Micro Growing: How To Grow Cannabis In Tiny Spaces
Ever think you need a huge garden or an entire room to grow your cannabis? Guess again. Micro-growing is all about maximizing small spaces for high-quality results.
Gabriel ILGM
Table of contents
Whether it’s a closet, a corner of your garage, or even a repurposed cabinet, you can create an impressive setup without a lot of square footage. Microgrowing weed isn't just possible; it’s an exciting challenge that can lead to potent buds right from the comfort of your home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to start growing cannabis in a small space.
Too Long, Didn't Read
Micro-growing cannabis allows you to grow weed in small spaces like closets or cabinets.
Choose compact strains and manage environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity.
Autoflower strains are ideal for small setups.
Essential equipment includes LED grow lights, fans, carbon filters, and timers.
Techniques like Sea of Green (SOG) can help maximize yield in limited space.
Ventilation, temperature control, and careful watering are key to success.
Avoid overcrowding and choose suitable strains for compact growing.
What Is Micro-Growing?
Micro-growing is the art of growing cannabis in a very small area. Some choose a closet, a grow box, a converted filing cabinet, an old (unplugged) fridge, or even an old PC desktop case. The key here is using minimal space while still producing quality flower. It is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of room to dedicate to a full-blown grow operation.
| Benefits of Micro-Growing Weed | |
|---|---|
| Discreet Setup: | It’s easy to keep a micro grow hidden. Whether it’s in a closet, under a desk, or in a micro grow box, the whole setup is pretty incognito. |
| Affordable: | You need less equipment, and since the grow space is tiny, your electricity bill stays low. This means growing weed in small spaces can be very budget-friendly. |
| Creative and Rewarding: | There’s something incredibly satisfying about coaxing impressive yields out of a limited area. It’s a fun challenge that’ll teach you a lot about cannabis cultivation. |
| Challenges of Micro-Growing | |
|---|---|
| Limited Space: | The obvious challenge here is size. Your cannabis plants need to be kept compact. |
| Environment Control: | Temperature, humidity, and ventilation can be tricky to balance in a smaller space, but it’s absolutely doable with the right tools and attention. |
The Basics of Setting Up a Micro-Grow
Instead of using an entire grow tent, micro growers rely on tight quarters and a few smart techniques to make sure their plants thrive. Below, you will find help on how to select a space and the kit you will need.
Select the Right Space for a Small Grow
Finding a good spot for your micro-growing setup is the first step. Your options might include closets, cupboards, or even dedicated tiny grow boxes that are built for the job. Whichever space you choose, ensure that it's easily accessible for watering and has decent airflow—this is key to healthy plants.
Common Household Spaces for Micro Growing:
Closets or wardrobes
Cabinets or bookshelves
Converted computer cases
Under-bed grow boxes
Kitchen cabinets
Get the Equipment You Need for a Cannabis Micro-Grow
For a small indoor grow setup, here’s what you’ll need:
Grow Light: Choose a LED grow light that’s small enough for your space, but powerful enough for good yields. LEDs are great because they run cool and save energy.
Ventilation: A small inline fan or some computer fans can help with airflow—essential for keeping temperature and humidity under control.
Carbon Filter: Helps manage smell so your house doesn’t reek of fresh buds.
Pots: Smaller pots help keep your plant size down. For a micro grow, 1-3 gallon pots usually work well.
Timers and Thermometers: Keeping everything on schedule is crucial. Timers for your lights and thermometers to check temperature are a must.
Choosing the Best Strains for Small Spaces
Microgrows are suitable for any type of cannabis. You will have to train photoperiods to fit in your small space, whereas autoflowers provide an easier ride without training or worrying about light schedules.
Autoflowers vs. Photoperiods
When it comes to micro-growing weed, the choice between autoflowers and photoperiod plants is important. Autoflowering strains are often the best option for micro-grows because they stay small and don’t need a strict light schedule. They tend to be easier to manage, and you don’t have to worry about the timing as much.
Photoperiods, on the other hand, require more control over their light cycle and usually need some training to stay compact. That said, if you're up for a challenge, some photoperiod strains can do great in small spaces when managed carefully.
Recommended Cannabis Strains for Compact Setups
Lowryder: The original micro grow strain, stays short and easy to manage.
Northern Lights Auto: Compact, sturdy, and resilient—great for beginners.
Blueberry Auto: Tasty, aromatic, and small enough for any indoor grow.
These strains are naturally small and well-suited for a micro grow box or any small indoor grow setup.
Key Tips for Managing a Micro Grow
Managing a micro-grow requires close attention to details like airflow, temperature, and humidity. Let’s explore how to create the best possible environment for your cannabis plants in a limited space.
Ventilation and Smell Control
In a small space, maintaining good airflow is critical. Stale air leads to mold, pests, and other issues. A simple setup with small fans can help circulate air. You should also consider a carbon filter to manage the smell. This will keep your grow discreet and prevent your house from smelling like a skunky forest.
Temperature and Humidity Considerations
Temperature can spike quickly in a small grow area. Aim to keep temps around 70-85°F during the day. Using a thermometer will help you keep an eye on this. Humidity should be lower during flowering to prevent mold—aim for around 40-50%.
Watering Techniques for Small Grows
Watering a micro-grow isn’t just about how much water you give but also how often. Smaller pots can dry out quicker, but be careful not to overwater. It's best to start with smaller amounts and water slowly, letting it absorb.
Maximizing Space and Yield
When growing in a small space, efficiency is everything. Here are some methods to maximize both space and yield, ensuring your micro grow produces high-quality buds.
Ideal Plant Count per Square Feet
In a micro grow, you can typically fit 1-4 plants per square feet, depending on the strain and the method you use. For most setups, it’s better to have fewer, well-trained plants than to overcrowd your grow area.
Using SOG or Monster Cropping Techniques
The Sea of Green (SOG) technique is popular for micro-growing weed because it focuses on growing many small plants to maximize yield quickly. You create a 'canopy' of buds, all getting even light exposure, which can lead to bigger yields in tight spaces.
Monster Cropping is a high-stress technique that can help produce more branches, but it might not be ideal for absolute beginners. However, for those with a bit of experience, it’s a great way to maximize your yield in a small grow setup.
Common Pitfalls in Micro-Growing
Even experienced growers can run into issues when micro-growing. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure a successful grow.
Avoiding Overcrowding
The biggest mistake new growers make is overcrowding their grow space. Cannabis needs light and air circulation, and if your space is packed, your plants won’t thrive. Stick to 1-2 well-trained plants if you’re starting out.
Choosing the Wrong Strain
Not all strains are suited for small grows. Always pick compact, bushy strains that respond well to training and dont stretch out too much. Vertical space is a big limiter for mini and large grows alike!
Ventilation Issues
Neglecting proper ventilation can lead to mold and pests. Small grows heat up fast, so make sure you've got good airflow and invest in a small exhaust fan if possible.
Final Thoughts on Micro Growing Weed Indoors
Micro-growing is perfect for anyone who wants to grow weed in small spaces without sacrificing quality. By choosing the right strain, using efficient growing techniques, and paying close attention to environmental factors, you can create a thriving micro-grow setup in the comfort of your home. It’s all about patience, practice, and making the most of the space you have.
So, whether you’re looking to grow a little personal stash or just want to learn the basics of cannabis cultivation, a micro-grow is a great place to start. Just remember—sometimes, the best things come in small packages.