The 15 beginner mistakes — and how to avoid them
Experienced growers say: 'I made every one of these mistakes — you can skip them.'
TL;DR: Top mistakes: overwatering, no pH/EC meter, bad climate, overfeeding, panel too high, harvest too early, drying too fast, no cure.
1. Overwatering
Roots need oxygen. Lift the pot: heavy = wait, light = water.
2. No pH meter
Bluelab $80. Without pH = guaranteed lockout.
3. Overfeeding
Start at 50 % of label dose. Raise 0.2 EC/week.
4. Climate
Day 22–28 °C, night 18–22 °C. RH 40–60 %.
5. Panel too high
Veg 45–60 cm, flower 35–50 cm.
6. Too many plants
2 big SCROG plants beat 6 small ones in 60x60.
7. Wrong genetics
Start with autoflower or robust hybrids.
8. Harvest too early
80 % cloudy + 10–20 % amber. Check trichomes.
9. Drying too fast
10–14 days at 18–20 °C, 55–60 % RH, dark.
10. No cure
Jars + 62 % Boveda, minimum 4 weeks.
FAQ
Most costly mistake?
Overwatering. Costs half the harvest in 30 % of beginner runs.
First investment?
1) pH meter, 2) vented tent, 3) quality LED, 4) EC meter.