When You Begin it Can Be Overwhelming
Starting your first cannabis grow is exciting—but it’s also full of decisions. And let’s be honest, when you’re new, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to save a few bucks in the wrong places.
Trust me: I’ve seen it all. The clients I consult with are often frustrated not because they didn’t try—but because they bought gear or supplies that promised too much and delivered too little.
Here are five common corners that new growers cut—and why spending a little more up front can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
1. All-in-One Grow Kits (aka False Promise Packs)
They look appealing, right? A tent, a light, a fan—all in one tidy package. But here’s the problem: these kits almost always skimp on the most important component—your light.
Most kits use cheap LED panels that just don’t have the output or spectrum to grow dense, resin-rich buds. You might save a few hundred bucks on the kit, but you’ll lose much more in poor yields, stretched plants, and frustration.
Better move: Get your tent, ventilation, and light separately—and put real thought (and budget) into your light. My personal recommendation on lights is always Fluence, who just won lighting technology of the year at last year’s MJ Bizcon.
2. Cheap Seeds (Yes, Genetics Matter)
Don’t throw away months of work by starting with garbage genetics. Those sketchy “10 seeds for $25” deals? They’re usually unstable crosses, random bagseed, or worse—male-dominant mystery strains.
The following are breeders I’ve actually used and have found great success with:
- Humboldt Seed Company
- Green House Seeds
- Strain Hunters
- Royal Queen Seeds
- Brothers Grimm Seeds
I always recommend feminized seeds. Starting with reliable, well-bred seeds gives you a real shot at quality, consistency, and a successful grow. I have an entire blog post dedicated to where you should source your seeds from.
3. Plastic Pots (Let Your Roots Breathe!)
Those $1 plastic nursery pots might seem fine, but your plants will tell you otherwise. Roots in plastic containers often stay too wet, leading to root rot, stunted growth, or pests.
Solution? Fabric pots.
Brands like Smart Pots or Honor The Plant (who were kind enough to donate pots to my non profit in Denver Third day co-op) allow for air pruning, better drainage, and healthier root development.
Your plants literally breathe better—and it shows in both growth and yield.
4. Tiny Clip-On Fans (Not Enough Airflow)
Yes, airflow is important—but those $10 clip-on fans aren’t going to cut it. They barely move the air around your tent and tend to die after a few months.
What your plants really need is a larger oscillating fan that mimics the natural wind, helping your stems grow stronger while preventing mold and pests.
Pro tip: Mount an oscillating fan above canopy level and make sure it moves enough air to make your plants gently sway—not shake. The difference in plant structure over time is night and day.
5. Soil & Nutrients (Don’t Skimp on the Foundation)
This is where many growers go wrong, especially when they grab flashy-looking nutrients without digging into the quality.
Avoid Success Nutrients. Their products have dropped in integrity since being acquired by Medicine Man Technologies. Most charmingly I’ve noticed recently all the nutrients start to develop mold in the containers? Seriously?
If you’re using bottled nutrients, I recommend:
- General Hydroponics (solid, consistent results)
- Paired with HP Pro Mix + Mykos + Perlite
Want to go organic? Start strong with Gaia Green Organics Living Soil. It’s a great way to dip into the world of living soils without diving too deep too fast. The long-term benefits to plant health, terpene production, and overall quality are real.
Final Thoughts
Cutting corners can cost you more in the long run—especially when it comes to growing cannabis. It’s a sensitive, living organism, and the inputs you give it will always reflect in the final product.
Spend smart, not cheap.
And if you need help figuring out what gear is worth your money and what’s just hype aka what equipment to buy for your grow that’s exactly what I do.
Need Help With Your Setup?
I offer personalized cannabis grow consulting for home growers across all experience levels. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your grow, I’ll help you build a setup that actually works—with quality gear, proven techniques, and no fluff. Save your money, save your health, save yourself. One Love.
Related Articles:
Beginner Growers Don’t Need More Information – They Need Better Direction (Indoor Cannabis Guide)
How to Prevent Pests in Your Cannabis Grow Before You Even Get Started
Why You should Grow From Seed and Never Buy Clones
Why You Should Grow Your Own Part 2 Customizing Your Grow to Your Needs
Why You Should Grow Your Own Cannabis? Your Health
The Top Items New Growers Spend too Much Money on
