The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Growing Hemp

Are you interested in growing hemp plants yourself? Growing cannabis at home can give you a high level of control over your crop, allowing you to precisely cultivate what you need. There's a lot of information available online, but growing a hemp plant at home can be a complex process for many.

Let's go over some of the most important things to know when it comes to growing hemp from the comfort of your home.

Key Takeaways

• Hemp that's grown at home should have less than 0.3% THC.
• Hemp seeds do best in warm, moist environments.
• Many farmers have different methods for growing hemp, but regardless of your method, you'll need to make sure your seeds have been germinated and planted correctly.

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What is Hemp?

Before we can dive into everything you'll need to do to help hemp seeds thrive, we need to go over some of the basics. What is hemp? And why should you care about it?

Hemp and cannabis are technically the same thing in the eyes of biology, but those similarities end when it comes to the law. Hemp technically falls within the Cannabis sativa category, meaning that it's in the same grouping of plants as any other cannabis product.

However, there's one main difference that separates a hemp crop from a marijuana plant: its THC levels.

Hemp and THC Content

Hemp is legally defined as cannabis that contains up to 0.3% THC. While this number can be seen as arbritary, it is one that's extremely important to know - it could be the difference between legal cultivation and illegal growing.

If your plant has less than 0.3% THC levels, then you actually have hemp. However, if your plant has more THC than 0.3%, then it is considered cannabis by federal law.

Understanding how much THC your cannabis plants contain is an essential part of being a responsible grower.

Hemp Uses

One of the many reasons why people choose to grow hemp seeds is that this plant can be extremely useful.

For industrial purposes, this plant can be used to make fibers, plastics, milk, and CBD extracts. But when you're growing hemp at home, there are a few other uses you should be aware of. Many people use hemp to make flour and tea, as it can be a hearty option for cooking. Others love making clothing out of the plant's material. 

Hemp is also commonly used to make CBD oil. Because your hemp should have less than 0.3% THC (otherwise, you have cannabis), you can make CBD products such as lotions, oils, and soaps. 

At Clean Remedies, we're all about exploring the many uses of hemp and the various ways that it can be used to boost wellness. We believe in clean, natural options that you can feel good about using.

Your Guide to Producing Hemp

Let's go over some of the things you need to know if you're interested in cultivating hemp at home, producing hemp indoors, or being involved in the farming of hemp plants outside. The good news is that producing hemp isn't extremely labor intensive, so once you plant your seeds, they'll only need minimal upkeep until they're ready to be harvested.

Before we can discuss how hemp grows, we need to start with the basics - your hemp seed.

If you're going to plant hemp seeds, it's essential to make sure that you have the right materials and seeds to get started with.

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Buying Female Plants

Did you know that hemp plants can be either male or female? 

Female plants are the ones that produce CBD, so you'll most likely want to stick to seeds with female genetics.

When you're going through the germination process, you'll most likely end up with about 50% male plants and 50% female plants. However, it is possible to skip this and buy only female plants, which may save you some time. This is a great option for beginners who are still getting the hang of things, as it can relieve some pressure and help you know that you're starting from a good place.

TIP: Buying feminized seeds means you'll only grow female plants.

Preparing Your Growing Medium

In order to give your hemp the best chance possible to thrive, you'll want to plant it in a prepared growing medium. This medium should be high in nutrients and well-draining. Hemp grown in a quality medium will have different results than a medium that's not nutritious. Once you have your growing medium ready, you can move on to the actual steps required to grow hemp - you've got this!

Got Germination?

It's typically recommended that you wait until late spring to begin your cultivation process.

A crucial step in the hemp growing process is germination. This can be done by soaking your seeds in water for a day, but you can also put them directly in the growing medium at this point. After your precious hemp seeds have completed this stage, it's essential to make sure that they remain in a warm, dark place. You'll know that they're ready for the next step when you start seeing some leaf growth.

Transplanting Your Seeds

Congratulations, you've successfully prepared your seeds! Now it's time to transplant them to the pots where they'll spend the rest of their lives. Your best bet is finding a space for your plants that's warm and humid.

When you're planting your seeds, make sure to be gentle and be mindful of any fragile parts of the plant. Once they're planted, you've made it through the most difficult stages!

At this point, it's time to sit back, relax, and wait until your hemp plants are ready to be harvested. Make sure that you're watering your plants appropriately and giving them the nutrients they need in the form of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. (You can even make your fertilizer at home if you're looking for a completely DIY experience!)

Growing Conditions

We've already touched on this topic in some of the previous sections, but let's recap: Ideal growing conditions for hemp seeds include a warm environment that's humid. It should be an accessible place where you'll be able to reliably water your plants. Make sure you keep an eye on the moisture level, as too much moisture or too little moisture could ruin your new plant friends.

Wrapping Up

There's a lot to learn when it comes to growing your own hemp, but we hope that this guide was helpful as you become an at-home hemp connoisseur. Make sure to keep an eye on your plants, water them appropriately, and don't be afraid to ask for help from an expert. From textiles and fiber to lotions and oils, there are many reasons to consider at-home hemp production. 

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