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How to grow cannabis seeds outdoors

Grow cannabis seeds outdoors can be a great way to produce large yields with minimal equipment and costs. Here are some general guidelines for growing cannabis outdoors:

Location Location Location:

The best location to grow cannabis seeds outdoors will vary depending on the specific climate and weather conditions in your area. However, in general, cannabis plants prefer warm, sunny environments with moderate humidity.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a location to grow cannabis outdoors:

  1. Sunlight: Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow and produce buds, so it’s important to choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a climate with short growing seasons, it is recommended to choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Temperature: Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
  3. Wind: Cannabis plants can be damaged by strong winds, so it’s important to choose a location that is protected from strong winds.
  4. Climate and Humidity: Cannabis plants prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew issues, while low humidity can cause the plants to dry out.
  5. Soil: Cannabis plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, so it’s important to choose a location with soil that is appropriate for cannabis.
  6. Watering: Cannabis plants prefer consistent moisture levels, so it’s important to water them regularly
  7. Pests and Diseases – Cannabis plants grown outdoors can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
  8. Nutrients: Cannabis plants require a variety of essential nutrients to grow and thrive. The primary macronutrients that cannabis plants need are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
  9. Security: Outdoor cannabis plants can be a target for thieves, so it’s important to choose a location that is hidden from public view and is not easily accessible.

Ultimately, the best location for growing cannabis outdoors will depend on your specific climate, weather conditions, and access to the necessary resources (light, water, nutrients). A well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with good aeration, adequate light, moderate humidity, and protection from wind, heat, and pests is the ideal location for a cannabis plant to thrive outdoors.

what-is-landrace-cannabis

Sunlight:

Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow and produce buds, so it’s important to provide them with adequate sunlight. In general, cannabis plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can be provided through natural sunlight or through artificial lighting such as LED or HPS lights.

During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants need at least 18 hours of light per day to grow and thrive. During the flowering stage, the plants will need at least 12 hours of darkness per day to initiate the flowering process.

However, it’s worth noting that the amount of light required can vary depending on the specific strain of cannabis you are growing and the climate and weather conditions in your area. Some strains are more tolerant to lower light levels, while others require more intense light. In general, cannabis plants grown outdoors will require more light than those grown indoors, as the intensity of sunlight is generally stronger than that of artificial light.

It’s also important to note that too much light can be just as harmful as not enough, so it’s important to monitor your plants and adjust the light levels as necessary to prevent stress or damage.

Temperature:

Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. However, they can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extreme heat or cold can damage the plants.

Cannabis plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F for short periods of time, but temperatures below freezing can be fatal to the plant. A hard frost will kill the plant, and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F can cause damage or stress to the plant.

It’s worth noting that different strains of cannabis have different tolerance levels to temperature. Some strains are more cold-tolerant and can survive in cooler climates, while others are more heat-tolerant and can survive in warmer climates. Also, different stages of the plant development have different tolerance to temperature, for example, young plants are more sensitive to temperature changes than mature plants.

It’s also important to note that cannabis plants are susceptible to temperature stress, which can reduce yields and cause other problems. To avoid temperature stress, it’s important to provide adequate ventilation, shade, and insulation to your plants, and to monitor the temperature levels in your growing area regularly.

wind-damage-cannabis-plant

Wind:

Wind can have a number of negative effects on cannabis plants when grown outdoors. It can cause the plants to sway, which can lead to stem bending and breaking. This can make the plants more susceptible to disease and pests. Wind can also dry out the plants more quickly, which can lead to dehydration and stress. Additionally, wind can blow away pollen, making it more difficult for the plants to self-pollinate or be pollinated by insects. To protect the plants from wind, growers can use windbreaks such as walls, fences, or natural barriers.

Climate:

Cannabis seeds can grow in a wide range of climates, but they do best in warm, sunny environments with moderate humidity. Here are a few things to consider when growing cannabis outdoors in terms of climate:

Temperature: Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. They can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extreme heat or cold can damage the plants.

Sunlight: Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow and produce buds, so it’s important to choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a climate with short growing seasons, it is recommended to choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Rainfall: Cannabis plants prefer consistent moisture levels, so it’s important to choose a location that is protected from heavy rainfall and floods.

Humidity: Cannabis plants prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew issues, while low humidity can cause the plants to dry out.

Wind: Cannabis plants can be damaged by strong winds, so it’s important to choose a location that is protected from strong winds.

soil-cannabis

Soil:

Cannabis plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with the following characteristics:

  1. Organic matter: Organic matter such as compost or worm castings can help to improve the soil structure, retain moisture, and provide a source of nutrients for the plants.
  2. Drainage: Cannabis plants do not like to be in standing water, so the soil should have good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
  3. pH: Cannabis plants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 6-7, which can be achieved by adding peat moss or pine needles to the soil.
  4. Aeration: The soil should have a good structure that allows for proper aeration of roots and good water retention.
  5. Nutrients: Good soil should have a balance of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

You can also find pre-mixed cannabis soils that are specially formulated to provide the specific nutrient ratios and pH levels that cannabis plants need. These types of soil can be a good option for people who don’t have the time or resources to amend their soil.

Watering:

Cannabis plants prefer consistent moisture levels, so it’s important to water them regularly to ensure they have enough water to thrive. Here are a few things to keep in mind when watering cannabis plants:

  1. Water quality: It is best to use clean, chlorine-free water when watering cannabis plants. You can use tap water, but it’s a good idea to let it sit overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
  2. Water temperature: Use water that is around room temperature or a little warmer. Cold water can shock the roots and damage the plant.
  3. Watering schedule: The frequency of watering will depend on the specific needs of your plants, as well as the climate and weather conditions in your area. In general, it’s a good idea to water cannabis plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
  4. Watering method: The best way to water cannabis plants is to water the soil directly, rather than misting or spraying the leaves. This will help to avoid mold and mildew issues.
  5. Root zone: It’s important to make sure the water is reaching the roots and not just the topsoil. If the water is not getting to the roots, the soil might be compacted, or the water is not penetrating the soil.

It’s worth noting that cannabis plants are susceptible to over-watering and under-watering, so it’s important to pay attention to the moisture levels in the soil and the condition of the plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plants to wilt and become stunted.

Pest and diseases:

Cannabis plants grown outdoors can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect cannabis plants and how to avoid them:

  1. Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the yellowing of leaves and leaf drop. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  2. Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  3. Whiteflies: These small flying insects can cause the yellowing of leaves and leaf drop. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  4. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using a fungicide such as a neem oil.
  5. Fusarium: This fungal disease can cause wilting and browning of leaves. It can be prevented by providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering.
  6. Root Rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to wilting and browning of leaves. It can be prevented by providing good drainage, avoiding overwatering, and making sure the soil is not compacted.

To avoid these pests and diseases, it’s important to choose a location with well-draining soil, provide adequate water, nutrients and light, and monitor your plants regularly for signs of stress or damage. Also, it’s important to use organic and safe methods to control pests and diseases, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and proper pruning.

It’s worth noting that prevention is key, so it’s important to keep the growing area clean, remove any fallen leaves and debris, avoid overcrowding and provide good air circulation to your plants.

nutrients-cannabis-outdoors

Nutrients:

Cannabis plants require a variety of essential nutrients to grow and thrive. The primary macronutrients that cannabis plants need are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). They also need smaller amounts of secondary macronutrients such as Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfur (S), and trace elements like Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Boron (B).

Here’s a brief overview of the role of each macronutrient in the growth of cannabis plants:

  • Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is essential for the growth and development of leaves and stems. It is typically the most important macronutrient during the vegetative stage of growth.
  • Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is essential for root growth, flower development, and seed production. It is typically most important during the flowering stage of growth.
  • Potassium (K): Potassium helps to regulate water balance and is important for the overall health and vigor of the plant. It is important throughout the entire growth cycle.
  • Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S): These are secondary macronutrients that are essential for the growth and development of the plant.
  • Trace elements: These elements are required in very small amounts, but they are still essential for the growth and development of the plant.

Outdoor Feeding Schedule Chart

SEEDLINGS
Minimal or no fertilizer. You can (should) wait until your plants have a few leaves (3-4 pairs of leaves) before applying the first dose of a primary NPK fertilizer.
VEGETATIVE STAGE
For week 1, use a 2:1:2 NPK ratio – that’s two parts nitrogen to one part phosphorus to two parts potassium.
Consider increasing the NPK ratio to 10:5:7 by week 7, followed by a 1:1:1 ratio in late veg.
FLOWERING STAGE
At this point, stop adding nitrogen to the plants and focus on increasing phosphorus and potassium levels. It is useful to fertilize plants during the early flowering phase, however, the effectiveness of fertilizing decreases in the later flowering phase.
In addition to weekly fertilization, cannabis plants require regular watering with pH-balanced water. For even better results, make sure you research the best fertilization schedule according to the cannabis strain you’re growing.
Cannabis seed feeding chart

It’s worth noting that the specific nutrient needs of your cannabis plants will depend on factors such as the strain of cannabis you are growing, the stage of growth, and the climate and weather conditions in your area. To ensure that your plants are getting

Security Measures:

Growing cannabis outdoors can come with certain security risks, as cannabis plants can be a target for thieves and other criminal activity. Here are a few security measures that you can take to protect your cannabis plants when growing them outdoors:

Location: Choose a location that is hidden from public view and not easily accessible. This can include a remote area on your property or a location that is difficult for outsiders to access, such as a fenced-in area or a greenhouse.

Cameras and alarms: Install security cameras and alarms to deter thieves and alert you to any potential intrusions.

Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights or another lighting to deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to access your plants without being seen.

Fences or barriers: Build a fence or other barrier around your growing area to keep out intruders.

Access control: Limit the number of people who have access to your growing area and make sure that only authorized individuals are allowed in.

Be discreet: Avoid advertising your cannabis-growing activities and keep a low profile.