Given the option, you might choose to learn how to grow weed outdoors instead of indoors. Many growers prefer growing marijuana outdoors for multiple reasons. Preparing a garden in places like a backyard can be different compared to setting it up indoors.
It is important to know how the process works before placing seeds in the ground. You can seek advice online or in local communities of growers. Below is a helpful article that can be considered a guide to growing weed outdoors for dummies.
Advantages of Growing Marijuana Outdoors
One benefit of knowing how to grow weed outdoors is that it can be less expensive than indoor growing. You do not need some indoor supplies, like a carbon filter. The sunlight is the central source of energy, so you do not have to buy any growing lights.
Not to mention, the lack of bulbs can save you on energy costs.
Another advantage is that cannabis plants would have the space to reach their full potential. Some growers prefer the outdoors because the crops have a distinct flavor and aroma. Overall, growers can get big weed plants and greater yields. As long as they are healthy, they can grow up to six feet tall.
Outdoor Cannabis Grow Preparations
Similar to indoor growing, you need to prepare your garden before planting the seeds. A few things to keep in mind about how to grow weed outdoors are:
Plan Your Grow
It is necessary to plan when you will grow your plants. Each part of the country may be different, and factors like altitude and precipitation levels can influence when the seeds go into the ground. Overall, the best time to grow marijuana outdoors is anywhere between late April and mid-May.
Too early in the year could impact the plant's health due to cold temperatures. If you start too late, the crops might not have enough time. The amount of sunlight in a day changes as the seasons change, and some strains are dependent on a light cycle to flower.
Cannabis plants typically take three to eight months to grow. So, you will want to have plenty of time for them to go through all the stages of growth. You can expect the harvest to be at any time between September and November.
Of course, you also will want to buy and germinate weed seeds several weeks before the planting period.
Seeds or Clones
When it comes time to buy weed seeds online, you will see numerous options on the market. You can choose between growing weed from seeds or clones. Among the seeds are autoflower, feminized, and regular strains. Overall, plants that come from seeds are stronger and more resistant to disease.
Autoflower seeds tend to grow a little faster than others but are smaller. Feminized plants can grow big and eliminate the risk of pollination. Some people choose regular seeds to create their own unique strains.
One downside is that plants from seeds are more fragile during the seedling stage and need more care to stay alive.
Alternatively, you can go with clones, which are branches cut from the main marijuana plant. They have their own established root system and can grow into plants. Clones do well in the sun and are a good choice for beginners learning how to grow weed outdoors.
However, they need to get planted immediately, and there are limited choices.
Choosing the Best Place for Growing Weed Outdoors
The temperature should be above 60 degrees but below 85 degrees. While it should not be too windy, you will want a place with plenty of breeze coming through the leaves. Finding a spot can be a challenge, but marijuana is decent at adapting to various locations.
Plants should not get exposed to excessive rain. The soil used should have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Tall barriers can protect against heavy winds and provide security. When you decide where to plant cannabis, find a spot that faces the south or the sun's archway. This will ensure that the plant gets the most direct sunlight possible.
Several locations you can pick when learning how to grow weed outdoors include places in your backyard. You can place the plant in a pot and grow it on a balcony. A few growers put plants on a roof terrace to receive plenty of sunlight.
You can plant the seeds in the forest. The soil may be too acidic in some areas, so bring pre-made soil.
Get the Best Soil
You can use the native soil or buy some from the store. There are three basic consistencies, and each comes in varying degrees. They are silt, sand, and clay.
Soil with more silt in it is an effective growing medium. Silt contains plenty of nutrients and retains water. However, the drainage can be an issue. Sandy soil has low pH and high oxygen levels. The high levels of sand mean nutrients can be washed away easily.
Clay soil can stabilize plants and retain water. Still, it does not hold oxygen well, and the pH is high. Many people choose to go with a mixture of clay, sand, and silt. The mix is called loam, and the most effective ratio is 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand.
Loam has the benefit of water retention, drainage, and high oxygen levels. However, the mixture can be costly.
Select the Right Container or Bag
Many growers choose to plant their seeds directly in the ground. You would need to test the soil to make sure it is optimal for cannabis growing. However, some people dig a hole and use a growing medium from the store. When in the ground, the plants have the freedom to grow as big as possible.
If you're learning how to grow weed outdoors, you should know that you also have the option to use pots. Pots are convenient since you can move the plants around to protect against rain or heavy winds. Clay pots are costly and may trap enough heat to dry the soil.
Plastic and fabric pots are popular choices for decent drainage and being inexpensive.
Another type of container is a bag. Grow bags are more cost-effective compared to pots. Not to mention, they can last a long time. You can reuse bags for growing marijuana outdoors multiple times before needing to buy new ones.
One drawback is that they are not as mobile as planting in pots, and the fabric has a risk of tearing.
Provide Protection From Bad Weather, Animals, and Pests
When growing outdoor cannabis, people often face the challenges of bad weather, animals, and pests. For harsh weather conditions, one step you can take is to tie the plants to sticks or posts. The method can protect the leaves from strong winds.
Storms cause moisture issues and break branches. When the forecast predicts rain, you can place a canvas or plastic cover over the plants. If crops are exposed to rain, gently shake the water off them and separate the plants to dry faster.
If moles are an issue, you can place traps or nets underground. Some people who grow cannabis outdoors have to deal with gophers. You can pour castor oil down holes to repel the creatures or use underground cages. Spraying castor oil can prevent raccoons as well.
Bugs are another issue for outdoor cannabis. One method to use is to keep natural predators around. Ladybugs feed off the larvae that can harm plants. Of course, several species of birds can get rid of pests. Still, you will want to keep them away during germination.
Some growers build a solid fence to keep bugs out; others deter insects with repellents. Oil-based insecticide exists to kill bugs.
Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners: How to Grow Weed Outdoors
This simple step-by-step guide for dummies on how to grow weed outdoors will help you get closer to enjoying some quality weed. The steps are:
1. Germinate Your Seeds
What you need for germinating weed seeds is warmth, water, and patience. It can take several days for the process to complete. The duration depends on what method you use and the type of seed. Seeds with a harder coating may take a little more time.
One of the recommended germination methods is a wet paper towel. All you need is a damp paper towel and a plate to put it on. Put the seed on it, and fold the paper towel over. Keep in mind that porous brands increase the risk of hurting the delicate roots.
You also can grab a cup of water and drop seeds in it. Let the seeds soak overnight and remove them in the morning. Place any that have not sprouted roots in a moist place.
Some merchants sell starter cubes, seedling plugs, and peat pellets. Place a seed in a small hole before covering it up. Add some water, and it should germinate in a few days.
2. Plant Your Seeds
Once the seed germinates, you can plant it in the ground or fill a pot with a growing medium.
Planting cannabis seeds is simple. Create a small dimple and place the seed inside. You can use tweezers to move the sprouting seed. Cover the hole with a thin layer of soil. Make sure the growing medium does not become compact, or the weed seed might not get enough oxygen.
Spray some water to wet the soil. Check back now and then to make sure it remains moist. Birds can pose a threat, so keep the seeds safe in the meantime. Eventually, you will see the seedling emerge from the topsoil.
3. Take Care of Your Plants
Once you know how to grow weed outside, you'll become familiar with the conditions that cannabis prefers. Cannabis plants do not need much water, so avoid overwatering. Another way to take care of young cannabis is with nutrients.
Quality soil should contain the essential nutrients the seedling requires. It needs nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. As the plant gets older, it will deplete the soil of its nutrients. As a result, you should provide more with organic fertilizers.
During the later stages, the necessary amount of each mineral will change. The size of the plant can affect how much water it needs as well.
4. Harvest Time
Soon, you will get to enjoy potent outdoor weed. You will know when to harvest cannabis based on the pistils. Pistils are small, hair-like structures found on the buds of flowering marijuana.
At first, the pistils appear white. They become brown and dried up when the plant becomes ripe. Cannabis is at peak potency when up to 70% of pistils become brown. When you decide to harvest, you should gather some marijuana growing supplies to prepare.
You can cut either the main stem or remove branches, depending on the size. Collect the branches and hang them up with string or a clothesline. Carefully cut the small leaves that stick up from the bud. Cut as close as possible.
5. Dry and Cure
The last step is to dry and cure the harvested weed. While the buds are still on the branches, hang them upside down. Allow air to circulate. Some growers use drying ropes or nets to get the job done.
The width of the branch can tell you how much longer it will need to dry. The process can take one to two weeks to finish, and a dark and low-humid environment is optimal. It is normal for cannabis to lose most of its weight and green color during the drying process.
The best container to cure weed in is a vacuum-tight container. Many growers use a glass jar, and it is necessary to prevent any air exchange. You can get the best quality possible after months to a year of curing.
Now You Know How To Grow Weed Outdoors
The outside world has some benefits for cannabis growing. You can begin preparations for planting now that you know how to grow weed outdoors. Cannabis requires plenty of care, but it does not have to be difficult. There are various supplies to help first-time growers get started.
If you want to learn other tips on producing the best outdoor weed, check our weed growing tips for some helpful information and our outdoor marijuana seeds to see what strains are the best for you!
