GARDEN / Marin Home
Pot
Primer
Times are certainly changing, especially for marijuana and its related
regulations and stereotypes. Even
the word has morphed — the preferred term is now cannabis, which
sounds more botanical, more chic
Marin and less Cheech Marin. Now
that cannabis is predicted to be the
new wine, if you’re a home hobbyist
and over 21 you can grow your own
for personal use. That said, here are
some fine (and broadleaf) details to
know before you grow. BY KIER HOLMES
Growing etiquette
Keep your plant
project private in
your home or in a
secure location,
unless you have chill
neighbors and there
is no local ban on
outdoor cultivation.
The law is six plants
per residence, not
per person, although
medical users can cultivate whatever they
need, provided local
zoning regulations
permit it. Two strains
Sativa: tall-growing,
narrow-leafed and
frost-tender. Indica:
short, wide-leafed and
more frost-resistant.
Most growers rec-
ommend indica for
its relatively easy
care. Chemical-free
Whatever unsightly
affliction attacks your
plant, never spray
pesticides as a rem-
edy. Use natural and
organic options. Seeds
or clones? Starting
from seeds offers
you a wide variety
to choose from, and
seeds sprout strong
taproots to anchor and
sturdy the plant. Using
clones eliminates the
need to learn how to
germinate seeds, but
clones have shallow
roots and are suscep-
tible to fungi, pests
and disease. Females
rule Consider buying
feminized seeds (spe-
cially bred seeds that
only produce female
plants) because they
are the only ones that
grow buds (the part
you smoke). The basics
If want the plant to
actually produce a
yield, you won’t need
an advanced degree
in botany, but you will
need to learn about
light cycles, proper
temperature and
humidity, sufficient
water and nutrients,
good airflow, and
pruning techniques.
Sourcing Purchase
seeds and clones
online or buy clones
from large growers
like the East Bay dis-
pensary Harborside.
Kit and caboodle Many
styles of grow-box kits
exist that include all
the serious supplies,
such as lamps, fans,
growing medium and
grow sacks. Learning
curve As any home
brewer, winemaker or
backyard gardener will
tell you, successes and
failures are expected
with any DIY project.
NEED TO KNOW Growing and selling cannabis outside of the authorized state systems is illegal under
both state and federal law. Check the latest rules and laws in your area.
