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Safety First

Let’s first examine the primary influence for current-day indoor cultivation: security. And why is security an issue? To protect one’s valuables from rip-offs and the law. These are two distinct and primary security concerns: legal (persecution by the law) and criminal (unscrupulous cads). Fortunately, “out of sight, out of mind” is the goal to achieve for both of our adversaries. I often wonder if “cops and robbers” got together and decided to team up against the passive and successful farmer. Time will tell. In the meantime successful concealment is rule #1. “Out of sight” is a good start, but by no means a complete solution. There are, however, a few other precautions one can take.

I believe that the basic rules involve a simple karmic mantra: Don’t Be Greedy. Do not, under any circumstances, steal electricity or damage rental property. If one follows these two simple rules, one is already 99% ahead of the game. For those who choose to grow for their income, another is to not flaunt one’s acquired wealth. Discretion is, after all, the better part of valor.

Absolute rule number one is: Never Tell (Show) Anyone. If followed impeccably, these criteria insure a probable success.

I survived the nightmarish 1980s and early ’90s and preserved my seed collection from behind a veil of poverty. This tactic, however, is one that can’t be faked. Urban ghettoes and low-rent trailer parks prove quite useful in disguising wealth, but extra caution regarding the physical security of the property is important in these environments. They require that one learn all there is to know about doors, locks and windows, and then add other security measures such as video surveillance, landscaping for security and computer automated grow and security systems that can be monitored and run online. Unless or until one can afford the securities of affluence, middle- to upper-class neighborhoods afford the best security options.

Simple Anti-Theft Tactics

There are two types of thieves to be concerned with: professional and random. Random theft is often minimized by any of a number of simple tactics, such as leaving a “decoy” booty easily found but difficult to carry. One form of such “insurance” is to leave a big canvas bag or jar of change (a couple of hundred dollars worth) next to an entryway in an obvious, unmissable place—that way, if the thief is a desperate junky (random thief), they will likely snag the heavy bag or jar and be on their way. There are a number of ways to decoy would-be thieves away from one’s grow space. A little imagination and a creative mind go a long way in this capacity. As for thieves in general, there is little beyond the “out of sight, out of mind” remedy that needs to be employed.

Controlling Telltale Odor

One security factor that can betray the herbal producer is odor. Modern technology has provided the indoor herbalist an adequate tool—the in-line charcoal exhaust system. These systems contain a charcoal air filter placed in-line with the exhaust fan. The result, especially when combined with either a negative ion or ozone generator, eliminates the odors including those associated with indoor herbal cultivation. The in-line charcoal exhaust system is run constantly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The external filter in this system (which wraps around the charcoal filter) needs to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly and the charcoal filter itself changed periodically.

For outdoor odor problems, distance from any nosy noses is preferred. Other than that, companion plants that mask odor with their own may work. Plants such as herbs, scented flowers and bushes may help camouflage odors. Covering plants with plastic over a “tunnel” frame made of re-bar or PVC pipe in the fall helps conceal the garden from curious noses and eyes. This also works as a small greenhouse, protecting the plants from colder temperatures.

Electricity Basics

Learn your electric system, including its limits and overall set-up. When in doubt, hire a confidential professional. It is never a good thing when one’s grow set-up starts a fire or worse, causes serious damage. Common sense and the ability to pay close attention are mandatory requirements in this regard. The efficient use of electricity is also helpful for successful indoor gardening. Two energy saving techniques are running one’s lights at night to best recycle the heat generated by HID lighting, and recycling heat from the home indoor garden into one’s living area to help lower overall energy usage. Another simple approach is to understand the limits of one’s grow environment. Primarily, never overload the electrical system.

A Final Note on Security

Aside from concealing very bright artificial light sources and odor, noise and disposal of wastes are aspects of production that require detailed scrutiny and planning. There are many fine published works that deal directly with the issues of successful concealment. Thoroughly consult a few of these manuals to learn from others’ experiences. One last suggestion that I can add is: Keep it small.

Someday, hopefully soon, the insanity will recede and concealment will no longer be an issue. Even then, I’m sure many will still opt to keep a “hobby garden” in the closet. It is with these saner times in mind that I proceed.