Stoney Tark edited on: February 11, 2023 8 minutes read
"As Spring time draws closer, many of us can take this opportunity to plan ahead when it comes to growing Cannabis outdoors. There is no better feeling than growing organic sun grown flowers, so in this article we cover 10 top tips to consider when growing outdoors in 2023!"
Tip 1: Picking The Best Strains
This should be based on where in the world you are located, and what types of seasons you can expect. For example, living in Northern Europe and growing a long flowering sativa would only disappoint and not mature.
Our tip here is for those who experience shorter Summers to work with fast flowering and resistant Cannabis strains such as Hindu Kush, Master Kush, Northern Light, Skunk #1, White Rhino, and White Widow.
Tip 2: Face The Sun
Over the Spring and Summer months, the sun will change position in the sky. No matter where the sun starts, it will always finish South facing. Growing Cannabis outdoors successfully requires as much direct sunlight as possible, so our tip here is to locate South and to plant directly into the ground, or work with pots and choose a final South-facing location.
Tip 3: Planting in The Ground
One of the joys of growing Cannabis outdoors is the ability to plant into large-sized containers that can be up to 50 liters in size, or to plant straight into the ground. There are many factors to consider before repotting into the ground, so our tip here is to check the quality of your soil beforehand.
This can be done by accessing a soil sample for drainage quality, smelling the soil to see if there is a sweet, forest floor scent and if the soil has worms inside.
Tip 4: Green Houses
One of the best ways to counter the cold nights in Northern Europe and other colder climates. Greenhouses or poly tunnels are an excellent way to keep the humidity and temperature in the ideal zone, as well as offer protection from rain and wind.
Our tip here for growing Cannabis outdoors is to invest in a greenhouse and to add a heater inside during the nighttime to keep the temperature around 18 degrees Celsius.
Tip 5: Companion Plants
Growing Cannabis outdoors can sometimes be difficult if you have neighbors close by, or if your outdoor space is not completely private. Growing companion plants such as Mint, Lavender, Chamomile, Sunflower, Dill, Basil, and Coriander are an exceptional way to camouflage your Cannabis plants, as well as offer protection from white fly and other unwanted pests.
Our tip here is to go to your local garden center and buy a mixture of companion plants to make growing Cannabis outdoors easy and discreet.
Tip 6: Autoflowering Varieties
Autoflowering Cannabis plants do not require a set regime of light such as 12/12 to induce flowering. This means that as long as there is a good amount of direct sun, it is possible to plant autos all year long in some climates.
Growers in the Mediterranean region and South America, can take advantage of the tropical seasons, allowing them to harvest 4-5 times per year. Our tip here is to grow autoflowering strains such as Amnesia Haze Auto, Blue Cheese Auto, Gelato Auto, Girl Scout Cookies auto, and Zkittles Auto.
Tip 7: Revenging Indoor Cannabis Plants
Our tip here is if you have just harvested an indoor crop, is to leave the lower parts to grow back naturally outdoors from April-May time. It is during the Summer months that the revenged plant will now grow back producing leaves and new shoots as if it was back under 18/6 indoors. Not only does this method to ensure you are working with a mature plant to start with, it can also save space, time and allow you to grow an exact genetic replica.
Tip 8: Buying Commercial Soil
For those who do not have the luxury of growing Cannabis outdoors in fresh, healthy soil then buying it directly is the next best option. Growers who only have a terrace, balcony, or small outdoor area will use large-sized pots they fill with soil. Our tip here is to not just buy any bag of soil, but to choose a brand that is well known for a top quality product that will provide the perfect drainage, wicking action and nutrition.
Tip 9: Planting Clones Outside
Growing Cannabis outdoors from seed can be a long-winded process that requires patience and maintenance. Planting cannabis clones outdoors however, can have its benefits and allow you to work from June until the harvest in October time. Our tip here is to vegetate clones indoors until they are a good size and around 45cm in height with a strong root base. Cannabis clones can also be placed outdoors in August and will provide a fast turn around.
Tip 10: Don’t Use Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are cheap, convenient, and practical when growing Cannabis outdoors, however can restrict the way the roots are formed. Cannabis plants grown in square or round plastic pots will become root bound and either need transplanting or become stunted.
Our tip here is to avoid using plastic pots and instead opt for felt pots. Fabric pots will not only allow the roots to grow outwards and avoid becoming root bound, they are also much better for the environment and can be washed and reused time and time again.
Nirvana Seeds’ Conclusion
Following these 10 top tips will certainly allow you to better prepare for the outdoor seasons, regardless of where you are in the world. It can be difficult to master the art of growing Cannabis outdoors, but once all the fundamentals are in place, nature will do the rest, and you will essentially only need to feed water. We hope this article has provided some food for thought and good luck with your outdoor crop in 2022!
Stoney Tark
Stoney Tark has been involved with cannabis for over 15 years. During this time, he has become head writer for the long-standing magazine; Soft Secrets, a position he has held for the last ten years, alongside writing for every other main publication.
Author of Stoney Tark’s Top Tips on Growing Cannabis, host of The Roll Models Podcast, breeder and sponsored by SANlight LED. Stoney is well versed in many systems and methods of growing, including, Organics, Hydroponics, Breeding, and Hash production.
Well known in the public eye for his easy-to-understand and detailed breakdowns of all things related to cannabis.
