Growing in a smaller space can be tricky, but is often the only choice for most city-dwelling young growers. Many of us don’t have gardens, full spare rooms to empty, a space for a greenhouse or an empty attic. Indeed, most of us can’t do much better than emptying out a cupboard and getting on with it. However, if we play our cards right a small growing space can be just as good as a full-fledged polytunnel. Small spaces can be ideal for a single grower, they can also be more cost-effective and easier to control. There are lots of ways to spice up a small growing space and make the most of it. Certain plants are designed for small spaces, which we will have a look at a little later. First, let’s consider all of the places in the average flat that could be transformed into a grow space.
Growing Spaces
The imagination is the limit when it comes to choosing a grow space. When it comes to micro growing we can use boxes, cupboards, plastic storage containers, and the list goes on. All we need to make sure is that there’s enough height, ventilation and light, that the space is lovely and clean, and that we can control the temperature.
In a small space, these things are usually quite simple, except for perhaps enough vertical height. If our plant looks like it might outgrow our growing space we can always employ a bit of pruning and height training. There are quite a lot of plants that are ideal for micro growing.
Lighting
Lighting is never easy, we have so much to consider as these lights will be providing our plants with the energy they need to grow up big and healthy. Also, in smaller spaces, it is wise to select a light that doesn’t produce too much heat. LED lights are the best choice for very small scale growing as they are efficient, don’t give off a lot of heat and will cover the light spectrum needed throughout growing. Light spectrums that lean towards blue tend to strunt growth whereas red spectrums can encourage it.
Training
There are several things that growers can do to restrict the growth of their plants without harming them. One simple way is to ensure the lights are nice and close to the plants. They will stretch up to reach their light source, so if it’s too far away the babies may get a little long in the stem.
Another option is just called training and there are a few methods. Essentially it just means restricting your plant and teaching them to grow in a certain shape or only to a certain height. Research training thoroughly before trying to ensure the plant isn’t damaged in the process.
Topping is also a great way of stunting the height of the plants without harming them. When the plant is just a few weeks old we snip the top off the plant, which encourages it to grow out the way rather than upwards.
Initiate flowering as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary growth. When the plant reaches about half the size we want it to be we should initiate flowering. This will mean that by the time it is ready to harvest the growth won’t have gotten out of hand and the yield will still be as impressive as ever.
Restrict the roots, when the roots spread too far in a large pot the plant will also spread. By keeping the plant in a smaller pot we ensure that it doesn’t spread too far and stays contained.
Top Mini Strains
Lowryder #2 – This strain is adorable, delicious and extremely powerful. The perfect plant for the micro growing beginner. She is a mixture of Santa Maria and Lowryder, creating a high potency strain that balances Indica and Sativa. The THC content is a moderate 10 – 15% and the strain has a relaxed and calming effect. For our purposes, the most important thing is that Lowryder #2 usually only grows to a height of 30 – 60cm.
White Dwarf – This strain is a touch of White Widow for those with minimal space. This strain is a powerful Indica that is a vigorous grower and produces impressive yields despite its size. This strain is also resistant to mould and beasties, which makes it great for balcony growing. This strain has a flowering time of just 60 days and grows to a very short heigh, hence the name.
Mazar -This tiny strain is an award winner and took 2nd in the Bio Cup in 2002. Mazar is Indica dominant and extremely stable with amazing yield potential. It has a powerful, long-lasting and intense effect with a soupcon of relaxation. She was created by combining Afghani and Skunk which explains her scent and flavour of pine, citrus, and earthy Afghani hash. The THC level usually reaches around 19.5% so she may not be the best strain for beginners. She has a flowering time of 8 – 9 weeks and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Bubblegummer – This is an excellent mini strain for anyone who prefers a little fruitiness in their plants. She is well known for sweet and fruity bubblegum taste as well as her euphoric effect. Even her aesthetic is all bubblegum with lovely pink pistils covering rich green leaves. Bubblegum just needs 56 days to flower and will grow well indoors or on a balcony. Though she is short she sometimes grows to medium height so can be a candidate for topping or training.
Aurora Indica – This strain is a high CBD, Indica dominant strain with an amazing effect. She is exceptionally relaxing and spreads throughout the muscles but is also euphoric and uplifting. Medicinally she is an ideal mini strain for a personal pharmacy. Primarily she is used to treat pain, insomnia, and stress. She has a flowering time of just 7 – 9 weeks and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Remember: It is illegal to germinate cannabis seeds in many countries including the UK. It is our duty to inform you of this fact and to urge you to obey all of your local laws to the letter. The Vault only ever sells or sends out seeds for souvenir, collection or novelty purposes.
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