How to Grow Weed Outdoors? – An Ultimate Guide for 2022

Growing weed outdoors can be a relief as the plant will not require too much maintenance. When grown indoors, the weed has to be maintained under specific temperature and humidity settings for a good yield, but when grown outdoors, it will receive natural sunlight for the best harvest. 

Why growing weed outdoors is the best thing?

Cost-saving is one of the best advantages of growing weed outdoors. You do not have to purchase indoor planting types of equipment or grow tents for the weed. Instead, you can grow the weed plants in open ground under natural sunlight for a high harvest. Below are some of the advantages of growing weed outdoors.

Advantages of growing weed outdoors

• Low maintenance time

Unlike indoors, you don’t have to maintain the plants so much when it is grown outdoors. When grown indoors, the temperature, humidity, pressure and air settings have to be monitored. A small change in these settings could affect plant growth and yield. Whereas, when grown outdoors, you will just let the plants be themselves under natural conditions and sunlight. It saves your time. 

• Saves money

Growing weed indoor will require space or grow room, electricity, temperature/humidity controller, grow lights, and other plant equipment. This will make you spend quite some amount of money on weed growth. When you grow it outdoor, you will not require any of these as the plant will be grown under sunlight in natural temperature and humidity. You will not require to grow room or grow lights too. However, you will need to spend on fertilizers, soils, and seeds. 

• Higher yields

Nothing can beat Mother Nature! The weed plants will yield a better harvest when grown under natural conditions than in an indoor setting. The length of the plant will also not be restricted, as it can grow as tall as it wants. In indoor, the space is always a constraint and you may cut the plant very often when it grows too tall. As higher yields are the first and foremost motive to grow weed, outdoor is far advantageous than indoor.

• Nature-friendly

Outdoor weed growing is considered environmentally friendly too! You will use so much electricity and plant equipment like temperature controller, humidity controller, etc. while growing weed indoors. When grown outdoor, you can avoid all of these and end up saving electricity for the good. You get sunlight for no cost and grow the weed plant in a nature-friendly way.

Guide to grow weed outdoors

You must consider a few factors before setting up the weed plants outdoor. These factors will help you grow weed in a fully efficient manner for high harvest.

• Decide the grow site

This is the first and foremost factor you should consider after you have decided to grow weed outdoors. The location is very important as it may affect plant growth and yield. If you are in the Northern hemisphere, it is suggested you place the plants in southern exposure for utilizing maximum sunlight. Depending upon the climate and weather conditions, you should decide on the site. 

If your climate is too sunny, you could use a cloth to protect the plants from too much heat. Similarly, if the climate is very cold, you can construct brick walls or install shades to keep the plant warm. Most weed plants require rain at the end of the flowering period and the beginning of the harvest period. You may need to plan the planting accordingly. You should also prevent the plants from mold and insects during the rainy season. 

• Sunlight

 As the plant is going to get natural sunlight, you must plan the lighting according to its growing stage. When there is an increase in the daytime, the amount of sunlight your weed plants receive will be more. This is the right period for the vegetative stage. During this stage/period, your plant will develop stem and roots, which are important for its growth in later stages. 

When the sunlight decreases gradually, the plant will enter into its flowering stage. If you didn’t know, weed requires less daytime and more nighttime for flowering. The flowering should happen before the cold or rainy season. Make sure you follow the right season to set up the plant. You can also contact your neighbors or friends who have already grown weed outdoor. They will suggest you the best suitable seasons for vegetation and flowering.

• Soil evaluation

Evaluating the soil is crucial for harvest. The soil in every area might differ in properties and acid content. You must make sure the soil is suitable for your weed plant. It should be fertile for good growth and high yields. You can also mix some organic matter like decomposing wood to make the soil fertile. 

Check the pH level of the soil using a pH meter. If it is too alkaline or too acidic, it will affect plant growth. The pH level should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Also, the soil might be less fertile if there are no beneficial earthworms or bacteria in it. These beneficial earthworms and bacteria are important for plant growth. The soil shouldn’t be too sandy or too rocky. It should be a good mix of sand, silt, and a little bit of clay. 

• Open ground or containers

Next, you should decide if you are going to grow the weed plants in a container or an open ground. Some of you might not have an open space, where there is direct sunlight. You may opt for containers. It is up to your choice, but make sure you follow certain things when grown in a container.

Growing weed in open ground is highly recommended over containers. However, if you are going to grow in a container, make sure it is not very small as plants may get root-bound. The draining won’t be proper, which might lead to the rotting of roots. Containers have one great advantage. When you don’t get enough sunlight in a particular spot, you can always move the containers. You can also mix different soil and nutrients easily in a container.

• Watering

Watering your plants is very essential and the amount of water you use will vary according to the plant stage and climatic conditions. Weed plants in a sunny climate may require more water than those growing in less hot or cold regions. Plants grown in containers may require more water as the draining process will be faster and the root becomes dry very soon.

If you are setting up the weed plants in a small or compact garden, you can water them manually using your hands every day. Irrigation systems are recommended for bigger gardens and numerous plants. It is also suggested that you cannot water the plants manually every day due to your absence. Don’t be waterless or over water. If the soil is too wet, you may have overwatered it. Dry soil and leaves are signs of less watering. Enough watering is required until the plant grow its roots.

How greenhouse can be efficient for growing weed outdoors?

Some people are doubtful if the outdoor conditions are perfect for the best harvest of the weed plants. They opt for greenhouses. Greenhouses use fewer resources when compared to the indoor growing of weed. The advantage of the greenhouse is that you can extend the growing season at a considerable rate. Opting for a greenhouse can be a good choice if your house is located in a place prone to mildews and plant insects. Some also opt for a greenhouse, as they cannot manage the outdoor temperature and humidity range. 

Before setting up the greenhouse you should consider a few factors like capacity, types of equipment, number of plants, and budget range. The coverings of the greenhouse vary according to different models. You can consult a professional or greenhouse manufacturer to enquire what type of greenhouse is best for your plants and climate type. Greenhouse setup in hotter and colder regions will require you to spend quite some amount on heating and cooling systems. So, go through the pros and cons before you opt for a greenhouse for outdoor weed growing. 

Some of the benefits of growing weed in a greenhouse include:

• controlling of weather, climate, and temperatures
• changing the life cycle of the plants according to your comfort and 
• controlling of the lighting

You can easily control the weather inside the greenhouse. Greenhouses can be set up with fans, dehumidifiers, heaters, and ACs to regulate the weather according to your plant type. This will allow you to grow plants throughout the year, and even during rainy seasons. The greenhouse cover will protect the plants from mildews and insects during rains. You can use the windows or ventilation openings in the greenhouse for air circulation and heat escape.

Growing Weed plants outdoor can be highly efficient only if you take a little time to review some important factors like the soil quality, watering time & amount, grow site, climate, and plant needs. By optimizing these factors, you will undoubtedly be bestowed with higher yields.

FAQs

How much water does marijuana plants need?

Watering your marijuana plants is very important. However, the amount of water your plants need will depend on the climatic conditions and the plant stage. For example, during summers, cannabis plants need more water than winters. If you are growing your plants in a small garden, you must water them every day. For bigger gardens, you should set up irrigation. Watering your plants every day doesn’t mean overwatering them.

What is the best climate for growing marijuana plants?

When growing marijuana outdoors, most plants will thrive in the Mediterranean region. This climate is warm to hot in the summer followed by minimal rainfall to mild fall weather. In short, marijuana plants are best grown on hot days followed by warm nights.

Can you grow marijuana plants indoors?

Yes, it is possible to grow marijuana plants indoors as long as you meet all the requirements. The best thing about growing marijuana is that it can grow any time of the year. Growing it indoors will give you full control over your plants. Whether you live in a small apartment or large house, you can grow marijuana practically anywhere. Some people also grow it in their backyard.

What type of soil is best for growing marijuana?

Of all the soil types, loam is the best for growing marijuana plants. Loam can be described as a mixture of sand, clay, and silt. It has the best qualities that are required for growing marijuana.

What does marijuana plants need to survive?

To grow healthy marijuana plants, requires sufficient nutrients, plenty of water and sunlight. A marijuana plant will grow fine, but without proper nutrients, it will not thrive or become strong and healthy.

What is the best soil for autoflower strains?

For autoflower strains, you are recommended to use compost and peat moss with perlite to promote proper water drainage and retention.