1. Why choose outdoor marijuana cultivation?
Growing marijuana outdoors offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for many growers. Firstly, the natural sun provides an abundant source of light, essential for plant growth and development. Unlike growing in greenhouses or indoors, where lighting must be artificially controlled and delivered, sunlight promotes more robust growth and a richer cannabinoid profile.
In addition, outdoor cultivation is usually cheaper. Growers can avoid high expenses related to artificial lighting, ventilation, and climate control systems that are common in indoor environments. Not only does this reduce financial risk, but it also allows growers to focus on improving the quality of their plants without the weight of high operating costs.
Other advantages of growing marijuana outdoors
- Natural growth cycle: Plants grow with the seasonal cycles, which can result in heavier harvests.
- Less intervention: Nature regulates several factors, reducing the need for constant manual intervention.
- Best flavors and aromas: Exposure to local fauna and flora can positively influence the plant’s terpenes, improving the quality of the final product.
Finally, outdoor cultivation not only allows access to nature, but can also provide environmental benefits. Marijuana plants help purify the air and can contribute to the improvement of biodiversity in their environment. Choosing to grow marijuana outdoors therefore represents an environmentally friendly choice that promotes sustainability.
2. Preparing the Ground for Growing Outdoor Marijuana
Preparing the ground is a crucial step for success in growing outdoor marijuana. A suitable substrate not only promotes healthy growth, but also maximizes plant yields. Below are the steps needed to prepare the ground effectively.
Select the right location
It is essential to choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Also, look for an area with good air circulation and that is protected from strong winds. Before proceeding, be sure to perform a soil analysis to assess its pH and composition.
Soil conditioning
- Weeding: Remove any weeds or weeds that may compete for nutrients and water.
- Tillage: Work the soil with a plow or shovel to loosen and aerate the soil.
- Amendments: It incorporates organic matter such as compost or worm castings to enrich the soil and improve its moisture retention.
Once the soil is prepared, it is advisable to let it sit for one to two weeks to allow microorganisms to establish themselves and improve soil fertility. With this, the land will be ready to receive your marijuana plants and ensure a successful cultivation.
3. Selecting seeds and varieties for outdoor cultivation
Selecting suitable seeds and varieties for outdoor cultivation is a crucial factor in ensuring healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. This is because climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight, can significantly influence plant development. Therefore, it’s critical to choose strains that are well suited to your local environment.
Factors to Consider
- Resistance to pests and diseases: Opt for strains that are known for their resilience to common pests and diseases, which will reduce the need to chemically control your crops.
- Flowering time: Choose strains with flowering times that align with your climate zone to avoid harvesting in unfavorable conditions.
- Yield: Some varieties are designed to offer higher yields, so it’s important to research the characteristics of each type of seed.
Cannabis sativa strains are usually ideal for warm climates, while cannabis indica strains may be better suited for areas with colder climates. Considering seed genetics is essential, as hybrids can also offer a perfect balance for those looking for a combination of traits. When choosing your seeds, be sure to purchase them from trusted sources that offer detailed information about the strain and its specific needs.
4. Watering and fertilisation techniques in outdoor marijuana cultivation
Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of cannabis plants outdoors. There are a variety of techniques to ensure that your plants receive the optimal amount of water. One of the most effective methodologies is drip irrigation, which allows water to be supplied directly to the root of each plant, minimizing waste and avoiding waterlogging problems.
Irrigation Methods
- Drip irrigation: Ideal for sandy soils and to maximize water efficiency.
- Sprinkler irrigation: Use a sprinkler system to cover large areas, although it can generate more moisture in the leaves.
- Manual watering: Less efficient option, recommended for novice gardeners who want to have full control over the amount of water administered.
Fertilization also plays a crucial role in growing outdoor marijuana. It is important to use organic fertilizers, which not only promote healthy growth, but also enrich the soil. Fertilizers should be applied according to the needs of the plant’s life cycle. During the vegetative growth phase, a nitrogen balance is required, while in the flowering stage, phosphorus and potassium should be increased.
Fertilization Tip
- Foliar application: It allows nutrients to be absorbed directly by the leaves.
- Composting: Use organic fertilizer to enrich the soil naturally.
- Liquid fertilizers: They provide nutrients quickly and are easy for plants to assimilate.
5. Harvesting and storing marijuana grown outdoors
Harvesting marijuana grown outdoors is a crucial moment that determines the quality and yield of the plant. To ensure the highest quality, it is advisable to harvest at the right time, observing the trichomes with a magnifying glass. When the trichomes are mostly whitish with some amber, it is the perfect indication to start the harvest. In addition, it should be harvested on a dry and sunny day to avoid humidity problems.
Steps to harvest
- Tool preparation: Make sure you have clean, sharp pruning shears.
- Manual harvesting: Cut the plants from the base, leaving a few leaves for easy drying.
- Damage avoidance: Handle the plants carefully so as not to damage the buds or leaves.
Once harvested, curing and storage are essential to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. The drying process can be started by hanging the branches in a dark, well-ventilated space. This will allow moisture to evaporate slowly, preventing mold problems. A humidity level of 50-60% is recommended for optimal drying.
Storage recommendations
- Airtight containers: Use glass jars to store the buds, sealing tightly to prevent air from entering.
- Temperature and light: Store in a cool, dark place away from direct light to maintain the freshness of the buds.
- Humidity Control: Consider using humidity controllers to maintain ideal levels and prevent mold.
