How to grow Cannabis successfully outdoors

Best exposure to the south

When choosing a location for cannabis, it is important to remember that the ideal exposure is south. This way, the plants will receive direct light even when the sun starts to set, and it will not be necessary to move them gradually when, as the season progresses, the sun reaches its highest point above the horizon.

• Build a tunnel greenhouse from polyester or other material and orient it to the south.
• Self-flowering plants can be grown all year round if they have a southern exposure
• If you are growing in pots, avoid moving them around and keep them in the same place.

Planting Cannabis directly into the ground

By planting directly into the soil rather than in pots, the roots, once established, begin to work in harmony with the beneficial micro-organisms in the soil, with which they establish a symbiotic relationship. When planting directly into the soil, the following points should be considered:

• The soil must be of good quality and consistency.
• The smell should be earthy and fresh
• The presence of worms is always a good sign.
• Drainage capacity should be high to avoid stagnation.
• Planting holes should be at least 30-35 cm deep to ensure that there are no stones or pipes.

The right variety

The current market offers a huge range, from regular and feminised seeds to autoflowering varieties and CBD-rich hybrids. However, it's important not to get caught up in the hype and jump into buying seeds on the sly without considering a few key aspects.

For example, the climate: is it hot or rather cold? How many actual hours of sunlight will the plants receive during flowering? When varieties are grown whose requirements are incompatible with the surrounding climate, development suffers and disappointing results are obtained.

In areas with short summers and cold winters, it is best to choose indica-dominant strains, which flower faster and are more resistant to pests and moulds. In sunny regions with long summers, however, you can also choose sativa-dominant strains.

Cold climates: Northern Europe

• Flowering time should not exceed 7-8 weeks.
• It is preferable to choose indica-dominant varieties, or pure indicas.
• These varieties are more resistant to insects and pathogens.
• Their short and compact structure also makes them wind resistant.
• They are more resistant to cold and humidity.
• Autoflowering varieties are another good choice.

Warm climates: Southern Europe / California

• Flowering can last from 7 to 12 weeks.
• You get very good results with indica and sativa varieties and hybrids.
• Self-flowering varieties can be harvested all year round.

The type of pot

If you cannot grow directly in the ground, you will need to buy a pot, which in turn allows you to move the plants if necessary. However, before you fill it with your favourite organic substrate and transplant the seedlings, you should stop and think about the most suitable material and size.

Plastic pots

This is the most common type of pot and the most readily available in garden shops. They are practical, inexpensive and widely used in the growing world. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages:

• They are cheap and easy to find.
• They are washable and reusable.
• They are easy to label and make transplanting easier.
• At some point the roots get tangled.

Fabric pots

Fabric pots are a simple but very effective invention that has been a revolution in cannabis growing. By allowing outside air to pass through, the roots grow in all directions and regenerate more easily, resulting in a healthy root system that is much more efficient than when the roots are tangled.

• Fabric pots can be made at home by adapting them to the desired size.
• The roots grow more healthily.
• They allow better air exchange with the outside.
• They are washable and reusable.
• They prevent roots from becoming entangled.

Dimensions

Cannabis plants are content with a space of 35 cm deep, so using a larger pot would be a waste of space, substrate and water. Reserve 50-100 litre pots, preferably fabric, for very large plants.

Try autoflowering

The good thing about autoflowering varieties is that they grow wonderfully in any climate. What's more, they can be harvested several times a year, up to a minimum of three times in the most favourable situations with a quality cannabis fertiliser! In regions with unfavourable climates, autoflowering strains are often the solution to most growing problems.

• Autoflowering strains are very hardy and can be planted outdoors at any time of the year.
• They are discreet and easy to hide.
• If they are exposed to the sun, they can be grown on the balcony, terrace or in the home garden.
• They work very well with the Sea of Grean method.
• They only need 20 litre pots.
• Their flowering does not depend on the photoperiod.
• It is important to bear in mind that they cannot be used to produce cuttings.
• The choice of CBD-rich autoflowering varieties is very wide.
• Outdoors, they can be harvested 2-4 times a year.
• They are very wind resistant.
• They require minimal care.
• They are ideal for beginners.

Tips for growing outdoors this spring

• Invest in a quality substrate rich in beneficial micro-organisms, NPK and trace elements.
• If you can't grow in south-facing soil, try to get as close as possible to this type of exposure.
• If you plan to use a domestic super soil, add large amounts of perlite, expanded clay and biochar to ensure good aeration, drainage and water retention.
• Do-it-yourself fabric pots are cheaper than commercial pots and can be fine-tuned to the desired size. Don't forget to wash them after each growing cycle.

Good luck with the season, we wish you great plants!

If you're going to go for indoor growing, check out our indoor cannabis growing kit !