Cannabis possession, use, and cultivation are now far less restricted than before. As such, more people are growing their own plants at home. That gives them a broader range of strains to choose from while also allowing more control over the quality of the finished product. It also gives people the opportunity to create ample supplies of cannabis to draw from as needed.
Growing Cannabis Outdoors at Home
If you're planning to grow your own cannabis crop, having at least a basic knowledge of the process is advised. These plants need a certain amount of care, and quite a few considerations come into play throughout the growing process. Keep the following points in mind when planting cannabis outdoors and nurturing those plants to maturity to ensure ultimate success.
Know the Local Growing Laws
Though growing cannabis at home is now legal in Canada, certain restrictions are still in place. They apply to how many plants people are allowed to grow and just where they can be planted. Be sure to research the laws to avoid problems.
Pick and Prepare a Plot
From there, consider where to plant your marijuana seeds. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight because cannabis craves it. Be sure that spot isn't overly vulnerable to high winds, rain runoff from your house, and other hazards. It's probably best to find a garden plot that's not readily visible to outsiders as well for the sake of privacy and security.
After choosing the perfect spot for planting, it's time to prepare it. If the soil in that area is sandy or mostly red clay, it'll need a lot more work than soil that's already soft, dark, and ready to receive plants. Adding compost or a nutrient solution to the soil will help nourish the plants. Alternatively, you could grow the plants in pots filled with potting mix or another type of growing media. Make sure the soil or growing media is a bit moist before planting.
Plant the Seeds
Next, it's time to plant the seeds. Don't plant them too early or late in the season because cool temperatures, frost, and a lack of adequate sunlight could hamper their growth or kill them before the flowering stage begins. Consider consulting the Farmer's Almanac or another trustworthy guide to find out when the best times to plant outdoor crops will be each year. These helpful guides may not mention cannabis specifically, but they'll tell you when the last frost of spring might be and when fall temperatures may come into play.
You may want to germinate the seeds in water or damp paper towels before planting to give them a less stressful start in life. Starting the seedlings in pots and transferring them to a garden plot is a good idea, too. When planting, be sure the plants are spaced far enough apart for proper airflow. They should have at least six inches of space between them after branching out, so planting seeds or seedlings about a foot or so apart is recommended.
Maintaining a Healthy Outdoor Crop
Getting your plants off on the right foot is essential. From there, be sure to monitor their growing media or soil for moisture and signs of fungus. If the weather turns out dry, you may need to water the plants to keep them healthy. Extra nutrients may need to be added as well. Outdoor growing is generally easier than indoor growing because Mother Nature provides many of the elements plants need. Still, pay close attention to the plants and tend to their extra requirements for a successful cannabis garden.