Join the conversation
127
Complete Beginner Guide to Growing Cannabis in 2026
Welcome to the RKS Community! Whether you're growing your first plant or your hundredth, this guide covers the essentials.
**Step 1: Choose Your Seeds**
Start with autoflower seeds if you're a beginner — they flower automatically and finish in 8-10 weeks. Blue Dream Auto, Northern Lights Auto, and Zkittlez Auto are all excellent starter strains.
**Step 2: Set Up Your Space**
You don't need a fancy setup. A 2x2 or 3x3 tent, a good LED light (150-300W), some fabric pots, and quality soil will get you started.
**Step 3: Germination**
Use the paper towel method: place seeds between damp paper towels on a plate, cover, and keep warm (70-80°F). Taproots appear in 24-72 hours.
**Step 4: Vegetative Stage**
Keep lights on 18/6. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Don't overwater — it's the #1 beginner mistake.
**Step 5: Flowering**
Autoflowers will flower on their own. Photoperiods need a 12/12 light switch. Watch for pistils!
**Step 6: Harvest**
When trichomes are milky/amber, it's time. Cut, trim, dry for 7-14 days, then cure in jars for 2-4 weeks.
Ask any questions below — we're all here to help! 🌱
127
4 Comments
Experienced1mo ago
This is exactly what I needed! Starting my first grow next week with Northern Lights Auto. Any tips for the first 48 hours after planting?
1
Expert Grower1mo ago
Keep the humidity high (70%+), don't overwater the seedling, and keep your light at least 24 inches away. Less is more at this stage!
12
Seedling2d ago
I do lights 12" away and then 18" after sprouting (photo).
2
Experienced1mo ago
Great guide! I'd add: don't transplant autoflowers. Start them in their final pot. They don't like root disturbance.
3