If you live in a large town or city, the chances are that you live in an apartment or flat. If you fancy doing a bit of urban weed cultivation, it is certainly possible, but it is worth doing a bit of research first.
Let's look at the main dos and don'ts of growing weed in an apartment or small urban space:
What you should do when growing cannabis in your apartment
1. Check the terms of your lease
Even if growing cannabis in your area is permitted for medical reasons, it is worth checking the terms of your lease if you live in rented accommodation, especially if you live in a house share.
Growing weed is fun, but it isn't worth potentially losing your accommodation if you end up being evicted.
There may well be a clause in your lease that prevents you from growing anything that can increase levels of humidity or risk electrical fires from the lights, so get things checked out first.
2. Take preventative measures to reduce the impact of the smell
If you’re a fan of weed, the smell might not bother you, but your neighbors or flatmates might feel differently. An exhaust fan with an activated carbon filter and a solid ventilation system can be used to manage the aroma and reduce mold risk.
Keep your grow tent airtight to limit any detectable odor. If needed, odor-eliminating sprays can add an extra layer of discretion.
3. Soundproof your walls
Everyone worries about the smell, but few consider the increased noise levels of a grow room. Think about it: fans whirring, pumps, and water gurgling if you use a hydroponic set-up.
Choose a grow box that is soundproof, or take steps to soundproof all the walls of your apartment. Remember, a quiet grow room is a secret grow room.
4. Choose a strain that is suitable for indoor cultivation
Growing in a relatively restricted space means that some thought is required regarding the choice of strain. Whether you plan to use a grow box, closet, or grow tent, you'd be well-advised to select more compact strains for apartment cultivation.
This really means selecting Indica's or Indica-dominant hybrids, as they grow in compact, bushier ways than leggy Sativa'. Autoflowers may also be a good choice.
Another aspect to think about is the level of difficulty of a particular variety - some are much harder to grow than others. If you're a novice grower or are growing in a minimal space, it makes sense to pick a strain that has a reputation for being easy to grow.
Autoflowering seeds are a sensible option if you don't want to worry about photoperiod. These strains begin to flower without altering the lighting cycle and are ready for harvest in as little as seven weeks after flowering and stay manageable and compact.
Best strains to grow in an apartment
5. Consider the growing space
For apartment grows, you’ve got options: grow tents, wardrobes, or grow boxes. Wardrobes offer stealth and privacy, but need proper ventilation to manage temperature and humidity.
Grow tents are easy to set up, protect against water damage, and prevent light leaks—perfect for apartment setups. If you’re new to growing, go for a grow box.
These all-in-one setups are cost-effective, beginner-friendly, and often include hydroponics, making your first grow much simpler.
The don'ts for growing marijuana in your apartment
Use traditional HPS lights
We recommend using the latest generation of LEDs if you’re growing in a flat. They are much quieter than other types of lights, so make it less likely your secret garden will be discovered.
Growing weed with LED is also an economical choice with lower electricity cost and make it easier to control heat levels as they produce hardly any heat.
LEDs don't shine as brightly as traditional HPS lights, so are less noticeable when glimpsed by a neighbor.
Control humidity
High humidity can lead to mildew or mold, which can quickly destroy your crop. Ventilation, as mentioned previously, is essential to keep the air moving and allow the plants to create.
Many growers use a humidifier to lower moisture levels in the air. Invest in a hygrometer to remove any uncertainty. As a rule of thumb, humidity levels should be 50 - 70 percent during the vegetative phase and 50 - 60 percent during the flowering season.
Final words
Growing in an apartment has never been easier, especially with the convenience of online stores.
Choose the right variety and use a grow box, and you should be able to cultivate a good harvest of delicious weed without worrying about losing your deposit or facing eviction. For high-quality cannabis seeds, check our mouthwatering selection of weed plant seeds suitable for apartment grows.
