If you're in Europe, that means you'll be basking in spring's gentle sunshine. This can mean only one thing when it comes to cannabis: it's time to prep, prep and more prep for growing cannabis outdoors. According to capitalism, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but in the world of cannabis, the best time of the year is spring. Tis the season to grow canna, Fla laaa laa laaa la la! Let's indulge in the delights of new life, a safe farewell to the winter, and buckle up for the rollercoaster of outdoor cultivation.
Strap up! And let's get going before spring has sprung. Here are six handy tips to get your grow space in tip-top condition.
Location, Location, Location
First, you must find a suitable location for your outdoor growing. Select an area with ample sunlight, preferably a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily (The more, the better). Other vital things to note: Plants like to breathe, so make sure there's plenty of space, find a spot that won't flood, and last but not least. Your grow location must be out of sight of nosey neighbours.
Pick the right strain.
Plenty of strains thrive outdoors; some are specifically bred to do so. Take autoflowers, for instance; they are popular with outdoor growers due to their hardy nature. It would help to look for cannabis seeds well-suited for outdoor growing in your climate. Some strains are more resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions. Strains such as Sweet Purple, Jack Herer and Northern Lights are known for performing well in colder climates. But there are countless others from which to choose.
Testing pH
You've found a spot and picked a strain, and now you need to test the medium you're growing in. If you're growing outdoors but using pots, you have more control over what you use and should have a good idea of nutrient levels; however, if you want to drop your seedlings into the soil in your backyard or a random field. Test the pH levels and check that the soil is suitable for growing cannabis.
More planning
Consider how you will access water for your plants. You can't rely on nature to do it for you, and if your growth is not close to a tap, you might face a challenge in keeping your plants alive. Natural rainfall will do some of the work if uncovered. However, you will still need to check moisture levels in the soil regularly and water it as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Prepare for Pest
One thing about Spring and Summer we could all do without is the return of pests and bugs. Pests and bugs can ruin a crop, and the key culprits are aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. But you can employ methods to prevent them from doing their worst. These methods may include organic pest deterrents, companion planting, or physical barriers. Some companion plants include sunflowers, basil, lemon balm, beans and aubergine. Each brings their own thing to the table to help with growing outdoors, and as a bonus, you grow your food as well as your cannabis.
Get going
We don't think you can be too prepared to grow cannabis, so get a move on and start checking off your to-do list. You can do things like cleaning, trimming, preparing raised beds or greenhouses, and enriching the soil you will use. Do you need a better reason to be outside? You could be building containers, polytunnels or putting up fences. There is a lot to do, but if you're still stuck on what to grow, you know where to go: go straight to the ASC Seed Finder.
Until next time, happy growing!