by James Parker | Dec 4, 2018 | Blog
Garden supplies have been used by gardeners and homeowners since decades and it is a never-ending requirement. When there comes a new season, the requirement for garden tools or supplies gets in high demand. If you are looking for basic garden supplies, then also there are hundreds of designs and sizes that are available for one particular tool.
Types of Garden Supplies
Shovel:
Shovel is the key component in every garden. If you want a tool which is used for digging, lifting and throwing sand then you should buy a shovel. They can be of two types such as a round shovel, and square shovel. In round shovel, there is a cut into the soil and on the other hand, if you have to do lots of moving work in the garden then you should consider square point shovel. If you want a largely sized shovel, then you have to buy a scoop also.
CHECK SHOVELS PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Spade:
Spade is a lookalike shovel but is somewhat smaller than a shovel and it has a flatter blade on top-down of the spade. Spade is of three types such as garden spade, drain or trench, and roofing. Garden spade is almost lookalike square shaped shovel, but it is used for cutting, digging and lifting the sod in the garden area. Trench or drain is used for transplanting and it is used for working in restricted spaces because it has a straighter handle and a narrow head. Roofing spade will not be considered as a garden tool, but you can see this item in the garden section. Its head is manufactured to lift and rip roofing shingles.
CHECK SPADES PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Rake:
There are many types of leaf rake available in the market for your garden supplies. The leaf rake is available which is used to clean leaves from one place to another or you can say it is used for the movement of leaves. It has flexible steel and poly tines which can do this work effectively and clean all types of dust and debris from the garden. You can buy leaf rake of any size according to your requirement in the garden.
Thatch rake is used to remove thatch and it is specially made to scratch into the turf. Then there come flat garden style rakes like flat rake which is used to give extra strength while cleaning the debris. It is T-shaped in design and it is attached to the handle directly so that it can provide extra support to clean the debris.
CHECK RAKES PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Fork:
Forks are available in the market in different styles and designs and you can take a fork according to your need. Hay fork is used to move large items such as mulch, brush, compost, and hay. It has round tines which makes it easier to carry large materials.
Spading Fork is used to relieving soil compaction because it has very flat tines so that we can lift plants easily and can easily separate soil and other materials.
CHECK FORKS PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Hoe:
Hoe is a very simple tool which is used to dig the ground, but it is used for very light ground breaking and not for heavy ground breaking. Hoes are of many types such as regular garden variety hoe which is used for chopping because it has a rectangular and square blade on top for easy chopping.
Warren hoe is used for planting and it can also be used for weeding, but it is mainly used for planting. It is V-shaped in design and serves a dual purpose. If you want to use a tool to dig furrows, then you should use warren hoe because it has pointed end and if you want to close the furrows then we have to use its open part.
Weeding hoe is specifically designed for weeding purpose. It also serves two purposes together because it has two ends out of which one end will be used for chopping purpose because it has a flat blade and from another end, there are pointed tips by using which we can pull weeds upside from the roots.
Action hoe is used for weeing cutting action. We have to insert this hoe into the soil, so it can cut on the push.
Mortar hoe is used mainly in the garden section. It has holes in its design so that it can easily mix cement-like products and mortar.
CHECK HOES PRICE AND AVAILABILITY.
Conclusion
The importance of garden supplies cannot be overlooked, and if you are a garden freak, you can understand it more than anybody else out there. If you are looking to make your garden like a modern-age garden then you should read the above guide before purchasing any tool from the store. This will help you to make use of your hard-earned money wisely.
by James Parker | Oct 24, 2018 | Blog
Coffee, which contains caffeine, is one of the most popular and used drugs for helping us wake up and stimulate the brain. Cannabis, another of the most popular drugs is used both medicinally and recreationally. Cannabis is mostly used to help one enter a state of calm whereas coffee is used to enhance the mood and improve focus. So if coffee is meant to wake you up and cannabis is meant to put the mind at rest, what happens when you mix the two?
Coffee vs Cannabis
Some coffee houses have started brewing coffee infused with cannabis. Is this a good idea and are there side effects one suffers from consuming this infusion? The advantages coffee packs is opposite of THC. THC is the product in cannabis responsible for achieving a “high”. Caffeine helps in improving the focus, motivation, and attention span. It also helps one stay awake.
What does Caffeine do?
A2a receptors in our brains are responsible for causing drowsiness. Caffeine attaches to these receptors and blocks what causes the drowsiness. It helps people stay in a state that’s opposite of drowsiness and stay alert. A2a receptors are also responsible for inflammation.
Caffeine activates the sympathetic nervous system which directs the body on how to deal with stress. On the other hand, THC gets rid of stress. THC has also been shown to restore memory in animals. Are there benefits that can be achieved when coffee and cannabis are consumed together?
In a study conducted by Zucker Hillside hospital, it’s not advisable to take two stimulants at a go. A study was conducted on rats which concluded caffeine couldn’t mitigate against the memory loss caused by THC. It’s important to note the effects these two stimulants will have on a person depends on the person. Some people report sleeping well even after consuming these two products together.
Other studies conclude caffeine helps add to the effects THC has. For it to work properly, THC must be consumed in small amounts. One reason people consume cannabis and coffee together is the “happy “feeling they experience owing to the increased dopamine levels in the brain. There isn’t any risk of consuming these substances together. Caffeine in coffee is highly addictive and it’s therefore wise to tread carefully and avoid taking high amounts of coffee.
What Does Cannabis Do?
Cannabis also affects how the A2a receptors work. When taken in small amounts, CBD produces the same effects as caffeine. You can opt to take this together if you want to experience a burst of energy, at the same time keeping anxiety at bay. CBD has some advantages over coffee which include:
- It’s not addictive
- Works closely with other receptors instead of overwhelming them
- Works well with the endocannabinoid system and therefore promotes homeostasis
There are several ways to infuse your coffee with cannabis:
In conclusion, mixing cannabis compounds like CBD and coffee pack many benefits for your body. CBD helps fight anxiety and coffee helps increase alertness. When you combine small amounts of cannabis with your coffee, you’ll not only increase alertness but decrease feelings of anxiety.
by James Parker | Oct 13, 2018 | Blog
It takes a lot of time and a lot of care to grow weed. When you smell those fragrant buds, it is time to harvest your marijuana plants. However, your work is still not finished. Drying marijuana is just as important as cultivating it. How you go about curating your buds can have a strong impact on the weed. You cannot wait to try the high of your newly grown weed but you have to be patient.
Many rookies do not know how to dry marijuana and end up ruining it. If you know how to properly dry marijuana then you will not make any mistakes. Proper curing and drying can increase the potency of the weed and make it high-quality. It not only affects the flavor but also the smoke and makes it smoother.
Why do you Need to Dry Marijuana After Harvest?
As you know, marijuana plants produce cannabinoids. This process is termed biosynthesis, in which different blends of these cannabinoids are produced. The compound you are concerned with is THC. The conversion of non-psychotic cannabinoids into THC may continue well after you have cut the plant. However, the weed needs to be in certain conditions for this to happen.
The temperature of 60-70° F and humidity of 45-55% is ideal for this process to continue. As a result, the weed is more potent as there is more THC content. The process of drying is a slow one and if you try to quickly dry it, your weed will not be as potent.
After you have cut the plant, the terpenes which are aromatic compounds of the plant start to evaporate and degrade. Obviously, you want the plant to retain them in order to have a better flavor. They can evaporate at a temperature as low as 75°. The only way to preserve them is at low temperatures.
Under these conditions, the enzymes of the plant which are still active break down minerals. Additionally, it can also help break down any sugars left because of the chlorophyll decomposition. You do not want this sugar left in the buds as it can make it harsh. Harsh weed would be difficult to smoke and will burn the throat.
The sunlight is not good for the weed when it is drying. Light can reduce THC too so it is best to dry it in dark even though sunlight might seem a quick way to dry it. Properly drying marijuana can increase its life. No matter how good your weed is, there is always the threat of mold. Dry marijuana can be stored for long periods and would not be susceptible to any harm from mold or bacteria. In fact, many weed growers have been able to store their weed in air-tight containers for even a whole year.
Choosing the Right Method to Dry Weed
The internet is filled with many methods about how to dry pot. There are methods that involve freeze drying then there is the method that involves water. Getting into complex methods is no good. Most weed growers use one simple method or perhaps their own variation of it.
This good old method is basically how you dry clothes: hang them from a wire. It involves cutting your plants and hanging them from wire or string. Instead of hanging from a wire, some growers also use a drying rack for the buds. You basically let the buds dry on their own by providing the right conditions.
If you are thinking about quick fixes like microwave or heat fans, stop right there. Using anything that accelerates this process will dry it but the product you will get would be absolute garbage. You do not want months of hard work to go to waste.
How to Dry Weed Properly: Step by Step Guide
1.- Cutting and Trimming
Once your plants are ready to be harvested, it is time to start the curing process. I find cutting a foot long branch from the bud the best. Even though you can manicure the branch after drying, it is better to just do it before as you do not want any leaves hampering the drying process. You will need the best bud trimming machine at this point to get rid of all unwanted leaves in the bud.
If you are using a drying rack instead of a hanging line, you can directly cut the buds and trim them. You can fully manicure even after drying. You do not have to spend a lot of time manually trimming them. This is why you should opt for the best bud trimming machine instead.
2.- Move the Marijuana into the Dark
Once you have manicured the buds, move them to a dark room. Now, you do not need any sunlight or grow lights at all. This dark room needs to meet the temperature and humidity requirements. You can use a dehumidifier to keep humidity within 45-55%.
The temperature needs to be between 60° F (15.5° C) and 70° F (21°C). If the room already has this temperature then you do need to do anything. Otherwise, use an air conditioner to maintain the temperature in the said range. You can use a small fan to improve the circulation of air.
3.- Check for Dryness
Usually, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 days for the buds to dry a bit. You can tell just by looking if it has dried provided you have been growing weed for a while. When the flowers are a bit crispy and the branch snaps, the buds have dried enough and are ready to be cured.
4.- Store in an Airtight Dry Container
Now, to complete the curating process and to completely dry the buds you need to store them in an airtight container. You can store them in canning jars of plastic or glass. You can even store them in plastic bags; however, it is a bit risky. Do not pack too many flowers in one bag.
You will need to open the jar for a bit several times at least for a week. This allows any remaining moisture out and let some fresh air in. From the second week, you can open every few days. After 2 to 3 weeks, the weed will be fully cured. The more time you spend drying marijuana the better the result is.
If at any point after storing you get an ammonia smell, know that you did not properly follow the steps of how to dry pot. Chances are that bacteria have already gotten to them, hence the smell. Make sure to check if it has properly dried before storing them.
Overall about Drying Marijuana
The proper method of drying marijuana is time-consuming but delivers the result you want. If you know how to dry marijuana on your own you will always grow high-quality weed. Honestly speaking, this one aspect of growing weed that is overlooked pretty easily. Every grower is so focused on growing marijuana that they forget how to properly dry weed after harvesting it.
There are so many domestic growers of weed in addition to commercial marijuana dispensaries that you have to do everything you can to stand out. The whole drying and curating process can take 4 to 8 weeks. Some even expand this process to 6 months to get even better strains. In the end, it is up to you how you go about drying your own weed.
by James Parker | Sep 28, 2018 | Blog
Looking to set up a cannabis grow room? If so you have probably bumped up against the fact that there are a lot of things you need to learn before you can get started on your first 420 friendly grow.
It can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Today we are going to go over seven tips that guide you in setting up your first grow room.
1. Lighting is King
When it comes to planning your grow room setup and design, there is nothing quite as important as the lighting you will use to grow you little seedlings into full-grown behemoth plants.
Here you’ll see three main types of lighting options.
Fluorescents
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
T5 grow lights
Fluorescent lights are best for their blue light spectrum range and lack of off-put heat. The T5s are very popular when cloning or boosting growth in the vegetative stage. They are larger than the typical CFLs and usually in panel form with multiple lights in one base. Their quality is great and you can keep them inches away from your plants without burning them.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
Metal Halide lights are best used in the vegetative stages. These type of HID grow lights provide high amounts of blue light hues. These wide ranges of blues cater to the exact types of lighting that are needed for root growth and vegetative growth.
- High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)
High-Pressure Sodium grow lights are best used in the flowering stage of the growing cycle. HPS lights are much different than MH lights because of the different hues they emit in the spectrum.
High-Pressure Sodium lights emit a yellowish, orange hue that perfect for bud production. These type of lights often yield larger grows that any light during the flowering stage.
LED lights have the ability to switch between multiple hues in the spectrum. YOu can enable blue lights, reddish hues or both. Most LEDs products have fans and cooling systems built into lower the temperatures.
LEDs are energy efficient and have long-life space anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 hours of operations time.
2. Nutrients are Key
When it comes time for the plants to grow roots and eventually flower, you are going to want to use the right nutrients during each process. Here are some quick gardening insights on which nutrient combination to use during both growth and flowering stages.
During Growth & Vegetative Stages, they need a lot of nitrogen and a lower blend of Phosphorus and Potassium.
However, in the Flowering Stage, your plants will be craving Phosphorus and Potassium with less nitrogen in the mix.
3. Location, Location, Location
Even when growing inside, location matters. The environment needs to be both stable, and completely under your control. After all, control is the entire point of having a grow room.
If you are doing this from your home, a basement level floor has the benefit of being discreet, out of the way, and not subject to constant temperature change.
No matter what, make sure that your location maintains a stable temperature, and can accommodate both your plants and the equipment.
4. Temperature
Temperature is an important component of any grow room. Ideally, your grow room should stay anywhere between sixty eight and seventy five degrees.
But because you are creating a warm, humid environment, there is inevitably going to be a fair amount of water build up to contend with. Ince water build up is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, you are going to want to make sure that you keep things dry wherever possible.
During the milder fall and spring months, this temperature should be easy to maintain. However, expect higher power bills during the winter and summer.
5. Catch Diseases & Pest Before They Become a Problem
Pest, diseases, and fungus can really do a number on a grow room, but they don’t have to be a problem. Be vigilant, and pay close attention to the status of your plants.
Some problems can be identified through visual inspection. However, with other issues, you are going to need a little bit of help. Investing in a green light can help you detect the early signs of mold on plant leaves.
Look underneath leaves to see if any bugs are attached and remove them before these issues become real problems.
6. Be Vigilant
There is a romantic quality to growing cannabis that can lead even the best growers to forget that the job is hard work.
As a serious grower, you have the same responsibilities as a farmer. That means that you need to maintain constant vigilance. Label your plants, sprays, and equipment. Don’t forget to regularly flush for salt build up. When you see a problem, fix it right away.
It may seem like basic advice, but the organization is a very critical component to maintaining a healthy grow operations. One wrong nutrient or timing issue and your whole operations could be destroyed.
7. Keep it Clean
A clean grow room makes for healthy plants. As a beginner, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all there is to do and, as a result, forget to prioritize your cleaning. However, if you want to keep everything going as good as possible, you are going to have to remember to clean up after each watering and trimming session.
Keep in mind that your plants will also create waste. Stray leaves may not seem like a big deal, but they can also foster bacteria and disease. Picking up leaves as you spot them and taking off yellow wilted leaves will ensure that you don’t have to deal with unpleasant build up and the consequences that can arise from that.
Grow on!
Planning and designing a grow house is going to take some hard work and the learning curve is real, but it does not have to be debilitating. Now that you have read this guide, hopefully, you have a clearer idea of where to start as you set out to make your own highly productive grow house.
Happy growing!
by James Parker | Sep 21, 2018 | Blog
At least 50 percent of hemp grown in the U.S. is used for its CBD content, according to Eric Steenstra of Vote Hemp, a hemp advocacy organization. What’s so special about CBD and what makes hemp such a good source of it?
Here’s the tradeoff: Hemp has a higher level of CBD.
CBD might not give you that “high” sensation you experience thanks to THC, but it has its own unique effects that make it just as – if not more – desirable than a psychoactive. Whether in the form of CBD gummies or oils, the compound might have the following benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Reduces pain
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Treats acne
CBD’s benefits and its negative side effects are still being researched. Nevertheless, the potential benefits have led many people to consider growing hemp themselves.
Here are a Few Things to Consider Before Growing Hemp:
Make sure you are in the legality
Be sure to check local laws when it comes to growing hemp. Even in areas that legally allow you to grow this plant, you might need a license or to undergo a background check.
Growth Cycle of Hemp
Hemp tends to have a growth cycle of 108 to 120 days, which is a little longer than marijuana’s growth cycle. Hemp is also more flexible when it comes to its preferred climate.
Male versus Female Plants
Rather than getting started with seeds, it is often best to plant clones of non-pollinated female cannabis. These tend to have higher CBD levels than males and fertilized female plants. If necessary, you can start with seeds, but it can be difficult to find the right ones to ensure high CBD results.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Growing hemp outdoors allows you to produce more plants at a time, but pollination with nearby male hemp plants can keep you from your goal of high CBD results. Growing plants indoors, such as in a greenhouse, allows you to continue working on your plants despite seasonal challenges.
Hemp THC Levels
Finally, when it comes to legal hemp, THC levels shouldn’t exceed 0.3 percent. If THC levels are too high, the plant could be classified as marijuana, and you might be required to destroy it, depending on local laws.
Growing hemp can be a challenge, especially if you have space limitations. However, with some precautions and tips from hemp experts, you just might get this plant to work for you.
by James Parker | Sep 18, 2018 | Blog
Cannabis not only gets you high but also provide relief against various ailments. It may sound weird but consuming raw cannabis can give you immense health benefits. In addition to this, it not psychoactive, this makes it safe and healthy. But always prefer to get Medical Cannabis Evaluations in Los Angeles from licensed doctors.
What is Raw Cannabis?
These are the freshly harvested flowers and the leaves of marijuana before they are being dried and cured.
Here, we will discuss the various benefits of raw cannabis which will help you in incorporating raw cannabis into your everyday diet.
1. Cannabinoid Acids
There are 421 different chemical compounds in the cannabis plant and out of them over 100 are unique plant molecules known as cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid which is psychoactive. A cannabinoid is found on the plant in its raw form as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
THCA transforms to THC when the plant gets heated or aged. Moreover, there are a small amount of aged THC, and other cannabinoids present in a cannabis flower and most of them will be found as cannabinoid acids.
Research suggests that THCA has antiproliferative and antispasmodic effects.
The raw acid form of cannabidiol CBD has shown some potential for the treatment of epilepsy.
2. Fiber Source
Cannabis leaves are full of fibers. High fiber foods help in maintaining proper digestion and microbial community in your gut. Fiber is broken down by the bacteria which reside in the intestines. Research shows that maintaining proper microflora aids in good immunity and mental health.
If you find difficult to consume raw fan leaves, then you can blend the plant in a smoothie and consume it.
3. Plenty of Vitamins
Marijuana leaves contain various vitamins and minerals like:
● Folate which is essential for DNA repair
● Iron for moving oxygen through the blood
● Calcium essential for strong bones
● Vitamin C plays an essential role in immune function
● Vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting and calcium absorption)
However, The green leaves of cannabis contain compounds that protect against cancer. In order to get all nutritional benefit make to include fat in your diet while consuming raw cannabis.
4. Works as an Antioxidant
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are considered antioxidants which protect the body from stress. Raw cannabis consists of lots of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help in fighting the effects of aging.
5. Anthocyanins
Cannabis having red colored leaves and flowers consist of the good amount of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have antioxidant properties. Research has shown that they have a protective effect on human health and also protect against DNA damage. Not only this, but they also regulate immune response and help in improving vision.
6. Pain Relief (PainKiller)
Cannabinoids acids in raw cannabis have properties like various painkiller like ibuprofen and aspirin. A medical patient uses raw cannabis juices in fibromyalgia and arthritis to get relief from pain.
7. Omega 3 – Healthy Fat
Raw hemp seeds and cold-pressed hemp oil is abundant in essential fatty acids. Hemp is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for brain health. It is also high in linoleic acid which is responsible for healthy hair and skin.
8. Terpenes – Relax & Calm
Heat plays an important role in converting cannabinoid acids like THCA to THC. But, during the heating process, there is a possibility that you might end up burning some valuable terpenes those have medicinal value. For instance, terpene like linalool provides lavender scent to some cannabis strains which induces better sleep and provides calmness. Also, heating up cannabis products above 350 degrees evaporates some valuable terpenes. This problem can be avoided as raw cannabis allows you to consume as many terpenes and cannabinoid acids as possible.
9. Doesn’t get you High
Raw cannabis does not get you high. Moreover, cannabis plant contains more acids when it is unheated or in the raw form and once it is dried or cured, the THCA gets converted into THC and psychoactive effects can be felt.
10. Eradication of the Arthritis
Raw cannabis has some anti-inflammatory properties, hence reduces arthritis of any form. It is also effective in rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of swelling.
11. Cleanses the Body from Free Radicals :
Cannabis has an antioxidant property which enables the body to fight with free radicals. Consuming raw cannabis is the quick mode to get rid of free radicals.
How Much Should you Consume?
It is very important to find the right dose before trying cannabis. It should be consumed in moderation. Ideally, the standard dose of THC or CBD should be about 10 milligrams. But, the cannabis acids present in cannabis are way higher. However, the best thing about raw cannabis is that you can consume a significant amount of it without experiencing any unwanted side effects.
Ensure that if you are planning to consume raw cannabis, you are doing this in a legal way by possessing a medical recommendation from the licensed doctor. You can quickly get your recommendation online at OnlineMMJLosAngeles.
Author Bio
Margaret L Haynes is a freelance writer. She has been writing on Healthcare & Beauty for e-magazines and websites OnlineMMJLosAngeles for the last over 7 years. She writes in-depth and always writing new is his passion. She formerly worked out of Medical Marijuana Card Clinic, Los Angeles.
