Chiara Rose
There has been a newfound interest in hemp plants. Initially, a negative connotation was attached to it for use in drugs or other narcotic or illegal products. This assumption is because the origin of cannabis and hemp is from the same seed. There is a difference between cannabis, marijuana, and hemp.
However, this is untrue and has piqued the interest of the scientific community and that of commoners for its richness in protein, high antioxidants, ability to maintain heart health, and ability to relax the body and mind of a person. It finds its use in various industries like cosmetics, soaps, oils, etc.
Due to its protein richness, gym trainers recommend its intake for building a leaner, muscular body. One can check out biowellnessx.com to discover some of the best hemp-derived products that are legal and safe to use.
Growing Hemp At Home
It can sound strange to some, but growing hemp at home, a herb with an annual valuation of more than $5 billion, does not require advanced farming knowledge. It is a product with applications in many industries that one can grow in the comfort of one’s home.
It needs plenty of sunshine, soil, and space to grow, similar to any other herb. Not only is the process inexpensive, but it offers a range of other advantages.
Advantages Of Hemp At Home
- Hemp assists in bioremediation, which helps the soil get rid of heavy metal traces that affect crop growth by spoiling the soil for other crops.
- It requires minimal water, so people with busy lives need not worry about giving it too much attention.
- It keeps a check on pests in the area.
- A homegrown hemp crop is organic and pesticide-free.
- People can use every part of the hemp plant, not just the leaves, in smoothies, baking, easing anxiety, curing insomnia, reducing stress, skincare routine, or indigestion. People can also use it for smoking or vaping with much less investment.
- Gardening is beneficial for easing the mind and body.
Growth Tips
Before delving into hemp growing at home, one needs to ensure if it is legal in their area or not. The growth process of hemp at home includes four stages of growth: germination, seedling, vegetative, and flowering.
The seeds should be grown in warmth as they will not germinate in the cold season. It needs well-drained soil with constant sunlight for at least 16 hours. Although the herb can grow with ease even in a drought, the initial few weeks require extensive care and watering.
Fertilizers must be used with caution and sprayed between the plants, not on leaves, to ensure maximum retention. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) should be maintained adequately and well-balanced.
This herb spreads its branches out rapidly and requires a larger space to grow. The seeds should be placed closer to each other to ensure that the plant grows in a vertical and upward direction and does not get messy.
Harvesting Tips
Hemp seeds generally require a wait time of 107 days to get ready for harvesting, depending on the geography of the place. It is a crucial process that determines the ultimate success of this crop.
The cue for harvesting is when the pistils or one can say, the white strands from the hemp flowers start turning reddish or brown or the hairy outgrowths of the plant known as trichomes, turn white from being clear. The harvesting process is highly labor-intensive.
Some tips should be kept in mind while harvesting hemp:
- There are a variety of strains available on the market. People must research well before choosing the strain as per the purpose of herb growth.
- New hemp growers should use a magnifying glass to carefully assess the change in color of trichomes and pistils so that they can undertake harvesting at the perfect time.
- Harvesting at the perfect time is crucial. Early harvesting can lead to incomplete growth, and late harvesting can lead to the seed losing its potency.
- It has high utilization potential, making it possible for people to incorporate it into every part of their household applications.
- Excessive moisture can damage the crop, causing it to grow mold. High rainfall-prone areas require extra care for this plant. People should try to keep them under artificial lights in a closed setting to avoid excess water seepage.
- If people intend to commercialize their homegrown hemp, they must take the utmost care to maintain the health of the pistils and flowers. Otherwise, a spoilt crop will lower its market value.
- It is not suitable for immediate use after harvesting. It needs to be dried to get rid of the moisture to avoid mold growth.
- Growing hemp for seeds and fibers are two different processes. The latter is less precise and easier than the former. Both should not be done in the same field or at the same time. There are different maturity periods and care for both, and planting in the same soil can hamper their growth.
- Retting forms a crucial part of the harvesting process, which makes fiber separation easy and quick.
- People should use a larger quantity of feminine seeds to get a better yield of cannabigerol and cannabidiol oil.
- Harvesting should be done in sunny weather, as timing can make or break the crop’s performance and potential.
- Investment in the right tools to not spoil the crop while harvesting is essential.
- Good ventilation after harvesting ensures rapid drying of hemp and makes its usage effective.
Conclusion
Organic cultivation has been in vogue for some time now. The pandemic has necessitated the need for healthy dietary habits, making people more aware of the chemicalized products available on the market. Growing herbs on your own is not only economically viable but also ensures that growth is chemical-free.
Hemp is a misunderstood herb that is slowly carving a niche of its own in the market. It is a healthy addition to the diet for those who get caught in the hustle of the modern world, affecting their mental health.