When it comes to growing cannabis, it’s not all about growing indoors. Sure, indoors, you can grow all year, but nothing beats growing cannabis outdoors with the support of nature. Outdoor growing is ideal if you want to keep the cost down and avoid buying expensive equipment. The resources provided by nature lead to big yields and tasty plants, and you don’t have to worry about space or clearing a spare room to grow. But as good as all that is, there are some points to look out for and key things you should know if you want to grow cannabis outdoors.
1. Choosing the Best Cannabis Strains for Outdoor Growing
Growing a bumper crop starts by choosing the right strain. Consider where you live. Is the climate warm or cold? Do you get long or short summers? If you’re in Amsterdam or that general area of Europe, play it safe and grow autoflowers. Autoflowers get their name because they automatically flower, no matter how much sunlight they get. That ability makes autoflowers ideal for growing cannabis outdoors. Strains like TB Lemon Haze Auto is a perfect example.
But suppose you live in a warm climate with long summers. In that case, you can opt for autos, regulars like Sour Diesel, or feminized ones such as TB Runtz, but be aware that some strains are better suited to growing outdoors. You can’t go wrong by looking for traits like mould resistance and fast flowering.
2. Finding the Perfect Outdoor Growing Spot
For example, with a good vacation, choosing the best spot to grow outdoors is all about location, location, location. To get a successful harvest outdoors, plants will need at least 6+ hours of sunlight daily and protection from the elements like strong wind and rain. Animals and, of course, prying eyes and nosy neighbours. Other considerations include whether the spot has good drainage and water access. The last thing you want is to carry gallons of water to your plants during a drought.
3. Soil and Nutrients for Outdoor Cannabis
Just because you’re growing cannabis outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t supplement your soil with nutrients. Plants need rich, well-draining soil to thrive. They want to water deeply but not constantly, and they also like it if growers don’t overdo it on the nutrients. Nitrogen, especially, can be added to the soil by other plants, such as broad beans. It could be worth testing the soil for reading; that way, you can have more control over what your plants absorb.
4. When to Plant Cannabis Outdoors for Maximum Yield
Depending on your region, the best time to sow seeds is after the last frost. Cold and frost will kill any seedlings, so waiting for the early days of spring is better. The key things to consider are that the ideal time for vegetative growth is early summer, and flowering is late summer/early autumn. Unless it’s autoflowers, they will start flowering after about 21 days from germination.
5. How to Protect Outdoor Cannabis from Pests and Mould
One of the biggest challenges to growing cannabis outdoors is pests and mould, such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. If the environment gets wet and damp, the plants may develop mould. If it’s too hot or there are not enough companion plants in the area, cannabis plants can attract a range of pests that can blight your harvest. Research companion plants and maybe plant a few sacrificial plants to save your cannabis plants. However, you should also prune your plants and ensure airflow to prevent humidity build-up.
6. How to Harvest Outdoor Cannabis at the Right Time
Knowing when to harvest is critical to a smooth and flavourful experience. Get it wrong, and you could end up with an underwhelming harvest. The best way to tell if your plant is ready to harvest is to get a microscope and check the trichomes (resin glands) and pistils.
Trichomes:
If the trichomes are clear or like glass, it’s too early, and the high will be less potent. If they are cloudy/milky, this is a sweet spot for most growers. Cloudy/milky trichomes mean maximum potency and a balanced high. However, if the trichomes are amber, the harvest will be more sedative and lean towards body highs. Don’t cut too early; don’t leave it too late.
Pistils:
The pistils are the hairs that stick out of cannabis flowers. They change as the plant develops, and their colour indicates the best time to harvest cannabis plants. White pistils mean the plant is still growing and is too early to harvest. Brown/orange pistils suggest that the plants are close to harvest time, but when 70–90% of pistils have darkened and curled inward, it’s usually time to harvest. However, don’t rely on pistils alone; they are a good guideline for when to harvest, but trichomes are a better measure.
Bonus Outdoor Harvest Timing Tips
- Check the weather: if cold snaps and heavy rain are forecast, you might want to harvest earlier than planned to avoid mould.Â
- Time of day: Harvest in the morning when your plants are least stressed, and terpenes are at their highest.Â
- Flush before chopping: it’s the same for indoor growing; you want to stop feeding your plants two weeks before you plant to chop the crop and flush them with plenty of water.
Final Tokes: The Bulldog Seeds Outdoor Grower Checklist
Whether growing in a backyard, a hidden clearing or a balcony in full sunlight, the key to growing cannabis outdoors is patience and consistency. Choose the right genetics in the work and let nature do the rest.
Top Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Start with quality genetics: You get out what you put in, so choose the best genetics most suited to growing outdoors.
- Be consistent: Outdoor growing is less forgiving than indoor. Stick to watering schedules and check your plants daily, especially during flowering.
- Keep it clean: Prune lower leaves and dying growth to improve airflow and reduce mould risk.
- Inspect regularly: Spotting pests or problems early makes all the difference.
