Welcome to the Grown in the Streets subscriber-exclusive deep dive into cannabis cultivation! This version is packed with in-depth tips, expert techniques, and quirky ideas that will make your cannabis grow not only productive but incredibly unique. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for fresh techniques, this guide will help you craft a one-of-a-kind cannabis growing experience.

1. The Bottle Garden Method: DIY Sustainable Growing

Growing cannabis doesn’t require expensive pots or planters. You can use everyday household items to create a compact, eco-friendly growing environment. In this case, we’re going with 5-liter plastic bottles, which double as both a container and a mini greenhouse.

Materials:

• Empty 5-liter plastic water bottles (or similar)

• Sharp knife or scissors

• Organic potting soil

• Pebbles or small rocks for drainage

• Cannabis seeds (preferably autoflowering)

• Optional: Spray bottle for misting, liquid fertilizer

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prep the Bottle:

• Use the knife to cut the bottle in half. Keep the bottom half as your pot. Don’t discard the top half—we’ll repurpose that later.

2. Create a Drainage System:

• Place a 2-inch layer of pebbles in the bottom of the bottle. This prevents your soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

3. Fill with Soil:

• Fill the bottle with organic potting soil, leaving about 2-3 inches from the top. Make sure to mix in some perlite or vermiculite for added aeration.

4. Plant Your Seeds:

• Plant your cannabis seeds about 1 cm deep and gently cover them with soil. Use a spray bottle to mist the top layer, keeping the soil moist but not soaked.

5. Use the Top as a Humidity Dome:

• Flip the top part of the bottle and place it back over the bottom. This creates a humidity dome to encourage seed germination, mimicking a greenhouse effect.

6. Lighting:

• Place your DIY bottle planter in a sunny location or under a grow light. Cannabis loves direct sunlight, so aim for at least 6 hours of light per day.

7. Monitor Growth & Water:

• After the first week, you can remove the top of the bottle once your seedlings sprout. Water lightly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

8. Upgrade Idea:

• For an advanced setup, you can cut multiple small bottles and arrange them in a vertical tower using wire or wooden racks to maximize space while creating a beautiful, functional indoor garden!

2. LED Glow: Building a High-Tech Indoor Grow Setup

With energy-efficient LED lights, you can grow your cannabis indoors year-round. The LED Grow Room method allows for precise control over your plants’ environment, from light cycles to humidity. It’s especially useful for people with limited outdoor space.

Materials:

• Full-spectrum LED grow lights

• Shelving unit or grow tent

• Reflective Mylar (for maximum light efficiency)

• Digital timer (for automating light cycles)

• Small fan (for air circulation)

• Thermometer and hygrometer (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Assemble the Grow Space:

• Install your shelving unit or use a grow tent. For smaller spaces, a repurposed wardrobe or closet works well.

2. Add Reflective Surfaces:

• Line the walls of your grow space with Mylar to reflect light. This will ensure that all parts of the plant receive even lighting and maximize growth.

3. Install LED Lights:

• Mount the LED lights above the plants, keeping them about 12-18 inches away from the tops of the plants. You want a full-spectrum light that mimics sunlight, including the necessary UV rays for healthy cannabis growth.

4. Set Your Light Timer:

• Set your lights on a timer for an 18/6 cycle (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness) during the vegetative stage, then switch to 12/12 for the flowering stage.

5. Circulate the Air:

• Use a small fan to move air gently over the plants, simulating natural breezes. This not only strengthens the stems but also helps prevent mold and mildew in the growing environment.

6. Monitor Temperature and Humidity:

• Cannabis grows best between 68-77°F (20-25°C) with 40-60% humidity. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Pro Tip:

• Combine your LED setup with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino-based automated system (see section 5 below) to track and control everything remotely from your smartphone.

3. Pizza Box Propagation: Germinate Your Seeds in Style

This quirky method for seed germination uses a pizza box to trap moisture and heat, helping seeds sprout faster. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for anyone who enjoys upcycling everyday items.

Materials:

• Clean, empty pizza box

• Damp paper towels

• Plastic wrap

• Cannabis seeds

Steps:

1. Line the Pizza Box:

• Lay down a layer of damp (but not soaking wet) paper towels on the bottom of the box.

2. Place Your Seeds:

• Spread your seeds evenly on the towel, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cover them with another layer of damp paper towels.

3. Create Humidity:

• Close the box and cover it with plastic wrap to lock in moisture. This will create a greenhouse effect, which is crucial for quick germination.

4. Place in a Warm Spot:

• Find a warm place for your pizza box, like on top of a fridge or near a warm appliance. Seeds need warmth to sprout, ideally around 70-80°F (21-27°C).

5. Monitor Progress:

• Check your seeds every day, misting the towels if they start to dry out. Within 3-7 days, you should see little taproots emerging from the seeds.

6. Transplant:

• Once the roots are about ½ inch long, gently transplant them into your chosen growing medium.

4. Living Soil System: Build a Thriving Ecosystem for Your Plants

Living soil is more than just dirt; it’s an entire ecosystem that works together to feed your cannabis plants naturally. With living soil, you’re not just growing cannabis—you’re cultivating a self-sustaining garden that nourishes itself over time.

Materials:

• Organic compost (rich in nutrients)

• Worms (for aeration and nutrient cycling)

• Mulch (for moisture retention)

• Rock dust or organic fertilizers like bat guano

• Mycorrhizal fungi (optional, but boosts root health)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Soil:

• Start with high-quality organic compost. This is your base layer. Add 10-15% perlite for drainage.

2. Add Worms:

• Introduce worms to the soil. They will aerate the soil as they tunnel through it and break down organic matter into nutrient-rich castings.

3. Add Nutrients:

• Sprinkle in rock dust or an organic fertilizer like bat guano. This will provide a slow-release of vital minerals to your plants over time.

4. Top with Mulch:

• Use mulch (such as wood chips or straw) on top of the soil. This will help retain moisture and keep your soil healthy.

5. Water with Compost Tea:

• Brew a compost tea by steeping compost in water for 24 hours. This will create a nutrient-rich tea that you can water your plants with.

Bonus: Living soil often doesn’t require artificial fertilizers or chemicals. The ecosystem will do the work for you, making this one of the most sustainable ways to grow cannabis.

5. DIY Smart Garden: Automate Your Grow with Tech

For the tech-savvy grower, building a smart garden with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino can elevate your grow to the next level. This system will automate watering, monitor environmental conditions, and alert you when something needs attention—all remotely from your smartphone.

Materials:

• Raspberry Pi or Arduino microcontroller

• Soil moisture sensor

• Light sensor

• Water pump

• Smartphone app (for monitoring)

Steps:

1. Set Up Your Sensors:

• Attach the soil moisture and light sensors to your Raspberry Pi or Arduino. Place them in the soil near your plants to monitor conditions.

2. Install the Water Pump:

• Connect a small water pump to the Raspberry Pi or Arduino. Program it to turn on automatically when the soil moisture drops below a certain level.

3. Monitor Conditions Remotely:

• Using a smartphone app, you can keep track of your plants in real-time. The system will send you alerts if something goes wrong, such as low light levels or dry soil.

4. Upgrade Idea:

• Add temperature and humidity sensors for full environmental control, making adjustments remotely as needed.

With this detailed guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to take your cannabis grow to the next level—whether you’re experimenting with bottle gardening, building a smart system, or crafting living soil ecosystems. Embrace the creativity, have fun, and watch your plants thrive