Considering growing marijuana but can't decide between indoors or outdoors? Let's explore the top benefits of outdoor cultivation. The sun provides free, powerful light, promoting robust growth and higher yields. Outdoor spaces allow plants to grow larger, with more room for roots and branches to spread. Plus, natural air circulation reduces the risk of mold and pests, leading to healthier plants. Enjoy the eco-friendly and cost-effective advantages of growing cannabis in the great outdoors.
Reasons You Should Grow Marijuana Outdoors
Eco-Friendly: Growing marijuana outdoors is like giving Mother Nature a big, green hug. You're not guzzling electricity for grow lights, ventilation systems, or other indoor equipment. In fact, in California, it's estimated that indoor growing uses the equivalent of 200 pounds of coal to grow just a single pound of weed. So, by growing outdoors, you're reducing your carbon footprint and helping to save the planet one bud at a time.
Bigger Plants, Bigger Buds: When you grow marijuana outdoors, the sky's the limit—literally. Your plants can grow as tall as Jack's beanstalk, reaching heights of 10 feet or more. With all that extra space, your plants can produce larger buds, which means more bang for your buck. Just imagine the look on your friends' faces when you show them your massive outdoor harvest. Many chronic enthusiasts claim they can smell and taste the earthiness of the plants being grown in natural soil. Growing outdoors allows for plenty of open spaces with fewer growing restrictions. Growing marijuana yourself far exceeds the quality you will find when purchasing from a dispensary. Knowing what your plants have been exposed to is essential. Growing cannabis outdoors often leads to a much higher yield. Even though growers can closely mimic the growing conditions found in nature, it is not possible to duplicate them fully. When weed is grown in its natural elements, it ends up being able to grow to its highest potential, for a much larger yield. Many people grow weed seeds outdoors because they have much more space.
Cost-Effective: Growing outdoors is like getting a free ticket to the all-you-can-grow buffet. You don't have to worry about the cost of grow lights, ventilation systems, or other indoor equipment. All you need is some good soil, a little water, and a whole lot of sunshine. It's the ultimate budget-friendly way to grow your own green.
Growing marijuana outdoors is more environmentally friendly than growing indoors. When growing cannabis indoors, there is a lot of energy expenditure. Experts surmise the energy expended while growing two pounds of marijuana equates to driving across the United States seven times. It has been said it takes around 200 pounds of coal to produce one pound of weed.
When growers grow their cannabis crops outdoors, there is no energy expenditure because everything the plants need is provided by nature. There are no lights to burn, and no ventilation systems to operate. The plants simply need the soil, sun, rain, and wind to thrive.
Indoor growers must have a lot of equipment to be able to mimic nature. Even the smallest of setups can become expensive, especially when a person is just starting. When you grow marijuana outdoors, the only expense is the purchase of the seeds and nutrients, depending on the type being grown and the soil composition.
Natural Environment, Natural Taste: When you grow marijuana outdoors, you're giving your plants the chance to soak up the sun and dance with the wind. This natural environment results in a unique taste and aroma that can't be replicated in an indoor grow room. It's like the difference between a homegrown tomato and one from the grocery store—once you've tasted the real deal, there's no going back.
Environmental Control: While growing outdoors can be a bit more unpredictable than growing indoors, you still have some control over your plants' environment. You can choose the best location for sunlight and warmth, and you can use a greenhouse to protect your plants from the elements. It's like being a nature-loving control freak—the best of both worlds.
It is clear to see that there are multiple reasons for growing marijuana outdoors. Any time you can grow plants in their natural habitat, there will typically be a higher and healthier yield. Before starting planting, it is wise to understand what it takes to grow marijuana outdoors so you will be prepared.
How to Grow Marijuana Outdoors
Although you will not need as much equipment to grow cannabis outdoors, there are a few necessary tools that will help. Being prepared and gaining as much knowledge as possible will help you to avoid unexpected problems in the growing process.
It takes a concerted effort to grow cannabis outdoors, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Once you have worked throughout the growing process, it is time to harvest and enjoy. With this guide, you will receive step-by-step information to help with the entire process, from start to finish.
How Is the Climate?
Before delving too deeply into this topic, it is essential to understand that cannabis is an adaptable plant that grows well in many climates. Although it is a hardy plant, marijuana cannot withstand weather extremes, so they should be avoided.
While some strains can handle more heat or cold, marijuana grows best when temperatures do not exceed 85 Fahrenheit or go below 55. These temperature extremes can lead to stunted growth and plant death.
Weather is a vital consideration when it comes to growing cannabis outdoors. If your climate is often rainy and windy, cannabis growth may be compromised. Too much moisture can cause mildew growth, and high sustained winds could damage the plants.
The latitude of the growing area will also play a significant role in the development of your cannabis plants. Your location in the world will have an impact on how much sun and darkness outdoor plants receive.
The amount of sunlight cannabis plants receive will directly determine when they enter the flowering stage. Researching your growing zone will prepare you for knowing when to plant. Check online for more information about your home state’s growing zone type.
Where Should You Plant?
Another important consideration is space. Choosing the right area to plant marijuana is critical for outdoor growing success. There are a few things to consider when it comes to selecting an area. Consider the following to help you make the ideal decision.
Privacy is an important consideration when it comes to growing cannabis. Even if it is legal in your state, discreetness is wise because opportunistic people could steal your crops. It is essential to choose a place that is close to your home, yet away from prying eyes.
How much sunlight does the spot get each day? You will want to choose an area that is exposed to the sun as much as possible. Too much shade is not suitable for cannabis plants and can impede photosynthesis. The more sun marijuana plants are exposed to, the better they will grow.
Decide how much space you have available. You do not need a lot of space to get started growing cannabis outdoors. Even if you only have a one-foot by one-foot area, it is still possible to grow a marijuana plant.
There are plenty of options for planting outdoors, even outside of a typical garden plot. Consider the following areas many growers have used for growing cannabis.
- The balcony of an apartment building
- A roof terrace
- The roof of a vacant building
- Near the woods
- Beside a riverbank
- In patio containers
- In a corn or hayfield
There are many creative ways to grow cannabis outdoors even if you are low on space or privacy. Container gardens can work just about anywhere and will give you the space that is needed for growing a few plants at a time.
You will need to make sure the spot you choose has the following elements readily available. If all these elements are not available, cannabis is more likely to experience problems with growth.
- Plenty of sunlight
- A nearby source of water
- Slight breeze
- Nutrient-rich soil
- Private, yet easily accessible
- Choose the Right Strain
Genetics is a significant determining factor for the success of cannabis crops. Choosing the right strain will help to ensure it matches the growing climate.
Once you have chosen a strain, purchase feminized seeds to make sure there are no male plants. If male plants are allowed to pollinate females, the female plants will not produce as much THC. Since most growers are looking for the high only THC can offer, pollination should be avoided entirely.
If marijuana is legal in your state, it is possible to buy seedlings from a dispensary. It is important to note that seedlings are generally not as sturdy as plants grown straight from seed.
When growing cannabis outdoors, it is helpful to choose auto-flowering strains. These strains will begin to flower as soon as they reach maturity, no matter the sun exposure or lack thereof through the vegetative growth process. Although auto-flowering strains are beneficial for outdoor growing because of the ease in care, they are typically less potent than photoperiod.
Understand the Soil Composition
Although you can certainly plant cannabis directly in the ground, it is vital to know the soil type so any needed amendments can be made to enrich the soil. Marijuana needs a nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Before knowing what to add to the soil, you need to know the ratios of the following.
- Silt
- Clay
- Sand
If you have a mostly silty soil, it may be possible to grow cannabis without adding much in the way of nutrients. Heavier soils that have a lot of clay and sand will need aeration. To add nutrients and drainage to the soil, dig holes where you plan on planting cannabis. Add organic materials to these holes, so the nutrient level rises.
It is also important to fertilize the soil to ensure it contains the nutrients the marijuana plants need. When choosing any fertilizer, make sure you avoid any that say extended or slow release because these can wreak havoc on cannabis plant growth.
For the best results, nutrients should be mixed in your water source. Mixing the nutrients with water will help to ensure the plants can take them in efficiently. Your plants will need the following nutrients, so it is best to purchase a blend.
- Nitrogen
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
- Sulfur
- Calcium
Carefully research the commercial nutrient applications that are available before making a choice. It is also possible to make homemade concoctions if the nutrients are in the right ratios.
How to Protect Your Plants
Because growing outdoors exposes cannabis plants to more dangers, you must understand how to protect them. First, you must safeguard cannabis plants from people and animals. Keeping a fenced-in area is wise for both. You should also consider the following steps to protect further any marijuana plants that are growing outdoors.
Changes in Temperature
Cannabis plants do not fare well in the cold, and when temperatures drop below forty, it is time to shelter them. If you live in a climate that has late frosts in spring or early ones in fall, it would be wise to use a greenhouse. In an emergency, you may be able to cover your plants with plastic sheets to ride out a brief cold spell. Keeping a constant check on the weather is vital for preventing damage caused by frost.
Heavy Rain
While rain is a welcome sight for outdoor growers, too much at one time can lead to damage. Heavy rain can damage delicate plants, and too much of it can lead to mold and mildew growth.
It is vital to shelter your cannabis plants once they have flowered because rain can cause them considerable damage that can destroy the buds. Some growers tent their outdoor cannabis plants once they flower. They can also be placed in a greenhouse for added protection from the elements.
High Winds
A gentle breeze is conducive to keeping marijuana plants healthy, but high winds can cause catastrophic damages to a plant. Putting up a fence will help to provide a windbreak to prevent high winds from causing any damage to your vulnerable plants.
Unwanted Pests
There are many crawling and flying insects that must be kept at bay. Pests are one of the challenges of growing cannabis outdoors. One way to prevent insect problems is to keep your cannabis plants separate from other types of plants, especially fruit and vegetables. It is also essential to keep the plants healthy and strong, which offers them a natural deterrent to pests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing marijuana outdoors is a fantastic option for those who want to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the unique taste and aroma of naturally grown cannabis. So, grab your shovel, find a sunny spot, and get ready to grow your own green paradise.
Growing marijuana in your backyard is not as difficult as many people believe. Being able to grow your own plants leads to a rewarding experience throughout the growing process.
When it comes time to harvest, you will be able to appreciate all the hard work that was put into creating a healthy crop of marijuana. There is no better experience than smoking sweet bud you have grown at home.
Growing cannabis at home allows you to know the exact care that has been taken in the growing process. When you purchase from a dispensary, this information is not always offered.
This guide should help you understand the benefits of growing cannabis seeds outdoors and get you started on the right path. Being prepared is the first step towards enjoying the best homegrown marijuana.
