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The Complete Answer: Can You Grow Weed In An Aerogarden?
Yes, you can grow weed in an Aerogarden. It works. You can grow cannabis in these small indoor systems. An Aerogarden offers a simple way to do hydroponic marijuana cultivation. It is good for people new to growing. It is also good for those who want a small amount of cannabis. But know this: Aerogardens have limits. They are not for big yields. They are for small scale cannabis growing. Still, they can give you good results if you use them right. Many people find them a smart choice for discreet marijuana cultivation.
Why Grow Cannabis in an Aerogarden?
Aerogardens are easy to use. They take the guesswork out of some parts of growing. They are a type of indoor cannabis grow system. Many find them useful for different reasons.
Advantages of Aerogarden Systems
- Easy to Start: Aerogardens are almost ready to use out of the box. You just add water and seeds. They help with automated cannabis growing.
- Small Size: These units are small. They fit well in small spaces. This makes discreet marijuana cultivation easier. They are not bulky like a big grow tent.
- Clean Growing: Aerogardens use water, not soil. This means less mess. No dirt everywhere. Hydroponic marijuana cultivation is cleaner.
- Fast Growth: Plants often grow quicker in water. They get food straight to their roots. This can mean faster harvest times.
- Built-in Features: Most Aerogardens have their own grow lights. They also have a pump to move water. This makes them good for beginners.
Key Limits to Note
While good, Aerogardens have some downsides for cannabis:
- Not Enough Space: Cannabis plants get big. Aerogardens are small. Roots can get tangled. Plants can outgrow the light.
- Light Strength: The built-in Aerogarden grow lights for weed are often not strong enough for big plants. They are fine for herbs. Cannabis needs very strong light.
- Small Water Tank: The water tank holds only so much water. Big cannabis plants drink a lot. You will need to add water often. You will also need to change the water and food often.
- One Plant Focus: Many Aerogardens are best for one cannabis plant. Growing more than one can be hard. They fight for space and light.
Assembling Your Aerogarden Cannabis Setup
Setting up your Aerogarden for weed needs some thought. You need to pick the right model. You also need to get a few extra things.
Picking the Right Aerogarden Model
Aerogarden makes many types. Some are better for cannabis than others. Bigger models are usually better. They have more space and stronger lights.
- Aerogarden Harvest: This is the smallest main unit. It is good for tiny plants. For cannabis, it is very limiting. You can grow maybe one very small plant.
- Aerogarden Bounty: This is a good step up. It is bigger. It has a stronger light. It gives more room for roots and leaves. This is a common choice for Aerogarden cannabis setup.
- Aerogarden Farm: These are the largest units. They have many light panels. They give the most space. They are best for growing bigger plants. They are more costly.
Here is a quick look at models for cannabis:
Aerogarden Model | Size (Relative) | Light Power (Relative) | Good for Cannabis? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Harvest | Small | Low | Not ideal | Very tight space, weak light. |
Bounty | Medium | Medium | Good for 1 plant | Better light, more space. |
Farm | Large | High | Best choice | Ample space, strong lights. |
Essential Parts You Need
Beyond the Aerogarden itself, you will need a few key items:
- Seed Pods or Cloning Kits: You need something to hold your plant starts. Aerogarden seed pods work. You can also buy cloning kits.
- Aerogarden Grow Lights for Weed: The lights that come with the Aerogarden might not be enough. You might need to add more lights. Or, you can change the main light to a stronger one. We will talk more about this later.
- Cannabis Nutrient Solutions Hydroponics: The food that comes with Aerogarden is for herbs. Cannabis needs different food. You need special nutrients for weed. They come in “grow” and “bloom” types.
- pH Testing Kit: This is very important. It tells you how acidic or basic your water is. Cannabis needs the water to be just right. This kit can be liquid drops or a pen.
- pH Up and pH Down Solutions: These liquids help you change the water’s pH. If the water is too acidic, you use pH Up. If it is too basic, you use pH Down.
- Small Fan: Air moving around your plant is good. It makes stems stronger. It helps prevent mold. A small clip-on fan works well.
- Measuring Tools: You will need cups and spoons. Use them to measure nutrients.
- Timers: Aerogardens have built-in timers for lights. You might need an extra timer for added fans or lights.
The Grow Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Growing weed in an Aerogarden follows basic cannabis grow steps. It is similar to other hydroponic marijuana cultivation. But it is on a smaller scale.
Starting Your Seeds or Clones
This is where your plant’s life begins.
- Seeds: Put your cannabis seeds into the Aerogarden seed pods. You can put them directly in the sponge. Or, you can start them in a paper towel first. Make sure they are moist. The Aerogarden light helps them sprout.
- Clones: If you have a clone, place its stem into a seed pod. The Aerogarden’s water and light will help it grow new roots. This is often faster than seeds.
The Vegetative Stage
After your plant sprouts, it enters its “veg” stage. This is when it grows leaves and stems. No buds yet.
- Light Cycle: Keep the Aerogarden light on for 18 hours a day. Turn it off for 6 hours. This is an 18/6 light cycle. The built-in timer does this for you.
- Nutrient Management: Add “grow” nutrients to the water tank. Follow the nutrient maker’s guide. Cannabis nutrient solutions hydroponics are special. Do not use the Aerogarden’s own food.
- Water Changes: Change all the water in the tank every 1-2 weeks. This keeps the water clean. It stops salts from building up. Always add fresh nutrients after a water change.
- pH Level Check: Check the water’s pH every day or every other day. Cannabis likes a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 in hydro. Use pH Up or pH Down to fix it.
- Plant Training: Cannabis plants can get tall fast. You will need to train them.
- LST (Low Stress Training): Gently bend and tie down branches. This makes the plant grow wider, not just taller. It helps the lower parts get light.
- Topping: Cut off the very top of the plant. This makes two new main stems. It helps the plant grow bushier. This is good for small spaces.
The Flowering Stage
This is when your plant makes buds. It starts when you change the light.
- Light Cycle: Change the light to 12 hours on, 12 hours off. This tells the plant it is time to make flowers.
- Nutrient Change: Switch from “grow” nutrients to “bloom” nutrients. These foods have more of what buds need.
- Support: As buds grow, they get heavy. You might need stakes or string to hold them up. The Aerogarden usually does not have built-in support for heavy buds.
- Watch for Males (if from regular seeds): If you did not use feminized seeds, some plants might be male. Male plants make pollen. They do not make buds. Remove them right away. They can pollinate female plants. This makes seeds in your buds.
Harvest Time
This is the reward for your work.
- When to Cut: Look at the tiny hairs (trichomes) on the buds. Use a small magnifier. They start clear, then turn cloudy, then amber. Harvest when most are cloudy, and some are amber.
- Drying and Curing: After you cut the plant, hang it to dry. Do this in a dark, cool place. Once dry, put the buds in jars. This is called curing. It makes the buds taste and smell better. This part happens outside the Aerogarden.
Mastering Aerogarden Grow Lights for Weed
Lights are vital for cannabis. The built-in Aerogarden grow lights for weed have limits. You might need more power.
Default Lights: Good Enough?
- Early Growth: The Aerogarden’s standard LEDs are fine for seedlings and young plants. They are good for the first few weeks of growth.
- Flowering Challenge: When cannabis plants flower, they need a lot of strong light. The built-in lights often fall short here. This can lead to small, airy buds. This affects your Aerogarden weed yield.
Boosting Your Light Power
To get good buds, you likely need more light.
- Adding Side Lights: You can add small LED light bars to the sides of your Aerogarden. This helps light reach lower leaves and buds.
- Upgrading Main Light: For models like the Bounty or Farm, you might be able to replace the whole light panel. Look for stronger LED panels designed for plants. Make sure they fit your Aerogarden.
- Light Spectrum: Cannabis needs different light colors at different stages.
- Blue Light: Good for leaf growth in the veg stage.
- Red Light: Best for flowering and making big buds.
Most good grow lights offer a mix.
Fueling Growth: Cannabis Nutrient Solutions Hydroponics
Plants need food to grow. In water growing (hydroponics), you give them special liquid food. This is key for good Aerogarden weed yield.
Basic Nutrient Needs
Cannabis plants need a mix of things to grow strong.
- Macronutrients: These are the big three:
- Nitrogen (N): For green leaves and strong growth. High in “grow” formulas.
- Phosphorus (P): For roots, flowers, and seeds. High in “bloom” formulas.
- Potassium (K): For overall plant health and bud development. High in “bloom” formulas.
- Micronutrients: These are needed in small amounts. They include things like iron, zinc, and boron. Good cannabis nutrient solutions hydroponics will have all of these.
- Formulas: You will buy two main types of nutrient solutions:
- Veg/Grow Formula: Used during the leafy growth stage. High in Nitrogen.
- Bloom/Flower Formula: Used during the bud-making stage. High in Phosphorus and Potassium.
Always use nutrients made for hydroponics. Regular plant food for soil will not work. It can clog your Aerogarden.
Managing pH Levels
The pH level tells you how acidic or basic your water is. It is super important for hydroponics.
- Why pH Matters: If the pH is wrong, your plant cannot eat its food. Nutrients are stuck. The plant will look sick. It might turn yellow. It will not grow well.
- Checking pH: Use a pH test kit. Dip the strips or the pen in your water tank. It will show a number.
- Target pH: For cannabis in hydroponics, aim for a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.
- Adjusting pH:
- If the pH is too high (too basic, above 6.2), add a few drops of “pH Down” solution. Mix and check again.
- If the pH is too low (too acidic, below 5.8), add a few drops of “pH Up” solution. Mix and check again.
Do this slowly. A little bit goes a long way.
Water Changes and Reservoir Care
- Regular Changes: Change all the water in your Aerogarden tank every 7 to 14 days. This washes out old nutrients and prevents problems.
- Cleaning: When you change the water, quickly clean the tank. Wipe away any slime or buildup. This keeps your system healthy.
Aerogarden Weed Yield: What to Expect
Do not expect huge amounts of weed from an Aerogarden. Remember, it is for small scale cannabis growing. The Aerogarden marijuana review often talks about quality over quantity.
Factors Affecting Yield
How much weed you get depends on many things:
- Plant Size: A bigger plant usually gives more buds. An Aerogarden limits how big a plant can get.
- Strain Type: Some cannabis types (strains) naturally yield more than others. Some grow better in small spaces.
- Light Power: Stronger lights mean bigger buds. This is a key factor.
- Plant Care: Good care, right nutrients, and proper pH lead to healthier plants. Healthy plants give more.
- Training: Bending and trimming your plant (LST, topping) helps maximize light exposure. This can boost your yield.
Realistic Yield Estimates
The exact yield is hard to guess. But here are some general ideas:
- Aerogarden Harvest: Maybe 7-14 grams (0.25 to 0.5 ounces) of dried bud per plant. This is very small.
- Aerogarden Bounty: Around 14-42 grams (0.5 to 1.5 ounces) of dried bud per plant. This is a more common result.
- Aerogarden Farm: You might get 28-84 grams (1 to 3 ounces) per plant. This unit has more space and light.
Here is a table showing possible yields:
Aerogarden Model | Expected Dry Yield (per plant) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Harvest | 7-14 grams (0.25-0.5 oz) | Very limited, best for tiny plants. |
Bounty | 14-42 grams (0.5-1.5 oz) | Decent for one small to medium plant. |
Farm | 28-84 grams (1-3 oz) | Best for larger yields in an Aerogarden. |
These numbers are just a guide. Your results may differ.
Keeping It Quiet: Discreet Marijuana Cultivation
One reason people use Aerogardens is for discreet marijuana cultivation. They are small. But you still need to think about smell, noise, and light.
Managing Smell
Cannabis plants, especially in flower, can smell very strong.
- Carbon Filters: The best way to stop smell is a carbon filter. You can buy small ones. Connect it to a fan that pulls air from around your plant. It needs to pull air through the filter.
- Air Purifiers: Some air purifiers can help. They are not as good as carbon filters for strong smells.
- Good Airflow: Make sure air moves well. This helps stop stale, smelly air.
Noise Control
Aerogardens have a water pump. It makes a gentle hum.
- Pump Noise: The pump is usually not too loud. If it gets noisy, check if it needs cleaning. Make sure nothing is blocking it.
- Fans: If you add extra fans, they will make noise. Get quiet fans if noise is an issue.
Light Leaks
Cannabis plants need full darkness during their “off” light cycle. Even a little light can stress them.
- No Light Leaks: Cover any gaps in the Aerogarden where light might escape. Also, make sure no outside light gets to the plant during its dark period.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with automated cannabis growing, problems can pop up. Knowing what to do helps.
Space Issues
Your plant can quickly get too big for the Aerogarden.
- Training (LST): Bend and tie down stems early. This makes the plant grow flatter and wider. It uses the space better.
- Pruning: Cut off some lower leaves or branches. Take off any growth that does not get light. This makes the plant focus energy on top buds. Do not take off too much.
Nutrient Imbalances
Plants can show signs of not getting the right food. Leaves might turn yellow or brown.
- Check pH First: Always check your water’s pH. Wrong pH is the top cause of nutrient problems.
- Water Change: If things look bad, do a full water change. Use fresh water and new nutrients. This resets the system.
- Follow Nutrient Guide: Do not guess with nutrients. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Less is often more.
Pests and Diseases
Even indoors, pests or mold can happen.
- Keep It Clean: A clean growing area is the best defense. Wash your hands before touching plants.
- Check Often: Look at your plants every day. Look under leaves. Catch problems early.
- Safe Sprays: If you see pests, use natural, safe sprays. Neem oil is one option. Make sure it is safe for plants you will consume.
- Good Airflow: Air moving helps prevent mold and mildew.
Making It Easy: Automated Cannabis Growing with Aerogarden
Aerogardens offer a taste of automated cannabis growing. They do some work for you.
How Automation Helps
- Watering: The Aerogarden pump waters the roots for you. No need to hand-water every day.
- Light Cycles: The built-in timer turns the lights on and off. You set it once. This is very helpful.
- Nutrient Reminders: Some models remind you when to add nutrients or water.
Limits of Automation
While helpful, an Aerogarden is not fully hands-off.
- Still Needs You: You still need to check pH. You still need to add nutrients. You still need to change water. You need to train and trim the plant.
- Not a Robot: It is not a “set it and forget it” system for cannabis. You are still the main grower. It just helps with the basics.
Aerogarden Marijuana Review: Is It Worth It?
After looking at how it works, let’s sum up the good and bad points. Is an Aerogarden a smart choice for growing cannabis?
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros (Good Points) | Cons (Bad Points) |
---|---|
Easy to set up and use for beginners. | Limited space for plant growth. |
Compact and fits in small areas. | Built-in lights are often not strong enough. |
Clean, soil-free hydroponic growing. | Small water tank needs frequent refilling. |
Faster growth than soil. | Yields are usually small. |
Automated light and watering. | pH and nutrient checks are still manual. |
Good for discreet marijuana cultivation. | Can be costly for the yield it gives. |
Final Thought
An Aerogarden is a good start for many. It is great for people who want to try growing cannabis at home. It is also good for those who need a small, regular supply. It is not for growing large amounts. It is not for selling.
If you want to grow one or two plants for personal use, and you like a clean, easy setup, an Aerogarden can work. Especially the Bounty or Farm models. Just be ready to add stronger lights. Be ready to check your water often. It can give you nice quality buds. But remember, it is a small system. Manage your expectations for your Aerogarden weed yield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular Aerogarden nutrients for weed?
A: No, you should not. Aerogarden nutrients are for leafy herbs and veggies. Cannabis needs different levels of nutrients. It especially needs more phosphorus and potassium during flowering. Use specific cannabis nutrient solutions hydroponics.
Q: How many cannabis plants can I grow in an Aerogarden?
A: Most Aerogardens are best for one cannabis plant. Even a Bounty or Farm unit will get crowded with more. Growing just one plant helps it get enough light and space. It also makes training easier.
Q: What are the best strains for Aerogarden growing?
A: Look for cannabis strains that stay smaller. Auto-flowering strains are often good. They flower based on age, not light changes. Indica-dominant strains tend to be bushier and shorter. Sativas can get very tall. Ask your seed bank for “compact” or “short” strains.
Q: How long does it take to grow weed in an Aerogarden?
A: It depends on the strain. Auto-flowering strains can finish in 8-12 weeks from seed. Regular photoperiod strains take longer. They need 4-8 weeks of veg time. Then, they need another 8-10 weeks or more for flowering. The total time can be 3-5 months or longer.
Q: Is growing cannabis in an Aerogarden legal?
A: The legality of growing cannabis varies a lot. It depends on where you live. Some places allow growing a few plants for personal use. Other places do not. Always check your local and state laws before you start growing. This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not mean to encourage illegal acts.