How to Gauge and Grow Your Marijuana Yield

Cannabis yields depend in large part on the strain selected by the grower. Nevertheless, men and women find they can boost their yields using a variety of techniques. Five of the most popular techniques today are found below.

1. Light Intensity

Light intensity plays a role in your marijuana yield. When growing cannabis outside, it’s hard to control the amount of light received once the plants are in the ground. For this reason, individuals must choose their plots carefully. Indoors, however, a grower has more control over the light. The amount of light and darkness a plant is exposed to during various growth stages affects the yield. The grower can boost the light intensity during various stages to boost their yields. 

Short, bushy plants produce more cannabis. If any plants are tall and thin, it’s time to adjust the light intensity during the flowering stage. However, maintain the same temperature in the grow room, as cannabis plants need to remain cool during this phase of development. To increase light intensity without increasing the room temperature, move the lights closer to the plants. 

2. Nutrition

Care must be taken when providing cannabis plants with nutrients. People often assume the nutrients feed the plant. However, light actually serves as the food source through a process known as photosynthesis. The nutrients function to help in photosynthesis by helping the plant digest the food received from the light. 

Growers easily see when their plants suffer from a nutritional deficiency. The leaves will wilt or change color. For this reason, a grower should err on the side of caution and go easy on the nutrients. They can be increased if any signs of a nutritional deficiency are seen. The ultimate goal of this meticulous nutrient management is to produce high-quality cannabis flowers, that are not only healthy but also potent and aesthetically pleasing.

An excess of nutrients leads to nutrient burn. Use half of the recommended dose if you purchase a nutrient schedule. Slowly add more if the plants show signs of a deficiency. Two to four weeks before harvest begin easing off on the nutrients. The health of the leaves becomes of less importance at this time because the plant is now focused on producing large, healthy buds. 

3. Pruning

Pruning can be of help in increasing yields by ensuring even light distribution around the cannabis plant. Topping remains a popular pruning method and is carried out during the vegetative stage. Prune the tip of the main cola to redirect the plant’s energy. The two lateral branches then take over as the main branches and the plant directs its energy to them. Repeat the process regularly to create a plant with double the branches, which means a bigger yield. 

Other pruning options include low-stress training and lollipopping. These techniques help alter the light distribution. This leads to the plant’s energy going to the top portions of the plant to create bigger, healthier buds. 

4. Environmental Conditions

The temperature and humidity in the grow room play a large role in the yield of a cannabis crop. Cold temperatures lead to slow growth of the cannabis plants and lower yields. High temperatures also negatively impact the yield and will lead to brownish leaves that wilt. 

The room temperature becomes of most importance during the flowing stage. Bud growth slows if the room temperature exceeds 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, high temperatures lower the smell and potency of the buds. However, temperature serves as only part of the equation. 

High humidity in the grow room can lead to mold and white, powdery mildew on the plants. As with the temperature, humidity levels remain of most importance during the flowering stage. Low humidity leads to the appearance of trichomes while ensuring the potency of the buds. 

5. Harvest

Growers must know when to harvest their crops. Too soon and up to a quarter of the growth is lost. Too late, however, and the potency of the buds decreases. The right time to harvest depends on the strain, so keep this in mind when choosing which strains to grow. 

Keep the above information in mind to increase your cannabis yield. Growers should make a record of growing conditions throughout the life of each plant they cultivate. Doing so makes it easy to see what works and where changes need to be made. This record becomes of great help as you work to increase your yield.