either of these two types of fungi. Both of these diseases can affect the cannabis plant's leaves, flower, or even fruit. As soon as you notice signs of these diseases, you should take immediate action. To avoid a systemic infection, follow these steps:
Firstly, you should keep the environment of your cannabis plants clean. One way to do this is by spraying your plants with sulfur. This will give your plants a sulfur taste but won't wash off the buds. You can also use a sulfur burner, which vaporizes elemental sulfur. These burners should be run for twelve hours in the beginning and then for one to four hours at night. Afterward, you can stop using the sulfur spray. Also, you can use a bio fungicide, Malatox, which inhibits the growth of fungal growth.
To avoid a powdery mildew outbreak, make sure the plant gets proper ventilation and air circulation. Defoliating plants too quickly can spread the spores, so make sure to keep some space between the plants. A dehumidifier will reduce the humidity levels in your indoor cannabis growing space, while a wet paper towel can help eliminate any traces of the fungus.
In addition to improving the circulation in your cannabis-growing area, you can use air purification systems to reduce the spread of spores. This prevents the growth of powdery mildew spores. If the fungus does invade your indoor cannabis growing space, don't use a fungicide unless you absolutely must. Sterilize your tools and area before starting a new crop.
Choosing the right benching and racking
There are several advantages of using Benching and Racking systems for cannabis growing indoors. One of them is their ability to maximize space. They can increase your grow room by up to 40% and have an assortment of sizes to fit all types of businesses. You can even find custom-made racking that fits your needs and budget. Here are some of the main differences between stationary and mobile benching systems.
Choosing the right benching and racking system is a critical aspect of cannabis growing indoors. There are many different styles of benches available for different growing environments. Some benches are designed to elevate your plants from the ground to a comfortable height. Benching and racking systems allow for more space utilization and fewer aisles. Furthermore, they help protect your plants from contaminants and potential pests.
Some systems are designed with mobility in mind. Some are built with wheels or can be rolled around a room. They can be set up by one person and are usually made of lightweight materials that are corrosion-resistant. Commercial operators are also concerned with safety, so they choose systems that allow for easy access to their plants. Another important factor is cost. Different options come with different service options and costs. The simpler options are usually cheaper but require more labor hours. Higher-priced options are usually the most automated and costlier.
MJM Install offers onsite instruction and comprehensive project management. Project managers will ensure that your installation process is streamlined. The company will also consider your local fire codes to design rolling bench systems. You can always call on them to help you decide which is best for your growing needs. This is why it is important to check local grow shops before buying a bench or racking system for your indoor cannabis growing facility.
LED Lighting considerations
There are a few things to keep in mind when using LED lighting for cannabis indoors. One of the most important things to consider is the distance from the lights. LED lights do not emit heat, but they can cause some leaf bleaching and light burn. Therefore, you should use a distance of at least 1.5 feet between your light source and plants. If the distance seems too far, talk to the manufacturer of your lights and ask for recommendations.
A good LED grow light is less expensive to purchase and operate than an equivalent HPS or MH light fixture. Some models can run as much as $1000, though you can get some cheaper options. If you have limited funds, you may want to stick to an affordable $100 LED grow light. However, you'll save significantly on your ongoing costs by upgrading to LED lighting. Also, because LEDs consume 60 percent less energy than their counterparts, LEDs will pay for themselves over time.
In addition to choosing a light source, you should consider its wavelength and color. Different plants will need different wavelengths of light, so choosing the right LED spectral mix will be essential for a successful grow. Similarly, a spectrum that contains blue light for veg will be less helpful for flowering. The correct light spectrum will determine the overall look of your crops and determine how much cannabis you'll be able to grow.
While LEDs are relatively new, they are quickly becoming the standard for cannabis growing. They require a much lower energy consumption emit no heat and are much better for the environment. Many LED lights are adjustable, which means that you can change the spectrum based on the plant growth stage. This means you can optimize your grow cycle without the need for constant adjustments. LED lights are more efficient and better for the environment, but there are a few things to keep in mind.