Nonagronomist
Well-Known Member
I'm in my first grow since back in the dark ages, when it was really, really illegal and my seed stock was probably as potent as the Crate & Barrel rug I currently have on my front step.
Now, of course, we have 21st Century genetics, and you can select from hundreds of different strains, each with its own unique characteristics. We also have 21st Century impatience, which means waiting forever — and most particularly delaying gratification — is not something people are willing to do.
Enter the AUTOFLOWER, the perfect choice for the indifferent gardener whose thumbs are neither green nor black.
Autoflowers' small size makes them particularly suited for outdoor growth when you have neighbors (I conceal mine behind the dandelions, which are bigger and more showy). And autoflowers' relative simplicity of care (plant, water, wait) meets my criterion of a hobby that's not too demanding.
I predict that as legal grows become the norm, the hobby cannabis growing market will center around outdoor autoflowers — because they're just so easy. Indoor grows will become the provenence of the extreme hobbyist, but every Jill and Jane will be able to brand their own home-grown from that plot right next to the tomatoes and zucchini.
People look askance at autoflowers' yield, because they're so tiny. I've personally only harvested two plants (I have 8 under way, each about 10 days apart from germination) and my dried/cured weight was a little over an ounce each. That's not a whole bunch, but an ounce of equivalent-quality weed would cost $300 from the local dispensary. And once you amortize your seed, equipment and consumables, it becomes effectively free.
There will always be the high achievers and the purists who will pursue indoor grows and the successful raising of cannabis forests with non-autoflower varieties that get 20 feet tall. And then there will be the pros who supply the dispensaries and recreational sales outlets.
But the day will come (and soon now) when Joe Average — remembering his old man's tales of youthful excesses decades ago — who be buying an all-in-one grow kit (just add water!) from Home Depot.
Now, of course, we have 21st Century genetics, and you can select from hundreds of different strains, each with its own unique characteristics. We also have 21st Century impatience, which means waiting forever — and most particularly delaying gratification — is not something people are willing to do.
Enter the AUTOFLOWER, the perfect choice for the indifferent gardener whose thumbs are neither green nor black.
Autoflowers' small size makes them particularly suited for outdoor growth when you have neighbors (I conceal mine behind the dandelions, which are bigger and more showy). And autoflowers' relative simplicity of care (plant, water, wait) meets my criterion of a hobby that's not too demanding.
I predict that as legal grows become the norm, the hobby cannabis growing market will center around outdoor autoflowers — because they're just so easy. Indoor grows will become the provenence of the extreme hobbyist, but every Jill and Jane will be able to brand their own home-grown from that plot right next to the tomatoes and zucchini.
People look askance at autoflowers' yield, because they're so tiny. I've personally only harvested two plants (I have 8 under way, each about 10 days apart from germination) and my dried/cured weight was a little over an ounce each. That's not a whole bunch, but an ounce of equivalent-quality weed would cost $300 from the local dispensary. And once you amortize your seed, equipment and consumables, it becomes effectively free.
There will always be the high achievers and the purists who will pursue indoor grows and the successful raising of cannabis forests with non-autoflower varieties that get 20 feet tall. And then there will be the pros who supply the dispensaries and recreational sales outlets.
But the day will come (and soon now) when Joe Average — remembering his old man's tales of youthful excesses decades ago — who be buying an all-in-one grow kit (just add water!) from Home Depot.
