Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in North America due to its increased legalization for recreational use in Canada and at the state level in the US. You might be considering growing cannabis or wondering how much cannabis you can grow in a confined space.
The max yield of a 4X4 grow tent is about 6 medium-large cannabis plants every three months. The answer is based on your growing technique and the different types and quality of the equipment that you use.
Grow tents are a great way to grow plants indoors regardless of where you live and the type of climate. It is important to remember that the yield of your tent will depend on the type of cannabis you want to grow and the growing technique you want to use. Read on to find out how to maximize the yield of your grow tent.
Tips for Increasing Grow Tent Yields
Growing cannabis may seem simple enough, but if you want to maximize your yields, there are some tips and techniques you’ll want to put to use. After all that hard work, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you got the most out of your time and effort. Remember to be patient, as maximizing the yield of a given space takes practice!
Lighting Keeps Your Plants Healthy
The first step you’ll need to consider with a grow tent is how to maintain the correct levels of lighting. A good rule of thumb for lighting is to use at least 33 watts per square foot. So, for a 16 square foot grow tent, aim for about 600 watts. If you stick to these guidelines, your plants will grow nice and healthy.
Maintain the Correct Distance for Lights
Lights need to be placed a certain distance away from the plant, depending on their wattage. For example, a 600-watt lamp should be placed about 50-60cm away. As the plant grows, you’ll need to change the height of the lamp to maintain this distance.
Keep Your Plants on a Cycle of Light and Darkness
While your plant is still growing, or at least about the first two weeks, your plant will need to be on a continuous cycle of 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. Consider purchasing a timer for your lights, so you do not have to switch them on and off manually each time.
However, once your plant reaches the flowering stage, its cycle of light and darkness needs to be altered. It is best to split the day and night evenly, providing exactly 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Again, a timer is helpful here in case the switch occurs when you are not available to change the light.
Ventilation Allows Plants to Breathe
Fans are also an essential part of a grow tent. They help maintain the proper levels of fresh oxygenated air and humidity. Just like light, ventilation must be adjusted depending on the life cycle of the plant if you want to maximize your yield. Here is an easy set of guidelines to follow:
- Keep the fan on continuously when the light is on. This will help prevent the tent from getting overheated.
- When the light is off, run the fan for 15 minutes of every hour.
- In the final weeks before your plant is ready to harvest, increase the fan’s operation time to 15 minutes every half hour.
- Run the fan continuously to keep humidity levels at 89% or lower.
Keep Pests Away From Your Plants
Nobody wants to have all their hard growing work ruined by a pest that kills or ruins your plant. Use a light hydrogen peroxide solution to keep your plants clear of algae and bacteria that could ruin your growth. Recommendations call for 15ml per gallon of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as a preventative measure.
Pay Close Attention to Your Plant
There is no substitute for being diligent and maintaining a neat and tidy grow operation. With all of the moving parts and pieces involved with growing cannabis, it is crucial to stay on top of each of the plant’s needs and to not procrastinate when new issues arise. Neglect and lack of care are two of the most common reasons why grow tents fail to produce maximum yields.
Organic Methods are a Win-Win
When it comes to food, organic is not only better for you and the environment; it usually tastes better too. The same is true of cannabis. Grow your plant organically without the use of:
- Chemicals
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
There are numerous benefits.
First, you are likely to increase your yields and experience better quality results when it comes time to use your cannabis. On top of that, you’ll save money throughout the growing process and allow your plants to grow naturally as they were intended to.
Consider Growing Vertically to Increase Yields
Another growing method you may want to consider to maximize the yield from your cannabis growth is growing vertically. This allows you to take advantage of all three dimensions of your space. This includes:
- Length
- Width
- Height
This gives you more yield than traditional two-dimensional growing patterns.
In other words, vertically growing essentially stacks plants on top of each other in addition to spreading them across a flat surface. This could potentially double or triple your yield in the same space!
Keep in mind though, that vertical growing can be more expensive than traditional horizontal growing. It requires additional equipment, lighting, and ventilation. Pre-made vertical grow tents can also be quite costly. If cost is an issue, consider building a vertical grow tent using a DIY method.
Some Strains Grow Better Than Others
Not all strains of cannabis are created equally. Some are known for growing quickly and producing highly dense yields. That is, they produce a lot of cannabis in a small space. Others, however, are not as effective. The best way to find out which strains have the highest yields may be trial and error. Once you find a strain that works well in your space, stick with it!
Consider Opting for High-Quality Equipment
If money is not too much of a factor in your growing operation, consider purchasing some high-end versions of the equipment listed above, such as:
- Lights
- Fans
- Pre-made tents
As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
If you opt for cheap equipment, you may end up with lower yields. Consider what would happen if that cheap fan shorted out or your lights burned out and ruined your plant. Not only would you have to replace the item, but you’d be back at square one with your plant.
Instead, a more expensive light or fan is likely to be more reliable and provide you with exactly what you need to grow healthy plants and maximize your yield time and time again. In this case, the additional cost of the item would be well worth it in the end.
What is the Max Yield of a 4X4 Grow Tent?
In the end, the max yield of a 4×4 grow tent depends on several factors, including lighting, ventilation, cleanliness, and attention to detail on the part of the grower. If you practice and follow these tips, you may yield as 6 medium-large plants every few months. However, this level of growth takes lots of patience and determination. Keep working to maximize your yields!