Rosenthal E.: Marijuana Growers
Handbook (indoor/greenhouse Ed) USA 1984, 1986.
232pp
Disclaimer:
"The
material in this book is presented as information which
should be available to the public. The publisher does
not advocate breaking the law. However, we urge readers
to support NORML in its efforts to secure the passage
of fair marijuana legislation."
The preface charts developments in the situation regarding
marijuana cultivation in the USA, and calls for legal
reform. There is also a "precaution" where
readers are reminded of the marijuana laws, the risks
associated with electricity consumption, and the need
for secrecy to minimise the risk of detection.
Chapters 1 to 6 give general information on cannabis,
describing the plant, characteristics of geographical
varieties when choosing seeds (no Dutch hybrids mentioned),
growth & flowering, choosing a space (suggest 50
sq. ft, and at least 6' height), although those seeking
a smaller garden are referred to a later chapter), preparing
the space (reflective walls, insulation, sterilisation,
water supply), and plant spacing (advocates growing
many small, rather than few large, plants in a confined
space).
Chapters 7 to 10 are grouped as "getting started".
Chapter 7 describes soil and soil-less mixes, pH, nutrients,
use of soil, compost, rockwool, foam, vermiculite, perlite
etc., and constituents of organic waste/compost materials.
Chapter 8 discusses the advantages of hydroponics over
soil gardening, while chapter 9 discusses passive (wick,
reservoir) and active (flood, drip) hydroponic systems,
aerated water and nutrient film technique (as recommended
by Sunlight Systems). There are numerous diagrams, and
photographs of rockwool blocks ready for receiving cuttings.
Chapter 10 discusses growing in natural soil, outdoors
or in greenhouses.
Chapters 11 to 18 are grouped as "limiting factors",
these include lighting and lights (natural, incandescent,
fluorescent, high-intensity (MH/HPS)) with output and
spectral information, accessories and electrical information.
Recommends provision of CO2 in indoor systems, a temperature between 60
and 80oF,
use of fans and heaters, negative ions and humidity
controls. Chapters 15 & 16 deal with water and nutrients
(pH 6 to 7), use of organic and inorganic fertilisers,
and a troubleshooting chart showing nutrient-related
symptoms and causes.
Chapter 17 (novel gardens) suggests solutions for growing
plants in cupboards (closets) and other confined spaces,
stating that environmental control is particularly important.
Plants can be grown on shelves, with horizontally-mounted
lights, several suggestions similar in concept to the
Kushti Box. Chapter 18 discusses pots and containers.
Chapters 19 to 33 are grouped as "planting",
and include when to plant, planting, early growth, watering,
pruning, pests, flowering, sinsemilla and sexing, advanced
flowering, breeding, harvesting, curing and manicuring,
regeneration, cloning and experiments (electrical current
in soil, use of birth control pills as hormonal influence
on plants, use of strobe lights etc.). There are numerous
diagrams, tables and photographs providing information
complementary to the text. There is a request for feedback
from readers.
There are appendices on lighting, photosynthesis, bibliography
and index, with two pages of advertisements for other
related publications.
Comment: Although this book is now dated, predating
development of Dutch hybrids, it gives the novice adequate
information to grow cannabis plants from seed to maturity,
outdoors or indoors. The information is presented logically
and generally in simple terms, and although some sections
are more technical, these are not usually essential
to the process. Suggests use of indoor growing chambers
with ideas for construction. Use of a controlled environment
is encouraged, as with authors of other similar books.
No specific constructions similar to the Kushti Box
are proposed, although the "novel gardens"
chapter includes information of growing in very confined
spaces.
