Top 5 Mistakes New Cannabis Growers Make
There's a first time for everything. First kiss. First job. First car (even if it was more rust than engine). First holiday with mates. The first joint you swore wasn't doing anything… until it absolutely was. First house? Well, we're all still working on that one.
But here's the thing, firsts are rarely flawless. You say something weird. You turn up late. You wire the grow light to your kettle plug and trip the street. It's part of the ride. Learning something new takes time, especially involving living plants and your precious stash-to-be.
And while mistakes are how we grow (pun intended), some can be avoided with just a little know-how. So, if you're just starting out or thinking about it. Take this as your unofficial welcome pack to the growing club. No judgement, no jargon, just the five most common slip-ups new growers make and how to dodge them.
Let's get into it.
1. Too Much Love, Not Enough Logic (Overwatering)
We get it. You've finally started growing and treating your plants like your first partner. You're texting too much, checking in every five minutes, and watering them like you're trying to fill an emotional void. But just like that partner who said you were "too clingy" and ghosted you after a weekend away, your plants will peace out too… just a lot slower and mushier.
Overwatering is the number one rookie mistake. Cannabis roots need oxygen, not a swamp. Drown in love them, and they won't just slow down; they'll straight up ghost your grow room. Yellowing leaves, drooping like a hungover houseplant, and eventually root rot.
Think of your grow like Lennie from Of Mice and Men, too much love, not enough control, and suddenly, you've smothered what you care about most.
How to avoid it:
Let the soil dry out between waterings. Lift the pot; if it's light, it's time to water. If it's heavy, step away. Never water on a schedule; your plants aren't that predictable, and neither are you.
2. Feeding Fails (Underfeeding or Overfeeding)
If your plant could talk, it'd sound like your nan after you forgot to bring biscuits, disappointed, underfed, and quietly judging you from the corner.
Too many new growers either forget to feed their plants properly or go full Jamie Oliver and throw everything in at once. The result? Nutrient burns, deficiencies, slow growth, and zero vibes. You wouldn't underfeed a dog or force-feed a cat five protein shakes daily, so don't do it to your plants.
The good news? Cannabis isn't that demanding. It's not a fussy dinner guest; it just wants the basics at the right time. And the payoff? Massive. A few grams of prevention now equals bags of success later.
How to avoid it:
By sticking to a feeding schedule based on your plant's stage. I.E. seedling, veg, flower. Use nutrients designed for cannabis, and don't play potion master unless you know what you're doing. Less is often more. Start light, observe, and adjust.
3. Light Problems (Too Much, Too Little, or Just Plain Wrong)
If you're wearing sunglasses indoors and squinting like a mole in daylight, odds are your plants are just as confused as you are.
Lighting is one of the most essential parts of growing, but it's also where loads of beginners slip up. Maybe you've got your light miles away like it's afraid of commitment, or you've mounted it so close it's basically grilling your crop. Either way, your plant's not happy, and a grumpy plant doesn't flower.
And don't even get us started on running the wrong spectrum or leaving them in the dark like they're grounded teenagers. They need consistency, not mood swings.
How to avoid it:
Ensure your light matches your growing stage, is bluer for veg, and is redder for flowering. Keep your distance (literally), check manufacturer guidelines, and monitor how your plants respond. And for the love of bud, invest in a timer. Your plants aren't trying to live in a rave or a dungeon.
4. Misjudging the Weather (Especially Outdoors)
You know the type. Wearing shorts in the rain and rocking a parka during a heatwave: full Oasis-on-Glasto energy. The weather has more mood swings than your ex, and if you're growing outdoors without checking the forecast, your plants will catch the brunt of it.
Too much sun? They overheat and droop like a soggy crisp packet. Too much rain? They drown, rot, or freeze up like they've just heard your electric bill. Either way, it's a mess.
How to avoid it:
If growing outside, treat yourself like a festival headliner and always check the forecast. Choose strains that suit your local climate (or pick autoflowers for unpredictable weather). Don't be afraid to throw a tarp or move your pots to shelter. This isn't Coachella; your plants aren't trying to vibe through a monsoon.
5. Picking the Wrong Genetics
You wouldn't breed a donkey with a dog and expect a prize racehorse. Yet somehow, new growers often pick random seeds without knowing if they're photoperiod, autoflower, sativa, indica, or even suited to their environment.
Genetics matter. A lot. Choosing the wrong strain for your grow space, climate, or experience level is like turning up to a black-tie dinner in a wetsuit. You might survive, but it's not going to go well.
How to avoid it:
Start with trusted, beginner-friendly genetics from reputable seedbanks (ahem—like Amsterdam Seed Center). Know the difference between autoflower and photoperiod, pick strains suited to your setup (indoor or outdoor), and read up on the effects, flowering times, and grow difficulty. Good seeds = good weed. It really is that simple.
Bonus Tip: Ignoring the Drying & Curing Process
You've made it all the way to harvest, and now you're excited. We get it. But don't rush it. Skipping proper drying and curing is like spending months cooking a perfect Sunday roast and then serving it a week late with cold gravy.
Let it breathe, let it cure, and let it be great. Your future self will thank you when that first puff hits just right.
Mistakes Happen, Just Don't Let Them Happen Again
Growing cannabis for the first time is a bit like your first time doing anything. Clumsy, confusing, and weirdly exciting. But you live, learn, and hopefully don't kill too many plants (or your dignity) along the way.
These common grower mistakes can cost you time, money, and sanity. But the good news is they're all avoidable. And with the right advice, you'll be turning those rookie errors into grower gold in no time.
So take a breath, pick your cannabis seeds online wisely, feed your plants properly, and whatever you do, don't put them in a parka during summer.
Check out our full collection of beginner-friendly cannabis seeds at Amsterdam Seed Center, and start your grow with confidence, not chaos.