Once again. Eskom is wreaking havoc across the South African economy. Load Shedding has been hitting hard over the past week, causing chaos for numerous growers and their plants cycles. So what does one do with no electricity?

As many growers know, disrupting your cannabis plants grow cycle can cause plenty of trouble. The plant tends to be rather sensitive once it’s fully in its cycle, and any sort of changes it experiences in its environment can have a negative impact. So the question for all locals is what they can do when load shedding hits to keep their little buds on the right track.

The most important thing to do if there is load shedding is to ensure your plants are still getting light during their regular light period and aren’t sitting in complete darkness. Being left in complete darkness will cause your babies to start deteriorating rather quickly, so a decent backup light source will slow this process dramatically.

To maintain your plants’ inner clock, the simplest method us South Africans can use is something like a battery powered flashlight left hanging in your tent. Some rechargeable batteries and a strong flashlight will go a long way when it comes to load shedding, and comes with the added benefit of helping maintain your plants when the lights are out.

Another more permanent option is taking a standard CFL globe (or a couple) and rigging it to a spare battery – such as a motorbike battery which is small and relatively inexpensive. This can even be left in the tent on a permanent basis and will just need turning on when load shedding hits.

Another option which is a smart choice for any South African, whether you’re a grower or not would be a petrol powered generator. Some generators are powerful enough to light up a whole house – but these can cost a small fortune. However, a smaller and cheaper option will do just fine for the necessities – such as grow tents and power points so you can at least give the phone some charge too. This way, the next time Eskom leave their coal in the rain, you’ll be prepared and can keep the lights on for some time.

Don’t get caught off guard, keep an eye on Eskom’s load shedding schedule and be prepared for when darkness hits. Don’t let your hard work go to waste at the hands of Eskom, they cannot get the better of us!

If you ain’t chokin’, you ain’t tokin’

– Stoner Steve