Growing cannabis outdoors offers several advantages over indoor growth. For one, natural sunlight is more cost-effective and sustainable than artificial lighting. Secondly, outdoor cultivation also allows plants to grow larger due to fewer space constraints (which often results in higher yields). Overall, growing cannabis outdoors could be the right move for your operations, but take a look at these five considerations before committing.
Balancing Sunlight Access With Weather Protection
Cannabis plants require consistent exposure to sunlight—ideally six to eight hours of direct light per day—to achieve optimal growth. However, too much direct sunlight in extreme heat can cause stress or leaf burn. Likewise, exposure to sunlight also allows exposure to all weather, including wind, rain, hail, snow, frost, etc.
Inside, it’s easy to control your plant’s lighting and environment. Outside, however, you need to be more careful. Position your plants where they receive adequate sun in the morning but have shade cover in the intense afternoon hours. Also, use windbreaks or temporary covers to protect plants from harsher elements without compromising sunlight access.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are more common in outdoor crops and can devastate harvests. Use organic pesticides, companion planting, or natural predators like ladybugs to control harmful insects. Additionally, maintaining good airflow and inspecting plants regularly for signs of infection will help stop problems early. To make management easier, consider using drones to detect diseased crops and stop the spread before it’s too late. Prevention is easier and less labor-intensive than handling an infestation after it spreads.
Warding Off Critters
Insects find their way into indoor growing facilities too, but larger animals are a risk unique to outdoor cultivation. Deer, rabbits, and rodents may love to nibble on your young plants. Install fencing around your grow area to keep critters at bay. Be sure the fencing is tall enough to deter jumping animals and securely anchored to prevent digging.
Managing External Soil Conditions
Unlike indoor cultivation, where growers use a controlled grow medium, outdoor cultivation requires working with the soil that’s already there. Therefore, you should test your soil’s pH and nutrient composition before planting to ensure it’s suitable for cannabis growth. You probably need a pH of 6.0–7.0. If necessary, amend your soil with compost, perlite, or organic fertilizers to improve drainage and nutrient availability. Properly conditioned soil should lead to hearty growth and higher yields.
Changing Watering Techniques
You may have to adjust your watering techniques throughout the year, as the climate affects your plants’ needs. During warm seasons, your plants may need daily watering, but always check the soil’s moisture level first. Otherwise, you risk root rot and other fungal disasters. You might consider installing a drip irrigation system to automate and precisely control watering.
Practice Makes Perfect
Ultimately, growing cannabis outdoors is trickier than it is indoors. However, these considerations can guide your efforts along the right path. As you gain more experience from each growing season, you’ll learn what does and doesn’t work for your specific location and cannabis species. Over time, this experience will make you a more efficient and successful cultivator. Best of luck!
