Q: How safe is most of the growing gear that is for sale at the local hydroponics shop? I haven’t had any problems, but I’ve heard of fellow growers getting inspected by local by-law enforcement for electrical codes in their rented buildings. My one friend had no problems, the other place got temporarily halted until they made some changes and got re-inspected. I want to avoid this potential production pitfall-what can I do to protect myself and my grow?

Q:

I want to move from growing in my closet to a larger op, but my girlfriend is worried about the greater risks. How do I set her mind at ease?

Q:

I have watched a couple of friends build grows in their apartments and houses, and see that they can get some really great results indoors. After learning more online and reading some issues of Rosebud Magazine, I have decided to make the leap and start growing indoors. The thing I have noticed about my friends’ grow set-ups, is that they had to make some pretty big holes in the walls for ducting, etc. I also noticed lots of holes in the walls and ceilings from staples, eye-hooks, etc. I want to grow in my spare room without having to do major repairs to it later, any advice?

Q:

I have been working really hard to bring my first crop to harvest, and have a lot on the line because I need to make back my investment and cover some of my start up costs. In hindsight, it would have been better to research my rental a little more, as it turns out there is a big property management company that is running the show.

Q:

I want to use sunlight to grow this summer. A problem I want to avoid is harvesting at the same time as all of the other growers, which is usually mid-September where I live. I prefer to harvest earlier. Growing auto-flowering strains is an option, but they don’t yield as much and I would need to start all the plants from seed. Also, I would need much higher plant numbers, which is something else that I am trying to avoid. I realize I might be asking for miracles here but is there anything that you can suggest to help bring my crop to maturity earlier using natural sunlight?

Q:

I live in an apartment complex where there are rules about growing plants on your balcony. The thing is, there are few better simple pleasures in life for me than picking my own home grown under the open sky. I live and work in a city, so becoming a farmer or living somewhere with some property to grow outdoors is not an option for me right now.

Q:

I have been growing for a while, and like most growers have had occasional battles with insects in my crop. However this time, it’s a little different. The crop is on a decline due to a really severe infestation that I just can’t seem to get under control with my usual applications of neem or pyrethrum based sprays. Admittedly, the grow is running a little warmer right now, which makes the spider mites that are eating my crop that much hungrier.

Q: Hey, really liking your new RAW! column. You have always told it like it is, but my friends and I are really appreciating your help as a grower with what goes on outside of the grow room too.

This one might be right up your alley: