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Learn how to grow your own cannabis at home with this step-by-step guide.
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Introduction
Cannabis is an annual plant that has both male and female reproductive organs. Male plants have small round balls at the end of their branches that release pollen, while female plants have hairy leaves with tiny white hairs. To produce seed, both male and female plants must be present. Once the female plant is pollinated, it will produce a seed pod (or berry).
Cannabis can be grown outdoors in many different climates, from hot and humid to cold and arid. The key to successful outdoor cultivation is choosing a strain that is suited to the local climate. For example, indica strains thrive in hot weather, while sativa strains do better in cooler conditions.
When growing cannabis outdoors, it is important to start with a soil mix that is high in organic matter. This will help the plant’s roots to establish themselves quickly and support the growth of strong stems and leaves. Once the plant has reached a height of around 30cm (1ft), it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Outdoor cannabis plants will need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. They should also be given a high-quality fertilizer every couple of weeks to encourage strong growth. Plants should be harvested when the buds are ripe, typically between September and October in the Northern Hemisphere or March and April in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Basics of Growing Outdoor Cannabis
Growing cannabis outdoors is a great way to save money on costs, and it allows you to have more control over the growing process. Cannabis requires a lot of sunlight to grow properly, so it is best to grow it in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight. Outdoor cannabis plants also need to be watered regularly, and you will need to fertilize them every few weeks.
The best time to plant
The best time to plant your cannabis seeds outdoors is in late May or early June, after the last frost has passed. You can start your seeds indoors if you like, but it’s not necessary. If you do start your seeds indoors, make sure to harden them off (acclimatize them to the outdoors) for a week or two before planting them in their permanent outdoor home.
The best place to plant
There are many places you could conceivably grow your cannabis plants, but some locations are better than others. You want a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, has good drainage, and is not too close to other plants or houses. An ideal location would be a south-facing slope that gets at least six hours of sun a day.
Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to prepare the soil. Cannabis plants need nutrient-rich soil in order to thrive, so it is important to add some organic matter to your soil before planting. compost, manure, or potting soil are all good options. You should also make sure that the pH of your soil is between 6.0 and 7.0, as cannabis plants do not do well in acidic or alkaline conditions.
The type of soil you need
Cannabis plants need certain types of soil to grow – and thrive. The type of soil you use will largely depend on what kind of cannabis plant you’re growing, as well as your climate.
There are three main types of soil: clay, sand and loam. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Clay soil is dense and holds water well, making it a good choice for plantings that need a lot of moisture. However, clay can drain poorly and may become waterlogged if it gets too much rain or irrigation.
Sand soil is loose and drains quickly, making it a good choice for hot, dry climates. However, sand doesn’t hold water well, so plants may need to be watered more often.
Loam is a mixture of clay and sand, and it offers the best of both worlds – good drainage and the ability to hold moisture. Loam is the ideal type of soil for cannabis plants, but it can be hard to find in some areas.
The size of the plot
Outdoor cannabis cultivation can take many forms, from a single marijuana plant in a pot on your balcony to a large commercial operation growing multiple acres of cannabis. No matter the size of your plot, there are some basic principles of outdoor cannabis cultivation that apply.
The size of your plot will largely be determined by the amount of space you have available and the local climate. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can get away with a smaller plot as you’ll have more time to grow. In an area with a shorter growing season, you’ll need a larger plot to ensure that your plants have enough time to mature.
In general, you’ll want to allow at least 3-5 square feet per plant. This will give each plant enough room to grow and ensure that they don’t crowd each other out. If you’re growing multiple strains or varieties of cannabis, you may want to allow even more space so that each plant has room to reach its full potential.
Whatever size plot you choose, make sure that it gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Cannabis plants love sunlight and need at least 6 hours per day to thrive. If your plot is too shady, your plants will stretch and become thin in an attempt to get closer to the light source. Good drainage is also essential as cannabis plants do not like wet feet. If your plot is too wet, your plants will be more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Caring for Your Cannabis Plant
Cannabis is a resilient plant, but it still needs the correct amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow. If you live in an area with a warm climate, you can grow cannabis outdoors. Make sure to choose a spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Watering
Cannabis plants need a lot of water, especially during the hot summer months. Water your plants deeply and regularly, giving them enough water to soaked the roots thoroughly. Then, let the top inch or so of soil dry out before watering again. If your plants are wilting or drooping, they need water immediately.
Over-watering is a common mistake among new cannabis growers. When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot, which can be devastating to your plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is an important part of growing healthy cannabis plants, but you don’t want to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can burn your plants, and too little won’t give them the nutrients they need to thrive.
The best way to determine how much fertilizer to use is to get a soil test kit and follow the instructions. You can also talk to your local nursery or garden center for specific recommendations based on the type of soil you have.
In general, you should fertilize your cannabis plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that has a low concentration of nitrogen. During the flowering stage, you can increase the frequency to once a week.
It’s also a good idea to add some organic matter to your soil, such as compost or manure. This will help improve drainage and aeration while also providing additional nutrients for your plants.
Pruning
Pruning is the process of cutting away dead or dying leaves and branches from a Cannabis plant. It is important to prune your plant regularly to promote new growth and prevent disease. Pruning also helps your plant to better absorb light and air, which can improve the quality of your finished product.
There are two main types of pruning: topping and fimming. Topping is the process of removing the tips of branches, while fimming involves removing leaves from branches. Both methods can be used to shape your plant, encourage new growth, and improve yields.
Topping should be done when your plant is young and still growing rapidly. Fimming can be done at any time, but is typically done after topping to further encourage branching. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean scissors or shears to avoid damaging your plant.
Pruning is an important part of Cannabis cultivation, but it is also a delicate process. Be sure to research the best methods for your particular strain before getting started.
Harvesting Your Cannabis
It’s almost time to harvest your hard-earned cannabis crop! Here are a few things you should know to get the best buds possible. Make sure you know when to harvest. Depending on the strain , cannabis is typically ready to harvest anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks after planting.
When to harvest
The most important part of the Cannabis growing process is the harvest. It is when all your hard work finally pays off, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But knowing when to harvest your Cannabis is not always easy, especially if you are a first-time grower.
Cannabis buds are ready for harvest when the trichomes ( THC-containing crystals) are predominantly cloudy white with just a few amber ones mixed in. If most of the trichomes are amber, it means that the buds are too ripe and have lost some of their potency.
You can use a microscope or a jeweler’s loupe to examine the trichomes more closely. Make sure to check both sides of the leaves as well as the buds themselves. Once you have determined that your Cannabis is ready for harvest, it is time to start planning.
You will need to have some sort of processing area set up before you start harvesting your plants. This can be as simple as a clean table in a well-ventilated room, or as complex as a dedicated processing space with fans, filters, and special lighting.
You will also need to have some sort of storage system set up so that you can keep your harvested buds in a safe place until you are ready to use them. This could be something as simple as zip-top bags or mason jars, or something more sophisticated like vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers.
Once you have your processing area and storage system set up, you are ready to start harvesting your Cannabis plants!
How to harvest
The process of harvesting your cannabis is an exciting time for any grower. After months of work, you are finally about to reap the rewards of your labour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to harvest your cannabis plants so that you can produce the highest quality buds possible.
1. Cut down your plants when the vast majority of the trichomes on the buds are still clear. If you wait until they are all cloudy, your buds will be very high in THC but they will also be less potent and have a more couch-lock effect.
2. Cut each branch of the plant individually and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated room or shed. You can also use a drying rack if you don’t have enough space to hang all of your branches.
3. Leave the branches to dry for 7-10 days, checking on them daily to make sure that they are not moulding or developing any type of fungus.
4. Once the branches are dry, remove the buds from the stems and store them in glass jars in a cool, dark place. Buds stored in this way can last for several months without degradation in quality.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to grow outdoor cannabis. Remember, the key to success is to start with good quality seeds, provide your plants with plenty of sunlight and water, and be patient! With a little time and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of beautiful buds.
