Module 1.1: Setting Your Cultivation Goals

This is the ideal starting point for a beginner. The goal is to produce enough medicine for your personal use. A typical small grow might involve 1-4 plants in a compact space like a 2'x2' or 2'x4' grow tent. This setup is cost-effective and manageable, often yielding several ounces of usable product per harvest. You can gain valuable experience without a huge investment or commitment.

This goal involves growing a significant amount of cannabis, possibly for a small group of friends or a collective. This requires a larger grow space, such as a 4'x4' grow tent or a dedicated room, and a larger budget. It involves more plants and a more complex system, demanding a greater commitment of time and resources.

For the grower who wants a continuous supply of fresh product, a perpetual harvest system is the answer. This advanced goal involves staggering your grow cycles by having plants in different stages of their life cycle at all times. For example, you might have seedlings, vegetative plants, and flowering plants all at once. This requires multiple, dedicated grow spaces (or a single space with dividers) and a detailed understanding of timing and plant management.

This is the most complex and long-term goal. It is a scientific endeavor focused on creating new strains or refining existing ones. A breeder must be able to identify and separate male plants from females, collect pollen, and carefully cross-pollinate plants to create new seeds. This requires a dedicated breeding space, meticulous record-keeping, and a patient, scientific approach to home cannabis cultivation.

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish. A specific goal answers the questions: What do I want to achieve? Who is involved? Where will it take place? Why is it important?

• Measurable: Establish concrete criteria for tracking progress and knowing when the goal has been met. This answers the question: How much or how many?

• Achievable: Set a goal that is realistic and attainable, considering your resources and limitations. It should challenge you but not be impossible.

• Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your larger objectives and values. It should be something you genuinely want to achieve and that moves you forward.

• Time-bound: Give your goal a clear deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and provides a target to work towards.