Indoor Cannabis Growing Guide

This comprehensive guide will help you set up and maintain a successful indoor cannabis grow in Malta, with complete control over your environment for optimal results.

Autoflowering plants are ideal for beginners, small spaces, and quick harvests. They flower based on age rather than light cycles and complete their life cycle in 8-10 weeks.

Setting Up Your Indoor Grow Space

Creating an efficient, controlled environment is the foundation of successful indoor growing. In Malta's climate, proper ventilation and humidity control are especially important.

Basic Setup Options:

Grow Tent Setup

Pros: Complete light control, discrete, efficient, easy climate management
Cons: Limited space, initial investment
Recommended for: Most home growers, beginners, stealth grows
Typical cost: €150-350 for tent and basic equipment

Converted Room/Cabinet

Pros: More space, can be customized, potentially lower initial cost
Cons: More difficult to light-proof and control environment
Recommended for: Experienced growers, larger harvests
Typical cost: Varies based on existing space and modifications

Setting Up Your Grow Space

1
Choose the Right Location
Select a space that's:
- Private and secure from unauthorized access
- Well ventilated or allows for ventilation installation
- Has access to electricity
- Can maintain stable temperature (ideally 18-28°C)
- Is free from water hazards
- Is not exposed to noise-sensitive areas (fans can create noise)
Malta-Specific Tip
Choose an interior room if possible. In Malta's hot summers, rooms adjacent to sun-exposed walls can become too hot for optimal growing.
2
Assemble Your Grow Tent
Follow these steps:
1. Lay out all components and ensure assembly area is clean
2. Assemble the frame according to manufacturer instructions
3. Pull the tent fabric over the frame and zip it closed
4. Ensure all vents, ports, and viewing windows are accessible
5. Check for light leaks by entering the closed tent in a lit room
3
Install Ventilation System
Proper setup order:
1. Mount carbon filter inside the tent near the top
2. Connect ducting between filter and exhaust fan
3. Direct remaining ducting outside the tent through a port
4. Ensure all connections are sealed with duct tape
5. Mount circulation fan(s) to create gentle airflow throughout the tent
Malta-Specific Tip
During Malta's humid periods (especially in autumn), ensure your ventilation system can handle higher humidity. Consider upgrading to a slightly more powerful fan than the minimum recommended for your tent size.
4
Set Up Lighting
Follow these guidelines:
1. Install hanging mechanism for your light (usually ratchet hangers)
2. Mount the light at appropriate height (follow manufacturer guidelines)
3. Ensure power cables exit safely through tent ports
4. Connect light to timer (not directly to power outlet)
5. Test light and adjust height as needed
Light Heights Guide:
- LED (100W): 30-45cm from canopy
- LED (250W+): 45-60cm from canopy
- HPS/MH (250W): 50-60cm from canopy
- HPS/MH (600W): 60-75cm from canopy
5
Prepare Growing Medium & Containers
Set up your growing area:
1. Place saucers/trays on tent floor
2. Fill fabric pots with growing medium, leaving 2-3cm space at top
3. If using soil, consider pre-moistening it before filling pots
4. Arrange pots to maximize light coverage and airflow
5. Install any plant training systems (trellis, stakes) if planned
6
Prepare Monitoring & Control Systems
Final preparation steps:
1. Install thermometer/hygrometer at plant canopy level
2. Set up timers for lighting schedule
3. Prepare pH testing station nearby
4. Test run entire system for 24 hours before introducing plants
5. Monitor temperature and humidity during test run to ensure stability
Ideal Environment Settings
- Seedlings: 22-26°C, 65-70% humidity
- Vegetative: 20-28°C, 40-60% humidity
- Flowering: 20-26°C, 35-50% humidity

Essential Environmental Controls

Temperature Management

Ideal Temperature Ranges

Seedling stage: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
Vegetative stage: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Flowering stage: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
Night temperatures: 3-5°C drop from daytime is ideal

Controlling Heat in Malta's Climate

Malta's summer temperatures can make indoor growing challenging without proper cooling:

Ventilation is key: Ensure proper exhaust capacity for your tent size (minimum air exchange rate of 1x tent volume per minute)
Consider intake location: Draw air from cooler areas of your home, not sun-exposed rooms
Timing matters: Run your lights during cooler night hours in summer (helps reduce A/C needs)
Heat-efficient lighting: Modern LED lights produce less heat than HPS/MH alternatives
Emergency cooling: Small portable A/C units can be directed into tent intakes during extreme heat

Controlling Low Temperatures

Less common in Malta but can occur during winter months:

Use the heat from your lights during the coldest night hours
Small space heaters with thermostats can provide supplemental heat
Insulating tent walls can help maintain stable temperatures
Raising pots off cold floors can prevent root zone chilling

Temperature Monitoring

Place thermometers at plant canopy level for accurate readings
Use min/max recording thermometers to track fluctuations
Digital thermometers with remote sensors allow monitoring without opening the tent
Infrared thermometers can help check leaf surface temperatures

Humidity Control

Ideal Humidity Ranges

Seedling stage: 65-70% RH
Vegetative stage: 40-60% RH
Early flowering stage: 40-50% RH
Late flowering stage: 35-45% RH

Malta's Humidity Challenges

Malta's coastal location creates two main challenges:

High humidity (often 60-70%): Common in autumn and winter, can promote mold during flowering
Fluctuating humidity: Can swing 30%+ between day and night, stressing plants

Increasing Humidity (For Seedlings)

Use humidity domes for seedlings and clones
Place water trays below pots (not touching the pots)
Mist walls of tent (not plants directly)
Reduce exhaust fan speed temporarily

Reducing Humidity (For Flowering)

Increase exhaust fan speed
Add a dehumidifier inside or outside the tent
Improve air circulation with additional fans
Strategic defoliation to improve airflow (for experienced growers)
Water plants at start of light period, never before dark period

Air Circulation & CO2

Proper Air Circulation

Good airflow is critical for plant health and preventing mold:

Position oscillating fans to create gentle movement throughout all plant foliage
Avoid directing strong airflow directly at plants (causes stress)
Ensure air movement under the canopy as well as above
Create a slight negative pressure in the tent (walls slightly drawn inward) to prevent odor leaks
Ensure there are no "dead zones" with stagnant air

CO2 Enhancement (Advanced)

While not necessary for beginners, CO2 supplementation can increase yields:

Only effective in sealed environments with CO2 levels of 1000-1500ppm
Requires higher light intensity to be effective
Options include CO2 bags, tanks with regulators, or CO2 generators
Must be used with proper safety measures (CO2 monitors)
Best implemented once basic growing skills are mastered

Odor Control

Why Odor Control Matters in Malta

Malta's dense population and apartment living make effective odor control essential:

Legal requirement to keep plants discreet includes controlling odors
Apartment buildings with close neighbors increase detection risk
Malta's warm climate often means open windows, increasing odor spread
Multiple growing cycles per year require year-round odor management

Effective Odor Control Methods

Carbon Filters: The most effective method, should be sized appropriately for your exhaust fan
Inline Filters: Additional protection for exhaust outlet
ONA Gel: Supplement for outside the tent area (not inside with plants)
Negative Pressure: Ensure tent walls draw slightly inward when zipped to prevent leaks
Regular Maintenance: Replace carbon filters every 12-18 months or when odor control diminishes

Autoflower Indoor Growing Timeline

WeekStageKey Tasks

Germination & Early Seedling

Plant seed directly in final container (11-15L fabric pot recommended)
Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 65-70% humidity
Light schedule: 18/6 or 20/4 (hours on/off)
Gentle light intensity (40-50% power or raised height)
Water sparingly around seedling with pH 6.0-6.5 water

2-3

Seedling Stage

Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 60-65% humidity
Begin light feeding with seedling nutrients (¼ strength)
Increase light intensity gradually (60-70% power)
Ensure gentle air circulation (indirect fan)
Water when top inch of soil is dry

3-4

Vegetative Stage

Maintain 22-28°C temperature and 50-60% humidity
Increase to regular vegetative nutrients (½ strength)
Begin Low Stress Training (LST) if desired
Increase light intensity to 70-80% power
Maintain consistent watering schedule as plant growth accelerates

4-5

Pre-Flowering Stage

Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 45-55% humidity
Transition to bloom nutrients
Complete any training (LST should be finished by now)
Increase light intensity to 80-100% power
Watch for signs of pre-flowers (white pistils at nodes)

5-7

Flowering Stage

Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 40-50% humidity
Full strength bloom nutrients
Support branches as buds develop (stakes or trellis)
Maintain maximum light intensity
Monitor closely for pests and mold as buds form

8-10

Late Flowering & Harvest

Reduce temperature slightly to 20-24°C and lower humidity to 35-45%
Flush with pH-adjusted water for 7-10 days before harvest
Check trichomes with magnifier (harvest when mostly cloudy with some amber)
Ensure good air circulation to prevent bud rot
Harvest, dry for 7-10 days, then cure in glass jars for 2+ weeks

Autoflower Indoor Feeding Schedule

Autoflowers are generally lighter feeders than photoperiod plants. Always start with ½ the recommended dose on nutrient packaging.

Week	Growth Stage	NPK Ratio	EC Range	Notes
1	Germination	None	None	Water only, pH 6.0-6.5
2	Seedling	Minimal (2-1-2)	0.2-0.4	¼ strength seedling nutrients only
3	Early Veg	Higher N (3-1-2)	0.6-0.8	½ strength vegetative nutrients
4	Vegetative	Balanced (3-2-2)	0.8-1.0	½ to ¾ strength vegetative nutrients
5	Pre-Flower	Transition (2-2-3)	1.0-1.2	Begin transition to bloom nutrients
6-7	Flowering	Bloom (1-3-4)	1.0-1.4	Full bloom nutrients, watch for sensitivity
8	Late Flower	Ripening (0-3-5)	1.0-1.2	Reduce nitrogen completely
9-10	Flush	None	None	pH-adjusted water only for flush

Autoflower Feeding Tips

Less is more: Autoflowers are prone to nutrient burn; always start with 50% of recommended dosage
Watch for signs: Slightly darker green leaves indicate sufficient feeding; very dark green suggests too much nitrogen
CalMag supplement: Often beneficial in Malta's water conditions, use at ½ strength
Water quality: Always pH water to 6.0-6.5 for soil, 5.8-6.2 for coco/hydro

Best Indoor Autoflower Strains for Beginners

Northern Lights Auto

Grow Difficulty: Easy

Height: 60-90cm

Yield: 350-450g/m²

Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks

Effects: Relaxing, Sleep-inducing

Northern Lights Auto is exceptionally forgiving for beginners, resistant to many common growing mistakes, and performs well in various conditions. Its compact size makes it perfect for small tents.

White Widow Auto

Grow Difficulty: Easy

Height: 60-100cm

Yield: 400-500g/m²

Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks

Effects: Uplifting, Creative

White Widow Auto is known for its resilience, high resin production, and balanced effects. It's very mold-resistant, making it ideal for Malta's humidity, and tolerates fluctuations in growing conditions.

Blue Dream Auto

Grow Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Height: 70-110cm

Yield: 450-550g/m²

Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks

Effects: Balanced, Euphoric

Blue Dream Auto offers higher yields than many autoflowers, with a forgiving nature and good resistance to temperature fluctuations. Its balanced effects and sweet berry aroma make it a popular choice.

Feminized Indoor Growing Timeline

WeekStageKey Tasks

Germination & Early Seedling

Plant seed in small starter pot or direct in final container
Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 65-70% humidity
Light schedule: 18/6 (hours on/off)
Gentle light intensity (40-50% power or raised height)
Water sparingly around seedling with pH 6.0-6.5 water

2-3

Seedling Stage

Maintain 22-26°C temperature and 60-65% humidity
Begin light feeding with seedling nutrients (¼ strength)
Increase light intensity gradually (60-70% power)
Transplant to final container if started in smaller pot
Ensure gentle air circulation (indirect fan)

4-6+

Vegetative Stage

Maintain 22-28°C temperature and 40-60% humidity
Full vegetative nutrients regimen
Implement training techniques (LST, topping, etc.)
Maintain 18/6 light schedule
Note: This stage can be extended as long as desired for larger plants

Varies

Transition to Flowering

Switch light schedule to 12/12 to trigger flowering
Transition to bloom nutrients
Lower humidity to 40-50%
Complete any final training before stretch
Install support structures if needed (trellis, stakes)

Flowering +2-3

Stretch Phase

Continue bloom nutrients
Manage height with gentle bending if needed
Ensure adequate spacing between plants
Monitor for signs of sex (female pistils vs. male pollen sacs)
Plants may double in height during this phase

Flowering +4-6

Mid-Flowering

Full bloom nutrients
Lower humidity to 40-45%
Maintain vigilance for pests and mold
Selective defoliation if needed for light penetration
Support heavy branches as buds develop

Flowering +7-9

Late Flowering

Reduce nitrogen completely
Lower humidity to 35-40%
Begin checking trichomes with magnifier
Flush with pH-adjusted water for final 10-14 days
Harvest when trichomes are 10-30% amber (strain dependent)

Advanced Training Techniques for Feminized Plants

Unlike autoflowers, feminized photoperiod plants have enough vegetative time to recover from and benefit from various training techniques.

SCROG (Screen of Green)

Uses a screen or net positioned horizontally above plants to create an even canopy with multiple bud sites receiving equal light.

Implementation:

Install screen 20-30cm above plants during early vegetative stage
Gently weave growing branches through screen as they grow
Continue training horizontally until screen is 60-75% filled
Switch to flowering when screen is adequately filled
Remove growth below the screen for better air circulation

Benefits: Maximizes light efficiency, increases yields, manages height, improves air circulation

Mainlining (Manifolding)

Creates symmetrical growth with multiple main colas by establishing a manifold structure that evenly distributes growth hormones.

Implementation:

Top the plant above 3rd node when it has 5-6 nodes
Remove all growth below the top node including the 2nd node
Train the two remaining branches horizontally
Once each branch has 3-4 nodes, top again to create 4 branches
Continue process until desired number of tops is achieved (8, 16, 32)

Benefits: Creates uniform colas of equal size and potency, organized structure, excellent for SCROGing later

Lollipopping

Removes lower growth to focus plant energy on upper bud sites, creating plants that resemble lollipops with bare stems below and dense buds on top.

Implementation:

Wait until late vegetative stage or first week of flowering
Remove all branches and growth from lower 1/3 of plant
Focus on removing areas that receive minimal light
Remove small budsites from middle section that won't develop fully
Maintain proper airflow throughout the entire growing period

Benefits: Increases top cola size, reduces popcorn buds, improves air circulation, decreases risk of mold

Note: Particularly valuable in Malta's humid climate for preventing bud rot

Light Cycle Management for Feminized Plants

Unlike autoflowers, photoperiod plants require specific light schedules to trigger and maintain flowering. Understanding and precisely controlling your light cycles is essential.

Vegetative Stage Lighting

Schedule: 18 hours on / 6 hours off (18/6)
Alternative schedules: Some growers use 20/4 or even 24/0, but 18/6 is most energy efficient
Duration: Maintain this schedule as long as desired to achieve plant size goals
Light intensity: 300-600 PPFD (30,000-60,000 lux)
Light spectrum: Higher blue content (4000-6500K) promotes compact, bushier growth

Flowering Stage Lighting

Schedule: Exactly 12 hours on / 12 hours off (12/12)
Timing precision: Even brief light interruptions during dark period can stress plants or cause hermaphroditism
Light intensity: 600-900 PPFD (60,000-90,000 lux)
Light spectrum: Higher red content (2700-3500K) enhances flowering
Height management: Adjust light height as plants stretch during early flowering

Critical Light Leak Prevention

During the 12-hour dark period, even small light leaks can disrupt flowering and cause stress:

Check tent for pinholes by entering during daylight and looking for light penetration
Cover timer LEDs and equipment indicator lights with tape
Use lightproof door flaps when entering tent during dark period
Consider scheduling dark period during your sleep hours to minimize disruptions

Maximizing Yields with Advanced Techniques

Advanced Canopy Management

Create a perfectly flat canopy for maximum light absorption and yield per watt:

Combine multiple training techniques (SCROG + Lollipopping)
Measure PPFD at multiple canopy points to ensure even distribution
Rotate plants 180° every 3-4 days during veg for even growth
Aim for 90% of budsites within 10cm of the same height

Root Zone Optimization

Healthy, vibrant roots are the foundation of high yields:

Use mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria in root zone
Implement air pruning techniques with fabric pots
Maintain optimal root zone temperature (20-23°C)
Consider using humic/fulvic acids to improve nutrient uptake
Enzyme treatments help break down dead root material

Perfect Feed Program

Dial in nutrients for maximum efficiency without waste:

Use bloom boosters during weeks 2-6 of flower
Implement pulse feeding (concentrated nutrients with pure water in between)
Monitor and adjust EC based on runoff measurements
Consider foliar feeding micronutrients during veg
Use silica supplements for stronger cell walls and stress resistance

Environmental Perfection

Create ideal growing conditions through precise control:

Implement VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) monitoring and control
Create slight temperature drop of 5°C during dark period (triggers terpene production)
Gradually lower RH during flowering to prevent mold while maximizing growth
Consider CO2 supplementation when other parameters are optimized
Use automated controllers for 24/7 perfect conditions

Common Indoor Growing Issues & Solutions

Light Burn

Light burn occurs when plants are too close to powerful grow lights, causing damage to leaves and buds.

Symptoms:

Yellow or bleached leaves, primarily at the top of the plant
Upward leaf curling (taco shape)
Burnt leaf tips and edges
Only affects parts closest to lights

Solutions:

Increase distance between lights and canopy
Reduce light intensity (dimmer or raise height)
Follow manufacturer's hanging height guidelines
Monitor leaf temperature—should be below 28°C

Recommended Light Heights

LED (100W): 30-45cm from canopy
LED (250W+): 45-60cm from canopy
HPS/MH (250W): 50-60cm from canopy
HPS/MH (600W): 60-75cm from canopy

Nutrient Lockout

Nutrient lockout occurs when plants cannot absorb available nutrients due to pH imbalance or salt buildup.

Symptoms:

Multiple nutrient deficiency symptoms appearing simultaneously
Deficiency symptoms despite adequate feeding
Stunted growth
Salt buildup or crust on growing medium
pH fluctuations in runoff water compared to input

Solutions:

Flush the growing medium with pH-adjusted water (3x pot volume)
Correct pH levels (6.0-6.5 for soil, 5.8-6.2 for coco/hydro)
Resume feeding at 50% strength after flushing
Monitor runoff EC to ensure salts are being removed
Consider using enzymatic products to break down salt buildup

Malta-Specific Note

Malta's tap water is often high in calcium, which can contribute to lockout. Consider using filtered water or adding specific amendments to counteract these minerals.

Hermaphroditism

Hermaphrodite plants develop both male and female reproductive organs, which can pollinate your entire grow and ruin the quality of the harvest.

Causes:

Light leaks during dark period
Irregular light schedule or power outages
Heat or other environmental stress
Genetic predisposition in some strains
Physical damage or stress during flowering

Identification:

Small banana-shaped growths within female buds (pollen sacs)
Small round balls with stems (male flowers) alongside female pistils
Often appears 2-3 weeks into flowering

Solutions:

Remove entire plant if pollination would affect commercial grow
For personal grows, carefully remove male parts with tweezers
Monitor daily for new male flowers if keeping the plant
Fix the underlying cause (light leaks, stress, etc.)
Isolate affected plants if possible

Mold and Powdery Mildew

Fungi that thrive in humid environments with poor air circulation—a particular risk in Malta's naturally humid climate.

Types:

Powdery Mildew: White powder on leaves that spreads rapidly
Bud Rot (Botrytis): Gray/brown decay inside buds
Damping Off: Seedling stems collapse at soil level

Prevention:

Maintain proper humidity levels (40-50% during flowering)
Ensure excellent air circulation throughout the canopy
Avoid wetting leaves, especially before dark period
Defoliate strategically to improve airflow
Use preventative organic treatments (silica, neem oil during veg)

Treatment:

Remove affected leaves/buds immediately
Lower humidity and increase air circulation
For powdery mildew, spray with potassium bicarbonate solution
For bud rot, remove affected buds and surrounding areas
In severe cases, consider harvesting early to save unaffected portions

Setting Up Your Indoor Grow Space

Basic Setup Options:

Grow Tent Setup

Converted Room/Cabinet

Essential Equipment Checklist

Grow Space

Grow Tent

Lighting

LED Grow Light

Light Timer

Ventilation & Environment Control

Exhaust Fan & Carbon Filter

Circulation Fan

Hygrometer/Thermometer

Dehumidifier (Optional)

Growing Medium & Containers

Soil or Coco Coir

Fabric Pots

Saucers/Trays

Nutrients & Watering

Nutrient Line

pH Testing Kit & Adjusters

Watering Can

Tools & Accessories

Pruning Scissors

Plant Support

Magnifying Loupe

Setting Up Your Grow Space

Choose the Right Location

Malta-Specific Tip

Assemble Your Grow Tent

Install Ventilation System

Malta-Specific Tip

Set Up Lighting

Prepare Growing Medium & Containers

Prepare Monitoring & Control Systems

Ideal Environment Settings

Essential Environmental Controls

Temperature Management

Ideal Temperature Ranges

Controlling Heat in Malta's Climate

Controlling Low Temperatures

Temperature Monitoring

Humidity Control

Ideal Humidity Ranges

Malta's Humidity Challenges

Increasing Humidity (For Seedlings)

Reducing Humidity (For Flowering)

Air Circulation & CO2

Proper Air Circulation

CO2 Enhancement (Advanced)

Odor Control

Why Odor Control Matters in Malta

Effective Odor Control Methods

Autoflower Indoor Growing Timeline

Autoflower Indoor Feeding Schedule

Autoflower Feeding Tips

Best Indoor Autoflower Strains for Beginners

Northern Lights Auto

White Widow Auto

Blue Dream Auto

Feminized Indoor Growing Timeline

Advanced Training Techniques for Feminized Plants

SCROG (Screen of Green)

Implementation:

Mainlining (Manifolding)

Implementation:

Lollipopping

Implementation:

Light Cycle Management for Feminized Plants

Vegetative Stage Lighting

Flowering Stage Lighting

Critical Light Leak Prevention

Maximizing Yields with Advanced Techniques

Advanced Canopy Management

Root Zone Optimization

Perfect Feed Program

Environmental Perfection

Common Indoor Growing Issues & Solutions

Light Burn