One of the biggest problems we face when growing cannabis is fighting pests and diseases. Our growing spaces are futile land for blighters looking to ruin your crop. So, what do we do about them? We can't call pest control and ask them to sort out an infestation of spider mites, so we're left to our own devices. But fear not; there are ways and means to prevent and fight destructive creatures in the worst case. Let's get to it and find out how to combat pests and diseases when growing cannabis.
How to Fight Pests and Disease when Growing Cannabis
Start as you mean to go on:
What we mean by that is use good quality cannabis seeds, or if you are using shitty cuttings, make sure they are healthy and free from pests before you introduce them to your grow space.
Keep it Clean:
Proper sanitation is critical to keep things like spider mites away. Keeping it clean also applies to the plants. Regularly trim dead leaves and remove plant matter because it can cause disease if left untreated.
Air Flow:
Proper airflow will prevent moisture build-up and stop mildew and mould forming on your plants. A simple way of doing this is to use oscillating fans to keep the air moving around your plants.
Temperature and Humidity control:
You have got to get this right if there is any chance of fighting pests and disease. Like airflow, the plants will likely suffer from mould and mildew if the room becomes too hot and humid. Aim for humidity levels between 40-60% during the vegetative stage and (around 40-50%) during flowering.
Companion plants:
One of the most natural ways to combat pests is by planting companion plants. Chamomille and garlic are natural pest repellants and help keep your plants healthy.
Natural pest control:
Not all bugs are nasty, and some little creatures will fight the bad bugs head-on. Lady bugs and predator mites will work on taking out spider mites while preserving your plants. Don't ask us where you'll find a bunch of ladybugs, but it might be easier if you're growing cannabis outdoors.
Inspection, inspection, inspection:
One of the best ways to keep on top of pests is by often inspecting your plants. Look for unusual spots, discolouration, and wilting. Another sign of insect activity is things such as holes in leaves or webbing around forming flowers.
Watering:
It might sound basic. But underestimate watering at your peril. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases while underwatering can make them more susceptible to pests and diseases by causing stress. A quick tip is to water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Feeding:
The same applies to feeding. Avoid overfeeding your plants, as excess nutrients can attract pests and lead to nutrient burn. Follow a feeding schedule according to the growth stage of your plants and flush them periodically to prevent salt build-up in the soil.
Learning:
The more you know, the better you grow. So, the more you learn about growing cannabis and pests and diseases specifically. The better equipped you are to prevent them or fight them.
Conclusion
Keeping your plants healthy is difficult, but prevention is better than cure. It might sound all doom and gloom, but you can keep your plants healthy if you keep up with our discussion. You might be one of the lucky ones growing without a mite in sight. Good for you is what we say! Keep up the hard work.