How to Grow Weed in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide

Just a few years ago bud enthusiasts who wished to learn how to grow cannabis in Ontario were given the green light to start cultivating on their own.

While each province has its own set of rules and regulations, adults in Ontario are now allowed to grow up to four plants per household, recreationally. 

Whether it is for personal consumption, medicinal, or other reasons, learning how to grow cannabis is both a science and an art. In this post, True North Cannabis Co. will equip you with the basic knowledge on how to grow like a pro, or at least lead your journey into becoming one. 

Ready to grow your own? Here are things that you need to remember when learning how to grow cannabis in Ontario:

Pick Which Strain You’d Like to Grow

If you’re ready to dive into the world of cannabis cultivation, first think about the strains that stand out as your go-to smoking essentials. One thing to note, however, is that sativa strains are not recommended for outdoor growing as they usually grow in shorter periods compared to indica strains.

Depending on the TNCC location closest to you, we carry a variety of seeds that are suitable for indoor or outdoor growing in Ontario, including:

• Pure Sunfarms, Cherry Head – Feminized Seeds 4-Pack
• Autoflower Breeders Club, UK Cheese – Auto Flower Seeds 5-Pack

Adding to that, take time to read up on genetics to gain a better understanding of cross-breeding and origins. It would make sense to start with strains that grow well under Ontario’s weather conditions, such as Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and Amnesia Haze. 

Practice Germination Methods

Learning how to grow cannabis in Ontario starts with germinating your seeds, just like with any other plant. There are two ways to do this:

1. Paper Towel Method

Place and cover your seeds on a thick, moist paper towel. You can store it in a dark place until the seeds sprout. 

2. Peat Pellet Method

You can also germinate your seeds by directly putting them in pellets. Keep the pellets in a plastic seed container, then move them to a warmer pad to keep them moist. Within 5 days you should be able to see the sprouts. 

If the seeds don’t show anything after 10 days, start again. Feminized seeds are most suited for beginners, and auto-flowering strains that easily switch from vegetative mode to flowering. These types don’t necessarily rely on a specific amount of light, making it easier for outdoor growing.

The Secrets to a Successful Grow

When it comes to growing a fruitful yield for the first time, all experienced cultivators advise beginners to put much time into learning these three factors: soil, light, and fertilizer. 

1. Transplanting to Soil

When it’s time to transfer your sprouts, treat it like a tropical houseplant, which means to keep the soil at a balanced level, not too dry, nor too wet. Don’t water too often, the trick is to stick your finger into the soil. Water when the surface feels a bit dry, then it’s time to water it. Use filtered water to encourage growth.

When learning how to grow cannabis in Ontario, remember that there is no set schedule for watering cannabis plants. Other factors such as the size of your pot and soil affect its frequency.

2. Light

Once your plant gets big enough,  you can transfer it to a bigger pot, which you can take outdoors. One trick in successfully learning how to grow cannabis in Ontario is to start during early spring so the plants can get as much sunlight as needed. 

3. Fertilize

Another important factor is choosing the fertilizer meant for your strain. While there are many types to choose from, you would want a time-release fertilizer as a novice grower.

Harvest and Cure With Patience 

Harvesting and curing are vital steps when learning how to grow cannabis in Ontario. Depending on your strain, harvest time usually happens between late September to the early days of October. 

Your plant’s fan leaves will display a yellowish hue at the bottom, as the pistils turn brown or orange. Continue to water as normal, and stop feeding the soil with fertilizer two weeks before harvesting. 

Cut the fan leaves with clean scissors, and dry for several days. A full-grown plant, after the curing stage, can possibly produce up to 500 grams. Store your weed properly to keep it sticky. You don’t want all your hard work to go to waste!

Learn How to Grow Cannabis in Ontario with TNCC

Growing cannabis in Ontario is a science and an art that will expand your appreciation and knowledge about the plant. Who knows, maybe you’ll cross different strains and produce an award-winning phenotype?

True North Cannabis Co. is Ontario’s largest retail cannabis shop, with 32 stores – and counting – all across the province. Before starting to learn how to grow cannabis in Ontario, ask our budtenders for their expert advice!