The Cost Of Growing

So you’ve thought it over and you want to try your hand at growing cannabis. You have the room and the privacy to launch a shiny new grow op. As with most things in life, it starts with a few words on expenses. How much will it cost?   There are a few basic pieces to your hydroponic puzzle that stay the same no matter what method of hydroponic system you employ. You need a light, a heavy duty electric timer and a fan. You also might need a pump and a large plastic growing tray. All of these things are common in one form or another, but prices vary widely.   We’ll start with the light source. The most common light source used with cannabis is the 1000 watt metal halide lamp. It produces a blue tinged light that cannabis loves for the green foliage growth period. Prices vary from $55 to $180, I’ve found. You get what you pay for, so the models that are higher in price usually have the most features, such as safety options. The ballast can be fused or there might be an electronic voltage regulator. My advice is to get a model with at least a fuse and a heavy duty plastic or metal case for the ballast. Heat sinks on the ballast are also a good thing to look for.   There is only one feature needed for the timer. They usually have a 1500 watt rating, but you have to be sure that there is a ground prong on the plug. Mixing liquids with electricity is never a good thing, so having an allowance for the ground prong is a must. Ideally the timer will be an out of doors model with a sturdy case and increments of 20 minutes on a twenty four hour clock. Timers run in cost from $25 to $80 and, like the ballast, you get what you pay for.   Fans are widespread and cheap. Spend $20 on a fan. The fan is a must for mold and fungal infections – keeping the air moving keeps the surfaces around the growing area dry. The fan also plays an important part in cooling the plants and keeping air circulating around the stem. The constant movement of the air exercises the stems of your plants, making them stiffer and harder. There’s lots of weight to mature cannabis buds, so the stem has to be as strong as possible.   As for the growing tray, what you’ll need for a season is usually about 12 inches high and 4 feet square. This will be the growing tray that will be used for the next 8 weeks, so spend an extra few dollars and get a sturdy growing tray. You’re looking to spend anywhere from $20 to $60.   All together a cannabis crop costs from $120 to $340 in start-up costs. Electricity will be about $30 monthly.