2020 is the year of CBD, judging by all the reports from all over the world. More and more people are getting into growing their own hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill put hemp on the worldwide map. Farmers are now more open-minded about transitioning to growing hemp while the CBD industry continues to evolve.
Since CBD has shown such a huge potential in providing a wide range of different benefits, it’s safe to say that hemp is heading for a brighter future, especially considering that CBD does not get you high. If you’re giving thoughts to growing your own, we can share a few useful tips to help you achieve full success.
1. Do a Thorough Research and Make a Plan
Growing hemp requires doing thorough research and planning. You need to make sure that you know which seeds you want to order to get the top quality CBD flower. Make up your mind between ordering hemp starts or seeds.
Take your infrastructure, soil, and weather conditions into consideration when making your plans. You also need to make a plan for your harvest to save both effort and time.
Making a plan also allows you to make an informed decision about which varieties you’ll need and in which quantities. Include pest control, irrigation, water, and available labor pool in your plans as well.
2. Locate All Available Resources in Your Region
Each area has its requirements. The best thing to do is connect with your local hemp-growing resources to gather more data on the said requirements.
Get in touch with the Department of Agriculture in your region to gather quality information on relatable events and networking opportunities to provide the necessary support for your supply chain.
3. Choose Your Hemp Seeds/Starts
Whether you’re growing for yourself or the CBD market, the best recommendation is to go with feminized seeds. They predominantly give female plants, which is the best guarantee that you’ll get the most out of your CBD hemp.
More importantly, feminized seeds allow you to significantly reduce the waste and save time that you would otherwise spend separating male plants from females.
4. Start Working on an Irrigation plan
If you want to help your CBD hemp plants thrive, you’ll need a well-devised irrigation plan. While it’s true that hemp is drought tolerant, you’ll get high-quality yield if you irrigate. Make sure you do your research on the best irrigation equipment for your seeds/starts.
5. Think about the Timing
Coinciding the arrival of your seeds/starts with your growing timeline is crucial to your success. Most vendors ship almost immediately after you place your order.
Since your seeds need time to germinate appropriately, make sure that your timing is perfect during each phase of planting, growing, and transplanting.
6. Ensure Proper Storage for Your Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds don’t do well with excessive light and moisture. Make sure you store them in a dark and dry place to keep them cool.
There’s a common misconception that keeping your seeds in freezers or refrigerators will ensure full freshness and germination, but this is all wrong. Just keep them away from light and moisture, and they should last up to 5 years.
7. Starts Require Thorough Preparation
If you order starts instead of seeds, be prepared for when they arrive. Young plants usually arrive on a refrigerated truck, and you’ll need a tractor or a forklift to unload.
Water them upon arrival and place them somewhere where they can get natural sunlight. If this is the first time you’re growing CBD hemp, we recommend that you start with seeds as they are easier to manage than already grown plants.
8. Germinate Smart Rather Than Hard
The best way to germinate your hemp seeds is by placing them in a greenhouse. It takes about four weeks from sowing seeds to planting the start.
This is where you need to think about your root mass and tray size to make sure you have enough room to transplant your starts successfully. We recommend using a soil mix to ensure full hospitality for your hemp seedlings.
9. Acclimatization Requires Special Delicacy
Transplanting your seedlings requires special delicacy as your fresh plants need some acclimatization to different environmental conditions.
This is also known as hardening off. Considering opening up your greenhouse and taking your plants out during the daylight and returning them at night.
10. Ask for Expert’s Advice
In case you encounter any troubles along the road, talk to experts and seasoned growers to make the most out of your crop.
Many things can go wrong, and having an expert to help you solve whatever may come is the best way to ensure full success. Ask for a third party to inspect your crop and ensure your hemp is healthy and thriving.
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