Maximum yields in minimum space. Stealth grows, space buckets and hidden setups for discreet production.
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: