Growing outdoors Introduction
Outdoor cannabis growing can be done for various reasons. It can be grown for personal, recreational and industrial purposes.
The good news is you don’t have to be a specialist to grow outdoor cannabis yourself. With the right preparation, effort, and patience, anyone can grow their own plants.
There are two ways to do grow cannabis outdoors, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The first possibility is to plant the seeds outside in a pot. The second possibility is to plant the seeds directly outdoors in the ground.
Pros and cons of growing in pots versus soil
There are many things involved in growing outdoor weed for beginners. In the beginning, this can be somewhat overwhelming. On this page you can find information about many things you need to think about when starting outdoor weed growing.
Where to start?
In a pot or in nature?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: In a pot or in nature?
The choice you make in this regard strongly influences the growth process of your plant, so it is wise to choose in advance which way you are going to grow. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
We will go through these below.
Advantages of growing in a pot
– Simple outdoor weed growing for beginners
– Faster growth, thus faster flowering
– Cheaper than indoor cultivation
– Pots are easy to move
– In case of problems with the medium, it is easy to repot.
Disadvantages of growing in pots
– Limited space to grow (may need repotting)
– Need to monitor for watering cycle (e.g., no rain)
– May be vulnerable to theft if not secured (e.g., using a chain lock)
Advantages of growing in soil
– Simple outdoor weed growing for beginners
– Minimal maintenance
– No need to water the plants manually
– Cheaper than indoor cultivation
– Plants have the space to grow large
Disadvantages of growing in soil
– Less control over medium (composition, nutrients, etc.)
– Plant cannot be moved without causing serious damage to the root system
– Harsh environmental factors (rain, wind, hail, etc.) can harm plant
– Risk of the plant growing too large, becoming unmanageable
– May be vulnerable to theft if not secured (e.g., using a chain lock)
Outdoor Cannabis Growing Tips
Looking for tips on growing outdoor weed?
Below we will discuss a variety of factors related to growing cannabis outdoor.
Choose and Ideal Grow Spot
Look around for areas where plants already grow well. Find a spot that is protected from the elements (e.g., wind, hail, sleet) in an area that is easy to water, and has good drainage. Consider privacy and security – you may want to conceal your grow from neighbors, the public, and potential thieves. Tall fences and large shrubs or trees are your best bet if you live in an urban area.
Consider the Climate of the Area
The exact site location should be considered before selecting the variety to be grown outdoors. Understanding the amount of sunlight throughout the year is crucial to causing plants to “flip” from the vegetative to flowering stage, when they start to produce flowers. (Plants often need approximately 12 hours of darkness in order to start producing flowers.)
Depending on the variety, outdoor growing will require 75 to 90 frost-free days for a short season. Many of the more desirable genetics, however, require a longer grow period before harvesting. This is particularly true of sativas and hybrids, which can have longer flower periods.
Heavy rains and high winds can cause physical damage to plants and reduce yields, and excessive moisture can lead to mold and powdery mildew, especially during the flowering stage.
Neighbouring Grows
Find out who your neighbours are on all sides of your proposed site. The activities they conduct can directly impact your outdoor grow (e.g. pesticide drift). There is also a risk of cross-contamination of neighboring grows, should any male plant pollen (from either cannabis or hemp) travel through the air.
Soil Composition
Getting your soil tested can be very helpful. This will tell you how to amend or ‘adjust’ your soil, and what types and amounts of fertilizer you should use. It will also tell you if there are residual pesticides or heavy metals present in the soil, as they may cause contamination or damage. Cannabis plants thrive in soil rich with organic matter, and they need good drainage. If you decide to plant directly in the ground, you’ll need to understand your soil composition and amend it accordingly.
Choose your Genetics
The main drawback to growing from seeds is that there’s no guarantee of what you’ll end up with. If your seeds don’t come feminized, you could end up with both males and females, in which case you’ll need to sex them out to get rid of the males. Even when you do have all female plants, each will be a different phenotype of the same strain. To get the best version of that strain, you’ll need to select the best phenotype, which can be a lengthy process. Many new growers start with feminized seeds.
Consider your Procedures
Will you be planting directly in the ground, or in large immobile containers?
How will your cannabis be provided with the right amount of water and nutrients?
Irrigation procedures – any water used must be potable drinking water quality. If the source of water is not municipal water, you will need to prove that it meets potable water standards.
When and how will you harvest your cannabis? The entire process should be planned carefully from start (seeds/clones) to finish (bulk packaged product/finished packaged products).
Pest Control and Management
Pests associated with cannabis are different for outdoor grows in comparison to indoor grows. Examine your cannabis plants a few times a week with an eye out for pests. An infestation is far easier to deal with if caught early. Only use pest control products or pesticides that are approved for use on cannabis.
Be aware of your neighbours and what pesticides they use on their crops (if applicable). If possible, try to schedule your harvest before they use pesticides to avoid contamination.
There you have it! Our top points to consider before pursuing an outdoor cultivation licence. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get started on the path to obtaining a cultivation licence and running a successful cannabis business!
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there is no silver bullet. It really boils down to how offensive the cons are, or how beneficial the pros are. If even still you are unsure, the solution is quite simple—do half-half, and by harvest time you will surely have a clearer idea of what works best for you.
There are many different ways to grow cannabis, and these different methods require a little bit of time and a little bit of money in order to get started. However, once you get the hang of things, the results are quite rewarding, and you’ll never have to worry about not finding your favorite strain.
Each method of growing, whether it be in the ground or in pots, has its benefits. When it comes to pots, you can control the growing environment. In a garden, you have a lot of freedom thanks to the available space, but you might not be able to control the growing environment that well.
However, if you have a lot of time and space available, then you should choose growing cannabis in the ground. Outdoor, sun-grown cannabis is considered to be the best way to grow cannabis, and as a result, it might provide you with the high-quality products you need!
