Growing with LED Grow Lights: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Growing cannabis can be a fun hobby, especially if you want to produce high-quality medical marijuana. While growing good cannabis isn’t too difficult in theory, mistakes can still be made, especially if you’re new to LED grow lights. Find out what to avoid to grow top-quality cannabis under LED grow lights.
Benefits of LED grow lights
Previously, growers mainly used HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lights, such as MH (Metal Halide) for the vegetative phase and HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights for the flowering phase. Although HID lights are still popular, LED lights are quickly gaining ground in grow rooms all over the world. This is due to their several advantages:
- Lower Energy Consumption : LED lights use significantly less electricity than HID lights, which lowers your energy bill and is better for the environment.
- Less Heat : LED lights emit less heat, which is ideal for small grow rooms and helps prevent overheating.
- Affordability : Thanks to the widespread adoption of LED technology, LED lights are becoming increasingly affordable.
Despite these advantages, even the best LED lights will not produce a good harvest if not used correctly. So let’s discuss some common mistakes to avoid when growing cannabis under LED lights.
1. Incorrect distance of LED lamp from plants
One of the most common mistakes when using LEDs is not placing them properly. Some growers, used to the heat of HID lights, hang their LEDs too far away, while others place them too close to their plants.
- Too Far Away : If LED lights are hung too far from the plants, the plants will stretch toward the light, resulting in long, weak stems.
- Too close : If you hang your LEDs too close, the leaves and buds can burn or bleach from too much light and heat.
The ideal distance depends on the type of LED lamp. Always consult the manual or the manufacturer's website for specific recommendations. In general, keep a distance of 30-40 cm during the growth phase and reduce it to at least 15 cm during flowering.
2. Overwatering
Because HID lights produce more heat, they dry out the soil faster. When you switch to LEDs, you will need to adjust your watering schedule. LED lights produce less heat, so the soil stays moist longer.
- Overwatering : This can lead to root rot, mold, and other problems. It is crucial to learn when your plants need water. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
3. Wrong type of LED light
LED lights come in different types and spectrums. Most modern LED grow lights are "full spectrum", which means they are suitable for both the growth and flowering phase. However, there are also specific lights for each phase.
- Grow Lights : These emit a more bluish light that stimulates vegetative growth.
- Flowering bulbs : These give off a more reddish light that promotes flowering.
Make sure you choose the right lights for your needs. For most growers, full spectrum LEDs are the most practical.
4. Low Quality LED Grow Lights
Although high-quality LED grow lights are more expensive, it is important not to skimp on quality. There are many cheap LED lights on the market that perform less well and can even be dangerous.
- Low quality : Cheap LED bulbs can have poor light distribution and not provide enough light intensity. Invest in bulbs from a reputable manufacturer with good reviews and warranties.
5. Not providing enough light
Some cheap "starter LEDs" can be misleading in their specifications, such as wattage. Wattage indicates how much energy the bulb uses, not how much light it produces. It is important to pay attention to the actual light output.
- Photon Flux Density (PFD) : This measures the amount of light reaching a given area and is a better measure of light quality. Make sure you provide enough light for the number of plants you are growing. A 300W LED grow light is enough to light one m2 of plant surface.
6. Insufficient ventilation
Although LED grow lights only give off limited heat, your grow room should be sufficiently ventilated. In addition to cooling HPS lamps, ventilation is also necessary to provide plants with fresh air. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is crucial for photosynthesis, the process in which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. A constant supply of fresh air ensures that there is always sufficient CO₂ available for this process.
Air exchange is a crucial aspect of successful indoor growing. It promotes plant health and productivity by creating and maintaining an optimal environment. By paying attention to proper ventilation, you can minimize the risks of heat, humidity, mold, and pests, and ensure optimal growth of your plants.
7. Incorrect lighting schedule
Cannabis can grow under different light schedules depending on the type of seeds you use. There are autoflowering seeds and feminized photoperiod seeds.
- Autoflowers : These are easy to grow and can grow from seed to harvest under an 18-24 hour light schedule.
- Photoperiod strains : These require 18-24 hours of light during the vegetative phase and 12 hours of light/12 hours of darkness to initiate and maintain flowering.
Make sure you use the correct lighting schedule to prevent your plants from growing and flowering suboptimally.
Conclusion: be careful and patient!
Using LED grow lights can help you grow high-quality medical cannabis, provided you know how to use them properly. Avoid the mistakes mentioned above and take proper care of your plants. With patience, care, and good grow lighting, you can eventually enjoy a beautiful harvest of high-quality cannabis.
Good luck with your growing adventure!