Contents
Looking to grow cannabis outdoors? Here are some tips on how to get started, including what type of climate and soil you’ll need.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Cannabis is a fast-growing plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. The main difference between the two growing methods is the amount of sunlight and artificial light used during the grow process. Cannabis grown indoors is typically done with artificial lights, while outdoor grows rely on natural sunlight.
There are several benefits to growing cannabis outdoors, including increased yield potential, lower energy costs, and a more natural growing environment. However, outdoor growers must be aware of the risk of inclement weather and pests.
This guide will teach you how to grow cannabis outdoors from start to finish, including tips on choosing a grow location, planting your seeds, dealing with pests, and harvesting your buds.
The Basics of Growing Cannabis Outdoors
Growing cannabis outdoors is a great way to get high-quality buds without spending a lot of money. But, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of growing cannabis outdoors. We’ll talk about choosing the right location, getting the right supplies, and how to take care of your plants.
Location
One of the most important aspects of growing cannabis outdoors is choosing the right location. The spot you choose should get plenty of sun—at least six hours per day—and have good drainage. Avoid locations that are prone to flooding or that stay soggy after a rain. You should also be aware of your local laws regarding cannabis cultivation. In some places, it is illegal to grow cannabis, even in your own backyard.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you’ll need to prepare the area for planting. If you’re growing in soil, you’ll need to till the ground and remove any large rocks or other debris. If you’re growing in containers, make sure they are clean and ready to use. It’s also a good idea to break up any clumps of dirt so that your plants will have plenty of room to grow roots.
When you’re ready to plant, be sure to choose a high-quality cannabis strain that is suited for outdoor cultivation. Some strains are more resistant to pests and diseases than others, so do your research before making a purchase. Once you’ve chosen your strain, it’s time to get planting!
Climate
The first step to successfully growing cannabis outdoors is understanding your local climate and choosing a strain that will flourish in your area. For example, in regions with hot summers, it’s best to grow strains that originate from countries near the equator, like India, Colombia, and Africa. These “ tropical ” strains are used to hot weather and lots of sunlight.
Conversely, if you live in an area with cooler summers, like Northern Europe or the Pacific Northwest, it’s best to choose a cannabis strain that comes from a colder region, like Afghanistan or Morocco. These “ temperate ” strains are used to cooler weather and shorter days.
There are also regional differences in precipitation and humidity that you will need to take into account. For example, cannabis strains originating on the west coast of America are accustomed to foggy conditions and prefer a lot of moisture in the air. In contrast, east coast strains are used to hot, humid summers and can handle drought conditions much better.
Soil
Cannabis plants need nutrients to grow, and these nutrients are found in the soil. The three main nutrients that cannabis plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are often referred to as N-P-K. For a cannabis plant to thrive, the soil must have the right mix of these three nutrients.
The best way to get the right mix of N-P-K for your cannabis plants is to use a commercial cannabis soil mix. These mixes have been specifically formulated to provide the right mix of nutrients for cannabis plants. If you cannot find a commercial cannabis soil mix, you can use a general-purpose potting mix or garden soil as long as it is amended with additional N-P-K.
When growing cannabis outdoors, it is important to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Cannabis plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If possible, choose a location that gets full sun all day long. Cannabis plants will also do well in partial shade, but they will not produce as much bud if they do not get full sun.
In addition to sunlight, cannabis plants need fresh air circulation in order to thrive. Make sure that your chosen location has good airflow and is not too windy. If possible, choose a location against a wall or fence so that one side is protected from strong winds.
Watering
Cannabis plants need a lot of water, especially when they are growing and flowering. The amount of water a plant needs depends on many factors, such as the weather, the type of soil, and the size of the plant. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants deeply and thoroughly once a week.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to water your plants more often. If you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to water your plants less often.
It’s important to make sure that your plants have enough drainage so that the roots don’t get waterlogged. Cannabis plants will not grow well if their roots are constantly wet. If you’re not sure whether your plants are getting enough drainage, stick your finger in the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels wet, give the plant a little more time to dry out before watering it again.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is an important part of growing any crop, and cannabis is no exception. The best way to determine how much and what kind of fertilizer your plants need is to have the soil tested by a professional laboratory. Once you know what nutrients are lacking, you can select the appropriate fertilizer and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Organic fertilizers are generally less likely to “burn” plants than chemical fertilizers, so they are a good choice for cannabis growers. compost, manure, and other organic matter can all be used to fertilize cannabis plants. Be sure to age or “cure” fresh manure before using it, as fresh manure can contain harmful bacteria that can damage plants.
Cannabis plants need three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These are often referred to as “NPK”. Nitrogen is responsible for growth of leaves and green coloration, phosphorus promotes root growth and flower development, and potassium helps strengthen stems and helps with overall vigor.
Secondary nutrients that cannabis plants need in smaller amounts include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micronutrients needed in very small amounts include boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and others.
Cannabis Strains for Outdoors Growing
With the legalization of cannabis in many states, more and more people are interested in growing their own at home. Cannabis can be grown indoors or outdoors, but there are a few things to consider before you get started. In this article, we will focus on growing cannabis outdoors.
Sativas
Sativas are a great choice for growing cannabis outdoors. They tend to be tall and thin, with long, slender leaves. They also tend to have a lower THC content than other strains, so they’re a good choice if you want a more mellow high. Some popular sativa strains include:
-Acapulco Gold
– Sour Diesel
– Super Lemon Haze
– Green Crack
Indicas
Indica dominant strains are shorter, bushier plants, often with wide leaves. They are good for indoor growing, as they don’t get too tall and can be flowered earlier than sativa strains. They also have a shorter flowering period. Indicas originated in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Nepal.
An indica strain will typically have a higher ratio of CBD to THC than sativas. This means that indica strains tend to be more physically sedating than sativas and are better for evening and night-time use. They are also effective for pain relief and can be helpful for treating anxiety and insomnia. Indica strains are often used for making smoking blends as they tend to tone down the intensity of more potent sativas.
Some popular indica cannabis strains include:
-Afghan Kush
-GDP
-Bubba Kush
-Northern Lights
-Purple Urkle
Hybrids
Hybrid cannabis strains are the result of mixing two or more different strains together. This can be done to create new flavors, aromas, and effects, or to simply improve on existing genetics. Often, hybrid strains will lean more toward one parent than the other–for example, a 50/50 hybrid strain may have more indica effects than sativa effects. Other times, a hybrid may be evenly balanced between parents.
Cannabis hybrids are typically very versatile and can be grown indoors or outdoors, in hot or cold climates, and in a variety of different mediums (soil, hydroponics, etc.). They tend to be hearty and resilient plants that produce strong yields of quality cannabis buds.
If you’re looking for a good starting point when it comes to growing cannabis outdoors, here are five of the best hybrid strains for beginners:
-Blueberry Cookies: A cross between Blueberry and Girl Scout Cookies, this strain is easy to grow and produces high yields of large, resinous buds. The flavor is sweet and fruity with notes of diesel. The effect is uplifting and euphoric.
-Gelato: A cross between Thin Mint Cookies and Sunset Sherbet, Gelato is a deliciously sweet strain with flavors of berry and citrus. It’s perfect for beginners due to its easygoing nature and forgiving nature–plus, it produces huge yields! The effect is relaxing and cerebral.
-Green Crack: A classic sativa-dominant strain, Green Crack is perfect for beginners due to its easy growth pattern and high yields. It has a sweet and fruity flavor with hints of lemon and pineapple. The effect is energizing and uplifting.
– OG Kush: One of the most popular strains on the planet, OG Kush is perfect for novice growers due to its resilience and easy growth pattern. It has a distinct diesel flavor with notes of citrusy lemon. The effect is relaxed yet cerebral–perfect for enjoying some tunes or getting creative.
-Super Lemon Haze: A cross between Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk, Super Lemon Haze is a zesty strain with flavors of lemonade and lemon zest. It produces high yields of large buds that are coated in sticky trichomes. The effect is uplifting yet relaxing–perfect for socializing or enjoying some time outdoors
Outdoor Pests and Diseases
Cannabis is a hardy plant, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to pests and diseases. Just like any other plant, Cannabis can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, especially when growing outdoors. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most common outdoor pests and diseases so you can take steps to prevent them.
Pests
Cannabis plants can succumb to numerous pests, ranging from soil-borne pathogens to insects. Some of the most common outdoor pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly and cause extensive damage to plants.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are typically green or yellow in color and are most active in warm weather. Aphids can spread quickly and infest an entire plant in a short period of time.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that live and feed on the undersides of cannabis leaves. They are most active in warm, dry conditions and can cause extensive damage to plants if left unchecked. Mites are particularly difficult to control because they reproduce rapidly and can quickly build up resistance to pesticides.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that resemble tiny white moths. They feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold on leaves. Whiteflies are difficult to control because they reproduce rapidly and have a wide range of host plants.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: A fast-growing fungus, powdery mildew starts off as small, circular spots that quickly turn into a powdery white coating. It attacks leaves, stems and buds, causing them to deform and inhibiting growth. Powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid environments, so it’s important to keep your garden clean and free of debris. If you live in an area with high humidity, chances are you’ll have to deal with powdery mildew at some point.
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The plant will eventually die if the infection is not treated. Fusarium wilt is most common in hot, humid climates.
Bacterial leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot is caused by a bacteria that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing small brown or black spots to form. The spots can eventually turn into large necrotic lesions. Bacterial leaf spot is most common in wet, humid environments.
downy mildew: Downy mildew is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and form small white spots. Downy mildew is most common in cool, damp climates.
Harvesting and Processing
After a long season of growing, it’s finally time to harvest your crop. This can be a very exciting time for any grower, but it’s important to remember that the work isn’t over yet. Once you’ve harvested your cannabis, you’ll need to process it properly in order to enjoy the fruits of your labor. In this section, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take in order to harvest and process your cannabis properly.
Harvesting
One of the most exciting times of the year for cannabis growers is harvest season. After months of waiting, it’s finally time to cut down your hard work and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
But before you can start enjoying your fresh buds, there’s a few things you need to do first. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about harvesting and processing your cannabis plants so you can get the most out of your crop.
The first step in harvesting your cannabis is to determine when the plants are ready. The best way to do this is by checking the trichomes, which are the tiny resin glands that cover the buds and leaves. These glands contain THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, so they’re a good indicator of a plant’s potency.
When the trichomes are clear or white, it means the plant isn’t ready yet. If they’re mostly clear with a few milky white ones mixed in, then the plant is probably ready for harvest. However, if more than half of the trichomes are dark brown or amber, then the plant is likely overripe and won’t be as potent.
Once you’ve determined that your plants are ready for harvest, it’s time to cut them down. For indoor plants, it’s best to cut them down at night so they have a chance to recover from the shock of being moved before they have to deal with light again. For outdoor plants, you can harvest them anytime during the day.
After cutting down your plants, it’s time to trim them up. This involves removing any large fan leaves and cutting off any small leaves that grow along the buds themselves. These leaves don’t contain much THC anyway, so there’s no point in keeping them.
Once your plants are trimmed up, they need to be dried and cured before they can be smoked or used in edibles. Drying involves hanging them upside down in a dark room with good airflow for about two weeks. This will help prevent mold or mildew from forming on your buds during storage. After drying, curing involves storing your buds in airtight jars for another two weeks so their flavors can develop fully.
After curing your buds, they’re finally ready to be enjoyed! Whether you smoke them or make edibles out of them, cannabis harvested at its peak will provide a potent and flavorful experience that you won’t soon forget.”
Processing
After the cannabis plant has been harvested, the next step is to begin processing the plant so that it can be consumed. There are a few different ways to process cannabis, but the most common method is to dry and cure the plants.
Drying and curing is done by hanging the plants upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place. The plants will need to be checked regularly to make sure that they are not molding or drying too quickly. Once the plants are dry, they can be trimmed of their leaves and buds and stored in airtight containers.
Other methods of processing cannabis include using a solvent to extract the THC from the plant material or using heat and pressure to create hashish or oil.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a basic guide on how to grow cannabis outdoors. Obviously, there is much more to learn on the subject, but this guide should be enough to get you started. Just remember to research the laws in your area before getting started, and to take things slow at first. Good luck!
