For more detailed information about growing marijuana see The Cannabis Grow Bible
Step 1: Seeds
For your first grow operation I recommend you use seeds that are easy to obtain, such as those found in your own bud. Once you get some experience growing you may want to consider buying cannabis seeds. There are many types of cannabis seeds out there and many different strains. There are feminized seeds which yield only female plants (males will pollinate the female plants, causing them to grow seeds and produce less THC), and there are low-rider dwarf plants that flower automatically (perfect for continuous harvesting and people with a small space to grow in). There are many varieties of Sativa, Indica, and hybrids (containing genetics from both Indica and Sativa strains). Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains tend to give the user more of a head high as opposed to a body high, whereas Indica and Indica-dominant strains tend to give you that couch-locked, stoned body high.
Step 2: Growing Method
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Growing in soil is also the method suggested by theCannabisChef when the marijuana will be used in foods. Soil will provide the most natural-flavored cannabis and is best for cooking.
Step 1: Germinate Seeds
It is extremely helpful to germinate the seeds before starting an indoor soil grow operation. To germinate the seeds, simply place them in a folded-up, damp paper towel, and leave over night. Check the seeds; if the sprout has begun to break through the husk of the seed, it is ready. If not, re-dampen the paper towel and continue this process until the seed germinates. If the sprout does not break through within five or so days, it is most likely a dud. Toss, and start again.
Step 2: Prepare the Space
You will need a space to grow your plants. Wherever you choose to grow, make sure you prepare the space properly. I suggest lining the floor with trash bags or plastic drop sheets to prevent water damage. It is also a good idea to line or paint the walls with a white material. This will help reflect light toward the plants. If this is not an option you may use aluminum foil. Make sure the dull side of the foil is facing outwards towards the plants. Aluminum foil is not a great choice, but it is better than nothing.
Step 3: Choose and Install a Light
TheCannabisChef suggests staying away from florescent light bulbs, but if you must, always use a compact florescent light (CFL), using at least 100 watts per plant. Your plant will most likely grow, however you will also likely be disappointed in your crops. We suggest using 250-400 Watt high pressure sodium (HPS) or high-intensity discharge metal halide (HID MH) lights. You will want to mount the lights in a way that allows you to move them up as the plant grows. For safety we suggest using a reflector on the light, and a fan in the space you are using. Not only will the fan prevent it from getting too warm in the space, it will also help to circulate oxygen to the plants and will produce strong, thick stems so the plant can support beautiful, heavy buds.
Step 4: Setting up the Plants
For each plant you are growing you will need one 3-5 gallon bucket
Next, fill each bucket with soil, leaving about 4 inches at the top. We suggest using organic potting soil
Using your finger, push a small hole about a quarter to half an inch deep into the soil in the center of the bucket. Now place the seed or clone in the hole and cover with soil. The soil should be packed firmly, but not so dense that the sprout will not be able to push through.
Step 5: The Light Routine We recommend using 16 hours of light and 8 hours of dark for the first two weeks. After the first two weeks, you may increase the amount of light by one hour each day until you are using between 18 and 24 hours of light in a 24 hour period. After the plants reach desired height (probably around 12"-15", depending on the strain), you may decrease the lighting to just 12 hours on and 12 hours off. This will trigger the flowering cycle of the plant. This is the time the buds will begin to form. This is also the time where you must remove any male plants. Male plants can be detected by their pollen sacs. These are small pod-like plant structures which will fertilize the female plants (causing seeds and less potency!). Be sure to remove the males as soon as can spot them.
Step 6: The Nutrient Routine
For the first two weeks after germination we suggest using only water to feed the plants. For the next two weeks begin to use the nutrient solution, slowly increasing to the suggested amount (this will help prevent burning or shocking the plants). During the vegetative stage we suggest using a nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (N-P-K) ratio of about 30-15-15. For the flowering stage use a 15-30-30 ratio. This is only what we recommend, and every strain will do better using a different regiment. If you bought your seeds from a legitimate source it may come with documentation showing a different N-P-K suggestion.
Step 7: Harvesting
Harvesting is a huge topic that involves many steps including drying, curing, and trimming. Here we will only get into knowing how to time your harvest. Look forward to future material about the harvesting process.
You will want to harvest the cannabis plants when the trichomes (small hair-like glands found on the marijuana buds) are an amber color. Use a magnifying glass or a LED lighted pocket microscope