Micro-growing: Cannabis in the smallest of spaces

Micro-growing enables cannabis cultivation even with extreme space restrictions:

**Micro-Growing Definitions:**

*Space limitations:*

- Less than 1m² floor space

- Height often under 1m

- Hidden/camouflaged setups

- Minimal power consumption

- Discrete operations

*Typical setups:*

- Space Buckets (5-20L buckets)

- PC case grows

- Cabinet Conversions

- Balcony micro-gardens

- Stealth boxes

**Space Bucket Builds:**

*Basic Bucket Setup:*

- 20L bucket with lid

- LED strips or CFL

- Small PC fans

- Activated carbon filter (mini)

- Reflective material

*Advanced Bucket Systems:*

- Stackable extensions

- Automatic irrigation

- Digital Controllers

- Better lighting

- Improved ventilation

*Material list base:*

- 2x 20 litre plastic bucket

- LED Strip/CFL lamps

- 2x 80mm PC fans

- Reflective foil/mylar

- Timer and cable

**Lighting for micro setups:**

*LED options:*

- COB LEDs (50-100W)

- LED Strips (Samsung/Bridgelux)

- Quantum Boards (Mini)

- UFO LEDs

- CFL for very small rooms

*Maximise light efficiency:*

- Optimise reflector positioning

- Add side lighting

- Light Movers for even distribution

- Adjust spectrum

- Consider heat management

**Train selection for Micro:**

*Compact varieties:*

- Autoflower preferred

- Indica-dominant hybrids

- Ruderalis-based varieties

- Dwarf/Micro varieties

- Maximum final height 50cm

*Recommended Micro strains:*

- Lowryder (Original Micro)

- Royal Dwarf

- Northern Lights Auto

- Critical Auto (compact phenos)

- Any compact autoflower

**Training techniques for Micro:**

*LST (Low Stress Training):*

- Early and continuous bending

- Encourage horizontal growth

- Distribute all branches evenly

- Maximise light utilisation

- Height control critical

*SCROG in Micro:*

- Small grid (30x30cm)

- Install early

- Aggressive canopy control

- Maximise space utilisation

- Maintain height limit

*Topping and supercropping:*

- Be careful with autoflowers

- Only for photoperiodic

- Extreme height control

- Multiple small colas

- Timing is crucial

**Ventilation and climate:**

*Mini ventilation:*

- 80mm PC fans

- Whisper-quiet models

- Intake at the bottom, exhaust at the top

- Continuous air circulation

- USB-powered possible

*Temperature management:*

- Minimise LED heat

- Utilise passive cooling

- Control fan speed

- External ballasts

- Observe ambient temperature

*Odour control:*

- Mini activated carbon filter

- ONA gel in separate areas

- Negative pressure hold

- Sealed Systems

- Stealth more important than performance

**Stealth and safety:**

*Camouflage strategies:*

- Camouflage as normal items

- Tool box/storage conversions

- Furniture integration

- Sound dampening

- Eliminate light leaks

*Security Considerations:*

- Minimal external characters

- Discrete power consumption

- Odour control absolute

- Have backup plans

- Visitor protocols

**Automated Micro-Systems:**

*Arduino/Raspberry Pi Integration:*

- Automatic irrigation