Cannabis cultivation in Germany: A beginner's guide

Author: Bent Psychology & Neuroscience Bachelor student, Focus on Psychopharmacology, Expertise in Cannabis, Psychedelics, Party-Drugs and Smartshop Products. Translator & Content-Creator

Welcome to our guide on growing cannabis in Germany for beginners! The cultivation of cannabis in the Federal Republic of Germany has been introduced in a new era due to recent legislative changes. This guide is aimed at beginners who wish to start growing cannabis as part of the cannabis legalization movement. With the change in legislation, growing cannabis at home is likely to become possible soon, but under strict conditions. Before you start growing cannabis, it's important to familiarize yourself with the legal regulations and understand what is allowed and what isn't.

Growing cannabis - A guide

The world of cannabis cultivation is fascinating but can sometimes seem complicated for beginners. Thanks to the planned legislative changes in Germany, growing cannabis could become a legal and rewarding hobby for many enthusiasts. This guide is your first step on a path that promises not only good weed but also an understanding of this interesting plant. Whether you're interested in cultivating a small amount for personal use or just curious about the process, this guide provides you with the basic knowledge needed to begin growing cannabis as a beginner.

Growing cannabis: An overview of legalization and fundamentals

With the legalization of cannabis for personal cultivation in Germany, new doors have opened for hobby gardeners. Following the planned enactment of the new law on April 1, 2024, growing up to three cannabis plants for personal use will be legal. This regulation allows citizens to grow cannabis in their own homes or gardens, provided they adhere to the given guidelines. It's important to limit cultivation to no more than the allowed number of plants and ensure that growing cannabis is not for commercial purposes.

Important: The legal situation regarding cannabis cultivation is region-dependent and can change at any time. This blog was written on 14-03-2024 and published shortly thereafter. We try to keep all information on cannabis legalization as current as possible. All details are provided without guarantee.

Cannabis growing guide: Step-by-step to your own cannabis - short version

For everyone interested in entering the world of cannabis cultivation, it's essential to start with the basics. The first step is selecting the right cannabis seeds. There are numerous strains that differ in effects, growth conditions, and care requirements. For beginners, it's recommended to start with robust strains that require little care. After selecting the seeds, preparing the grow site is the next important step. Whether indoor or outdoor, each location has its pros and cons. For indoor cultivation, you'll need a grow tent that offers a controlled environment for your plants. Proper lighting, irrigation, and temperature control are crucial for the growth of your plants. Over time and with a little patience, you'll see your plants thrive and eventually be ready for harvest. Remember, growing cannabis requires patience and care, but the satisfaction of enjoying your own harvest is priceless.

Choosing the right cannabis seeds for beginners

For beginners in cannabis cultivation, choosing the right seeds is a crucial first step. It's not just a matter of personal taste but also of growing conditions, ease of care, and plant resilience. Beginners should look for seeds that are robust and forgiving to increase the chances of a successful harvest.

Cannabis seeds for beginners: How to choose the best seeds

Selecting the right cannabis seeds can be overwhelming for beginners, but there are some key criteria that can simplify the process. First, you should opt for feminized seeds, as they produce exclusively female plants needed for cannabis harvest. Auto-flowering seeds are also a good choice for beginners, as they bloom independently of light conditions and usually have a shorter growth period. Pay attention to the strain's resistance to pests and diseases and its adaptability to various growing conditions. Especially as a beginner, it's important to research which seeds are easiest to cultivate and not just buy exotic strains – these are often only suitable for growers with a lot of experience in cannabis cultivation.

Cannabis seeds for beginners: The difference between indica and sativa

When diving into cannabis cultivation, it's fundamental to understand the difference between Indica and Sativa strains. Indica strains are known for their compact, bushy growth and typically produce a relaxing, sedative effect, making them ideal for evening use. Classic Indicas include, for example, Northern Lights or White Widow. Sativa strains grow taller, have longer flowering times, and tend to deliver a more energetic and uplifting experience, suitable for daytime activities. World-renowned Sativa strains include, for example, Amnesia, Super Silver Haze, or Lemon Haze. Of course, there are also many "hybrid" strains that contain varying proportions of Sativa and Indica genetics, such as Blue Cheese or Mimosa. Overall, there's a lot of misinformation and discussion about the complex topic of cannabis genetics, and in the end, each strain - even each plant - is something individual, and other personal factors influence the high that cannabis flowers cause.

For beginners, Indica strains are often recommended for cultivation because they have shorter flowering times and a more manageable size, making them easier for indoor cultivation. Additionally, the forgiving nature and resilience of Indica against environmental stressors offer a gentler introduction to cannabis cultivation for beginners. Especially if you've never grown cannabis before, you should not immediately opt for the "most intense" strains but start with cannabis seeds for beginners.

Cannabis strains for beginners: Recommendations and tips

There are specific cannabis strains for beginners that are particularly suitable thanks to their robustness and low maintenance requirements. Some of the recommended strains for beginners include:

• Northern Lights: This Indica-dominant strain is known for its stress resistance and easy care. It produces a rich harvest and is ideal for indoor cultivation.
• Royal Gorilla: This strain is known for its strong effect and high THC concentration. It is relatively easy to cultivate and provides good results for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
• Royal Dwarf: This strain is a cross between the strongest autoflowering varieties and a Skunk. This accounts for its intense flavor and higher yield. The hard, resin-covered buds are also immediately recognizable. Although it can produce up to 80 grams per plant, it remains compact with dense buds. Ideal for indoor gardeners and when space is limited. This strong plant grows to a height of 40-70cm in a short time. In 8 to 9 weeks, it's ready for harvest.

These cannabis strains for beginners are just a few examples of how to get off to a good start with cannabis cultivation. They provide a solid foundation for entering the cultivation world and can help gather initial experience without worrying too much about plant care. These strains are specially recommended by us for beginners, but advanced growers will also benefit from their properties!

Fundamentals of cannabis cultivation

Successful cannabis cultivation begins with a solid understanding of the basics. From choosing the right location to proper care of your plants, there are some key concepts every beginner should know.

Growing weed: Basics of plant care

Caring for your cannabis plants is crucial for success in growing weed. Water is the lifeblood of your plants, but too much or too little can be harmful. A good rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out slightly between watering. Nutrition, or cannabis fertilizer, also plays a vital role in growing grass. A balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is essential for plant development. Lighting is another critical factor, especially for indoor growers. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to thrive, ideally 12-16 hours a day for vegetative growth and 12 hours of light/12 hours of darkness for the flowering phase.

Growing weed: choosing the ideal location

The ideal location for cannabis cultivation depends on whether you opt for indoor or outdoor cultivation. For indoor gardeners, a room that can be easily controlled and isolated is required to ensure optimal light, temperature, and humidity conditions. A grow box or tent can be ideal for growing weed. Outdoor gardeners should choose a secure, private location with sufficient sunlight, protection from strong winds, and access to water. Regardless of the location choice, it's important to consider privacy and security to ensure your cultivation doesn't attract unwanted attention. These fundamentals form the foundation for successfully growing grass. With the right knowledge and a bit of patience, even beginners can achieve impressive results and pave the way for a rewarding harvest.

Setting up your first cannabis grow

Setting up your first cannabis grow is an exciting step on your path to becoming a cannabis gardener. There are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your plants have the best possible growth conditions.

Grow box for 3 plants: Setting up the perfect grow box

A grow box for 3 plants is ideal for beginners who want to legally grow weed in Germany. When setting up your grow box for 3 plants, it's important to pay attention to the right lighting, ventilation, and temperature control. LED lights are an energy-efficient lighting option that provides your plants with the required light spectrum without generating too much heat. Good ventilation is also crucial to prevent mold formation and pests. A simple fan can work wonders here. Finally, you should install a thermometer and a hygrometer in your grow box to keep an eye on the ambient temperature and humidity. Ideally, the temperature should be between 20-25°C during the day and slightly cooler at night. Humidity varies depending on the growth phase, but a good starting value is 40-60%.

Indoor cannabis growing for beginners: Essential equipment and setup 

For beginners deciding to grow cannabis indoors, there are some essential pieces of equipment you'll need. In addition to the grow box and lighting, this includes a ventilation system, consisting of a fan and possibly a carbon filter to neutralize odors. Choosing the right medium is also important; soil is the easiest for beginners to handle, but hydroponic systems can provide faster growth. You'll also need basic nutrients for your plants, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The easiest way is to buy a starter kit, which provides a perfect assortment of various cannabis fertilizers. Finally, a pH test kit is essential to ensure your water and nutrient medium have the correct pH value for optimal plant growth. With the right equipment and a basic understanding of plant care, you're well-equipped to start your first cannabis grow successfully.

Important tips for indoor cannabis growing

Successfully growing cannabis at home can be a challenge for beginners. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, anyone can become a successful grower. Below are some important tips to help you get started.

Cannabis cultivation for beginners: Watering, lighting, and temperature control

The secret to successful cannabis cultivation for beginners lies in precise control of watering, lighting, and temperature. When watering, it's crucial to find a balance – too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can dry out the plants. A good guideline is to let the soil surface dry out slightly between watering. Lighting is just as critical; cannabis requires 18-24 hours of light per day during the vegetative phase and 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness during the flowering phase. LED lights are an efficient choice that produces less heat. The temperature should be kept constant between 20-25°C to promote optimal growth. A hygrometer can help monitor humidity, which ideally should be between 40-60%.

Indoor cannabis cultivation for beginners: Security and privacy concerns

Security and privacy are essential aspects of indoor cannabis cultivation for beginners. It's important to be aware of the legal framework in your area and ensure all activities are in compliance with local laws. To protect your privacy, cultivation areas should not be visible from the outside. Use curtains or opaque materials to cover windows and pay attention to noise and odor control. Carbon filters in your ventilation system can help minimize odors. It's also advisable to implement security measures like locks for your cultivation rooms to prevent unauthorized access. Remember, discretion is key – share information about your cannabis cultivation only with people you can trust.

Cannabis growing guide - Care and maintenance

Successful cannabis cultivation requires not just careful setup and monitoring of growth conditions but also continuous care and maintenance of the plants. Here are some basic guidelines to ensure your plants grow healthy and yield optimal results.

Feeding your plants – Cannabis fertilizer

Nutrition for your cannabis plants is crucial for their growth and flowering. Cannabis plants need a balanced supply of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with micronutrients like magnesium and calcium. During the vegetative phase, a higher nitrogen content is beneficial, while phosphorus and potassium take precedence during the flowering phase. It's important to use special cannabis fertilizer to avoid over- or under-supply.

For example, the BioTabs Starter Pack. This combo pack is ideal for beginners and offers organic cannabis fertilizer for up to 5 plants in 30-liter pots. This set makes growing organic cannabis plants easier and promises better yields by letting nature do the work. The Starter Pack is certified organic and contains everything you need to get started:

• Bactrex: 25 grams
• Mycotrex: 50 grams
• BioTabs: 10 tablets
• Orgatrex: 0.25 liter
• Startrex: 250 grams

Additionally, the set comes with a manual that helps you get the most out of the products.

This set can be best complemented with BioTabs PK 5-8. Bio PK 5-8 is a 100% organic bud booster with an NPK composition of 2-5-8, ensuring lush and aromatic buds. It should be added to the water with every watering from the second week of flowering until one week before harvest. A recommended dosage is 1-3 ml per liter of water. Bio PK 5-8 combines a flower-boosting formula with trace elements, phosphorus, potassium, calcium (2.5%), molasses, humic acid, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12 to unlock the maximum potential of your plants.

Pruning ("topping") your cannabis plants

Pruning or "topping" cannabis plants is a technique in cannabis cultivation to promote growth and maximize yields. By removing the top growth tip, you can encourage the plant to produce more lateral branches and thus more flowers. It's important to perform pruning during the vegetative phase to give the plant enough time to recover.

If you want to learn more about techniques like "topping," "cropping," or "lollipopping," you should read our blog about cannabis cultivation techniques!

Monitoring for pests and diseases

Pests and diseases can pose a serious threat to your cannabis plants. Common pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies can be detected early through regular inspection of the leaves. It's important to act immediately at the first signs of infestation to prevent spread. Organic pest control products or neem oil can be effective solutions.

Diseases, especially fungal infections like mildew, also require quick action. Good air circulation in the grow area and avoiding excessive moisture are crucial to minimize the risk of fungal infections. In case of infestation, specialized fungicides can help combat the problem. Remember, prevention is the best protection against pests and diseases. Maintain a clean grow environment and healthy growth conditions to best protect your cannabis plants.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis can be an exciting and rewarding experience for beginners. With the right preparation, patience, and care, anyone can successfully cultivate cannabis. It's important to adhere to legal regulations, select the right seeds, and properly care for the plants. By paying attention to tips on watering, lighting, and temperature control, as well as proper nutrition and pruning of your plants, you can create optimal conditions for the growth and flowering of your cannabis. Remember, cannabis cultivation is a learning process. Mistakes are part of learning, but with each harvest, you'll gain valuable experiences that improve your skills.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about growing cannabis in Germany for beginners

Is it legal to grow cannabis at home?

The legality of cannabis cultivation varies from country to country and even from region to region. In Germany, the legal cultivation of cannabis for personal use is planned under certain conditions. However, always stay informed about the current legal situation in your area.

Which cannabis strains are best suited for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend robust and low-maintenance strains such as Northern Lights, Royal Gorilla, or Royal Dwarf. These strains are known for their resilience to environmental stressors and require less specialized care.

How long does it take for cannabis to be ready for harvest?

The exact time to harvest depends on the chosen strain. Autoflowering strains can be ready for harvest 8 to 10 weeks after sowing, while photoperiodic strains usually take longer.

How much cannabis can I expect from one plant?

The yield amount depends on various factors, including the strain, growth conditions, and plant care. Autoflowering strains typically produce between 30 and 80 grams per plant, while photoperiodic strains can yield significantly more under optimal conditions.

Can I grow cannabis in any type of soil?

Cannabis requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. There are special cannabis soils available that already contain a balanced mix of nutrients. Alternatively, you can enrich your soil with compost, perlite, and other additives to create the ideal growth environment.

Do you also have physical stores?

Yes, we do! Visit our Sirius Smartshop in Maastricht, Venlo or Roermond.

Bent Psychology & Neuroscience Bachelor student, Focus on Psychopharmacology, Expertise in Cannabis, Psychedelics, Party-Drugs and Smartshop Products. Translator & Content-Creator

Bent is a third-year Bachelor Student at Maastricht University. He focuses on learning about Brain anatomy, drug mechanism and research on psychedelics. He has a lot of experience when it comes to cannabis and psychedelics, both anecdotal and scientific. He believes that society should fundamentally change the way (psychedelic) drugs are perceived and regulated.

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