Light deprivation greenhouse growing differs from indoor growing because it is done in a greenhouse that utilizes the natural sun instead of artificial lighting. This makes light deprivation potentially more energy efficient since it minimizes your need for supplemental lighting.
Since the light and drying process is so crucial to the quality of a cannabis grow, many industry professionals are considering whether to do indoor growing or outdoor growing with a light dep greenhouse.
“Many growers come to us for plastic sheeting solutions to create the ultimate growing environment,” says Lisa Richards, Senior Account Manager at Americover Inc, a premier supplier of plastic sheeting solutions for agriculture industries. “Whether it’s indoors or in a greenhouse, we have the products you need to protect your plants and protect your indoor structure.”
What is the Difference Between Light Deprivation Growing and Indoor Growing
According to the Marijuana Business Journal, outlooks for the rest of 2023 suspect that shoppers are more educated and increasingly sophisticated in their buying habits, meaning that growers are faced with the challenge of creating the best product for their customers. These decisions are scrutinized at every level and in every aspect, especially considerations such as the light source
Related Article: Ten Advanced Tips for Cannabis Light Deprivation
Light deprivation differs from sun-grown in that sun-grown is done outside without the help of a greenhouse, relying on the natural light cycle of the region. A light-deprivation greenhouse is the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor growing because it incorporates the benefits of a controlled environment like an indoor grow with the power of natural sunlight.
Which is the Best Method for Growing Cannabis?
The best method for cannabis growing is a subject of heated debate. All growing techniques have pros and cons, but in general, buds are at their best with a steady light cycle with twelve hours of light and twelve hours of dark. Soil health and nutrients are additional key factors in determining the success of a grow.
Sungrown
The pros of sungrown growing allows cannabis to grow in its most natural environment. It relies on the natural energy of the sun, thus making it the most environmentally and financially friendly method. Plants that succeed in outdoor environments are usually of the highest quality.
However, the con of sungrown growing is that specific lighting conditions are hard to meet naturally, since during the summer some regions can get up to sixteen hours of light in the summer, while receiving only eight hours in the winter. This can result in a crop yield of mixed quality.
Indoor
The pro of indoor growing is that it can perfectly mimic the ideal conditions for cannabis in a controlled environment.
However, indoor growing is expensive, resource-intensive, and produces a result that is arguably less natural and less desirable by some people’s preferences.
Light Deprivation
Growers have mixed preferences about their setups. Some growers believe that a con of light deprivation systems are that they produce a less than desirable product which does not meet the standards of more tried-and-true methods. Yet, many master growers tout the benefits of light deprivation. Cannabis expert Warren Bobrow tells Forbes that “for the finest craft cannabis, a mixture of greenhouse to the sun is the path I want to follow.”
Most cannabis cultivation shows have a light deprivation category for judging. Some growers are even converting their indoor grows into a light deprivation setup. There are plenty of innovations to be made to create the plant with the best appearance, potency, and flavor.
Best Light Deprivation Greenhouse Cover for Growing Cannabis
Americover, a leading supplier of light dep greenhouse sheeting options, caters to macro-grower and commercial growers. The shortest length we offer in stock rolls is 50′ or 100′, depending on the product. Our bestselling BOLD® Black Out Light Deprivation Tarp is a unique light deprivation cover that works with manual and automatic greenhouse systems. Ed Rosenthal recommends this tarp in his book Marijuana Harvest: How to Maximize Quality and Yield in Your Cannabis Garden. This tarp provides total darkness, reduces heat build-up, and protects your crops longer than other deprivation covers.
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As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information or a free sample, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.