Growing marijuana outdoors is like sending your plants on an all-inclusive vacation—they get all the sunshine they need, plenty of fresh air, and a lot of space to stretch out. Plus, unlike growing weed indoors, it’s an economical way to cultivate cannabis because Mother Nature provides most of the essentials. If you’ve got a sunny spot in your backyard, on a balcony, or even on a rooftop, you’re ready to embark on this green-thumbed adventure.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow marijuana outdoors, from choosing the right location to harvesting your crop. So, let’s dig in—pun intended.
Why Grow Marijuana Outdoors?
Growing marijuana outdoors has its perks. Beyond the satisfaction of watching your plants thrive under the open sky, outdoor cultivation offers several advantages that can make it the preferred choice for many growers.
Low Costs
When you grow marijuana outdoors, you tap into the sun’s energy for free. There is no need for expensive grow lights, fans, or air conditioning systems. Your main expenses will be seeds or clones, soil, and maybe some fertilizer. Even water costs can be minimized if you collect rainwater. Essentially, you’re letting nature do most of the work, which keeps your wallet happy.
Big Yields
One of the biggest advantages of outdoor growing is the potential for massive yields. With the sky as the limit, your plants can grow as tall as they want. A well-cared-for outdoor plant can yield a half-pound and a full pound of dried weed. In comparison, indoor grows are often limited by space constraints, making it hard to achieve such bountiful harvests.
Environmentally Friendly
Indoor grows can be resource-intensive, consuming significant electricity and water. By growing marijuana outdoors, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Sunlight, wind, and rain are free resources that don’t require any power from the grid. Additionally, outdoor plants can contribute to the local ecosystem by providing beneficial insects and bird habitats.
It’s Fun and Relaxing
There’s something incredibly satisfying about tending to a garden. The therapeutic benefits of gardening are well-documented—spending time outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and watching your plants grow can be an enriching experience. And let’s be honest, smoking something you grew yourself adds a whole new level of enjoyment
When to Plant Cannabis Outdoors
Timing is everything when it comes to growing marijuana outdoors. The ideal planting time will depend on your local climate, but generally speaking, growers in the Northern Hemisphere will plant their cannabis outdoors in April or May.
Germinating Seeds Indoors
Before you plant your marijuana outdoors, you might want to start your seeds or clones indoors. This gives your plants a head start in a controlled environment. You can transplant them outside when they’re big enough, and the outdoor conditions are right. This approach extends the growing season and ensures that your plants are sturdy and well-established when they face the elements.
Climate Considerations
Understanding your local climate is crucial. Cannabis is a hardy plant, but it has limits—extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can stunt growth or even kill your plants. Sustained temperatures above 85°F can cause plants to stop growing, while temperatures below 55°F can damage or stunt their growth.
Growing Weed Outdoors in Cold Climates
If you live in a cooler climate, you must be mindful of frost, especially in the early spring and late fall. Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F. Anything below 50°F can slow growth, and freezing temperatures can be fatal. If you’re in a colder region, consider using a small greenhouse or row covers to protect your plants during the chillier months.
Growing Cannabis Outdoors in Hot Climates
In hotter climates, your main concern will be preventing your plants from getting too hot. Temperatures between 75-85°F are at the upper end of what cannabis plants can handle. When it gets really hot, your plants will need more water than usual, and you may need to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent wilting.
Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Cannabis Grow Site
Location, location, location—this mantra isn’t just for real estate. Picking the right spot for your outdoor marijuana grow can make or break your harvest.
How Much Sunlight Do Cannabis Plants Need?
Cannabis is a sun-loving plant that needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Ideally, you want to plant in a location that receives full sun from late morning until late afternoon. This ensures your plants get the most intense and beneficial light of the day. If your backyard is shady, consider growing on a rooftop, balcony, or any other spot with plenty of sun.
Wind Considerations
A gentle breeze is great for cannabis plants because it helps strengthen their stems and keeps pests at bay. However, if you live in an area with high winds, you might need to plant your weed near a windbreak, like a fence or a row of shrubs, to protect them from being battered by strong gusts.
Privacy and Security
Even in states where growing marijuana is legal, you might not want your plants on display for everyone to see. Tall fences, large shrubs, or strategically placed garden structures can help keep your grow out of sight. Additionally, most state laws require that cannabis plants be concealed from public view, so take privacy into account when choosing your site.
Types of Outdoor Grow Spaces
There’s more than one way to grow marijuana outdoors, and your choice will depend on the space you have available.
Garden Plot
The classic garden plot is probably the most common outdoor growing setup. This is an excellent option if you have a yard with good soil and plenty of sunlight. You can plant your cannabis alongside your other vegetables and herbs, and it will blend right in.
Balcony or Rooftop
If you’re an urban grower, don’t fret—a balcony or rooftop can be an excellent place to grow marijuana outdoors. Just ensure your space gets enough sunlight and you have a plan for shielding your plants from prying eyes. Also, be mindful of the wind; rooftops, in particular, can be pretty breezy.
Container Growin
If your soil isn’t great or you need the flexibility to move your plants around, growing in containers might be the way to go. Pots, buckets, or barrels can be placed on decks, patios, or any other sunny spot. The downside is that your plants will be limited by the size of their containers, which can restrict their growth. However, container growing also gives you more control over the growing medium, which can be a significant advantage.
Growing Containers: Choosing the Right Size
If you decide to grow your marijuana in containers, the size of the pot will play a significant role in how large your plants can get.
Container Size and Plant Growth
Generally, the larger the pot, the larger the plant can grow. A 5-gallon pot is a good starting point for small to medium-sized plants, while larger plants will need 10-gallon pots or bigger. Remember that containers can get hot in direct sunlight, which can stress your plants. Place them where the roots can stay cool, or consider shading the containers during the hottest parts of the day.
Fertilizers and Nutrients for Outdoor Marijuana
Marijuana plants are heavy feeders, and they’ll need a steady supply of nutrients throughout their life cycle.
Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers
When fertilizing your outdoor marijuana plants, organic fertilizers are generally the best choice. They release nutrients slowly, improve soil structure, and support the beneficial microbes that help plants absorb nutrients. Some popular organic fertilizers include blood meal (for nitrogen), bone meal (for phosphorus), and wood ash (for potassium).
Commercial Soil Blends
If you’re using a commercial soil blend, check the label to see what nutrients it contains. Many commercial soils are designed to be used throughout the growing season, slowly releasing nutrients. However, you may still need to add supplements during the flowering stage to ensure your plants have everything they need.
Managing Water and Drainage
Watering your outdoor marijuana plants is a delicate balance. Too little water and your plants will wilt, and too much and you risk root rot.
How Much Water Do Cannabis Plants Need?
Cannabis plants need plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months. However, the key is to water deeply but infrequently. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of water, which helps the plants develop a strong root system. Aim to water your plants early or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Improving Drainage
Good drainage is crucial for healthy plants. If you’re growing in heavy clay soil, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage. In containers, make sure there are plenty of drainage holes at the bottom, and consider adding a layer of gravel or broken pottery to help water drain away from the roots.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Growing marijuana outdoors means dealing with nature in all its glory, which includes pests and diseases. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, you can take steps to protect your plants.
Common Pests
Cannabis plants can attract various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. The best defense is a healthy plant—vigorous plants are more resistant to pests. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation, and use natural pest control methods whenever possible. Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and beneficial insects like ladybugs can help keep pest populations under control.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common problems in outdoor grows, especially in humid climates. Good air circulation is vital to preventing these issues. Ensure your plants are spaced far enough apart to allow plenty of airflow, and avoid watering the leaves directly. If you notice mold or mildew, remove the affected areas immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Harvesting Your Outdoor Marijuana
The moment you’ve been waiting for—harvest time. Knowing when to harvest your outdoor marijuana plants is crucial for getting the best yield.
When to Harvest
Cannabis is typically ready for harvest in late September to early October, depending on the strain and your local climate. You’ll know your plants are ready when the pistils (the hairs on the buds) start to turn from white to brown and the trichomes (the tiny crystals on the buds) become cloudy.
How to Harvest
To harvest your plants, cut them down at the base and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place to dry. After a few weeks, your buds will be dry and ready for trimming. Once trimmed, store your buds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to cure.
Conclusion: How to Grow Weed Outdoors
Growing marijuana outdoors is a rewarding and cost-effective way to cultivate your own cannabis. With some planning and care, you can produce a bountiful harvest of high-quality weed. Remember to choose the right site, prepare your soil, and monitor your plants throughout the growing season. And most importantly, have fun—there’s nothing quite like enjoying the fruits of your labor.
FAQs
What is the best strain for growing marijuana outdoors?
The best strain will depend on your local climate. Indica-dominant strains do well in cooler temperatures, while sativa-dominant strains prefer warmer conditions.
Can I grow marijuana outdoors in a cold climate?
It would help if you took extra precautions to protect your plants from frost and cold temperatures. Consider using a greenhouse or row covers.
How often should I water my outdoor marijuana plants?
Water deeply but infrequently. Aim for early morning or late evening watering to minimize evaporation.
Do I need to use fertilizers when growing marijuana outdoors?
Yes, cannabis plants are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular feeding. Organic fertilizers are recommended for outdoor grows.
How can I prevent pests in my outdoor marijuana garden?
Regular inspections and natural pest control methods like neem oil and beneficial insects can help keep pests at bay.
When is the best time to harvest outdoor marijuana plants?
Harvest time is typically from late September to early October, depending on the strain and local climate. Look for brown pistils and cloudy trichomes as signs your plants are ready.
