Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the process of Hydroponic Weed Control growing marijuana using the AeroGarden™ hydroponic system. We will cover the recommended strains for the AeroGarden™, the shopping list of materials needed, the importance of nutrients and pH control, and the setup process for growing weed in the AeroGarden™. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide will provide you with the information you need to successfully grow marijuana using hydroponics.

Recommended Marijuana Strains for the AeroGarden™

When choosing marijuana strains for your AeroGarden™, it is important to consider the size and growth characteristics of the Plant. Here are some recommended strains that are suitable for growing in the AeroGarden™:

1. Blue Dream: This strain is known for its balanced effects and high yields. It has a fruity aroma and is popular among both medical and recreational users.
2. Northern Lights: A classic strain with a strong indica effect, Northern Lights is known for its resinous buds and relaxing properties. It is a compact plant that is well-suited for small spaces.
3. White Widow: With its potent THC content and energetic high, White Widow is a popular strain among cannabis enthusiasts. It is relatively easy to grow and produces dense, frosty buds.
4. AK-47: This strain is known for its high THC content and uplifting effects. It has a complex flavor profile and is a favorite among experienced growers.
5. Girl Scout Cookies: A hybrid strain with a sweet and earthy aroma, Girl Scout Cookies is known for its high potency and euphoric effects. It produces dense buds and is suitable for indoor growing.

Remember to choose strains that are suitable for your skill level and the size of your AeroGarden™. It is also important to consider the flowering time and yield potential of each strain.

The Shopping List

Before you start growing weed in your AeroGarden™, you will need to gather the necessary materials. Here is a list of the required and optional products you will need:

Required:

• AeroGarden™ hydroponic system
• Marijuana seeds
• Tap water or distilled water
• Nutrients (such as General Hydroponics Flora Series)
• pH pen tester
• TDS digital meter

Optional Products:

• Cal-Mag solution (if using distilled water)
• Botanicare Hydroguard® (beneficial bacteria for root health)
• External air pump with air stone (to prevent root rot and provide oxygen to the roots)

Cannabis plants require calcium and magnesium, which may not be present in sufficient quantities in tap water. If you are using distilled water, you will need to add a Cal-Mag solution to provide these essential nutrients. The Botanicare Hydroguard® is a popular product that helps increase root mass and health.

Adding an External Air Pump with an air stone can help prevent root rot and provide more oxygen to the roots. This can also help reduce the usage of the AeroGarden™ built-in pump and maintain an optimal water temperature.

Nutrients and the Importance of pH

Proper nutrient and pH control are crucial for the healthy growth of your marijuana plants. Here are some important points to remember:

1. Do not use the provided plant food that comes with the AeroGarden™. It will not work for marijuana plants.
2. Use a reputable nutrient solution such as General Hydroponics Flora Series, Advanced Nutrients, or Botanicare. These products have been proven to provide excellent results.
3. Pour approximately 4 liters of tap water or distilled water into a stainless steel mixing bowl. Let the tap water sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine or use distilled water.
4. Start with half of the recommended dosage of nutrients and gradually increase as the plants grow.
5. Maintain the pH of the AeroGarden™ solution between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a pH pen tester to check the pH daily and make necessary adjustments with pH buffers.
6. Keep in mind that the pH tends to go higher in the vegetative phase and lower in the flowering stage. Maintaining the pH within the target range is essential for nutrient absorption and preventing nutrient deficiencies.
7. Fluctuations or prolonged periods of uncontrolled pH can result in distorted leaves and nutrient deficiencies.
8. Use a TDS digital meter to check the concentration of nutrients in the solution. In the early stages, the PPM should be around 400 and increase as the plants grow. High nutrient concentrations can lead to nutrient burn and other problems.

AeroGarden Setup to Grow Weed

Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials and understand the importance of nutrients and pH control, it’s time to set up your AeroGarden™ for growing weed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Assemble your AeroGarden™ hydroponic system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Transfer the nutrient solution to the AeroGarden™ reservoir.

3. Set the clock on the control panel and select the “Grow Anything” option.
4. Configure the grow light settings by selecting the sun icon. For autoflowering seeds, a 20/4 light cycle is recommended. For feminized seeds, start with an 18/6 light cycle in the vegetative stage and switch to a 12/12 light cycle to trigger flowering.
5. Adjust the AeroGarden™ pump settings by selecting the water icon. In the vegetative stage, set the pump to 30 minutes on and 60 minutes off. In the flowering stage, set the pump to 60 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
6. If you have an external air pump with an air stone, keep it running continuously throughout the entire grow cycle. If you don’t have an external pump, you can configure the AeroGarden™ built-in pump to run for 10 minutes on and 60 minutes off when the external pump is running.
7. Set the nutrient cycle to 7 days by selecting the nutrients icon. This will serve as a reminder to add nutrients and replace the water on a weekly basis.

Hydroponic Weed Control Seed Germination

It is recommended to grow only one or two plants at a time in the AeroGarden™ to ensure sufficient space for growth. Here’s how to germinate your marijuana seeds:

1. Take two grow sponges and baskets and place the seeds into the small holes. Ensure that the seeds are not planted too deep, approximately 1/2 inch is ideal.

2. Cover the two pods with the provided transparent domes and use duct tape to cover the remaining pod holes.

3. Place the pods in the AeroGarden™ and wait for the first sprouts to appear. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days.

By following these steps and providing the necessary nutrients and care, you can successfully grow weed in your AeroGarden™ hydroponic system. Remember to monitor the pH and nutrient levels regularly and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal growth and yield.

From a quick search, here’s what I found.

Here are three more resources that provide valuable insights into hydroponics and sustainable farming:

1. Hydroponics – Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program (University of Florida, IFAS): This resource offers a comprehensive look at hydroponic farming, particularly in the context of small farms and alternative enterprises. It highlights the growing popularity of hydroponic crops in areas like Florida, where there’s a demand for high-quality, year-round produce. The website also provides information on various hydroponic systems, trainings, and workshops offered throughout the year, making it a valuable resource for those interested in starting or enhancing their hydroponic operations【45†source】.
2. Greenhouse & Floriculture: Hydroponic Greenhouse Production Resources (UMass Amherst): This resource from the University of Massachusetts Amherst covers the essentials of setting up a hydroponic greenhouse. It discusses the similarities and differences between conventional production and hydroponic growing, emphasizing the need for a suitable greenhouse environment. The guide advises on investigating hydroponic production, such as visiting existing growers and researching costs, before making an investment. It also mentions resources for building hydroponic systems, either by adapting materials or purchasing commercially available systems【46†source】.
3. Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden (University of Florida, IFAS): This detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions on building a floating hydroponic garden, a specific type of hydroponic system. It covers aspects such as managing the pH of the nutrient solution, choosing the right container, and handling plants and transplants. The guide also outlines the types of crops suitable for floating hydroponic gardens, including tips for successful growing and managing potential challenges like nutrient deficiencies【47†source】.

Each of these resources offers unique and practical information that can be highly beneficial for anyone interested in exploring hydroponic farming, whether for small-scale home gardens or larger commercial operations.