5 Handy Tips for Growing Outdoors

Feb 21st 2018

7 mins read

Cultivation

Picking The Best Strain For Your Climate

This is the first tip and somewhat the most important factor when growing outdoors. It is easy to become seduced by the estimated yield, high THC, flavour profile and general beauty of the numerous strains available. You must consider however the area you live in. Are you in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, also realistically do you have enough sun to grow anything well past 8 weeks flowering time?What is highly recommended here is to research what strains can perform in colder climates and which have shorter flowering times. When growing outdoors you will find many strains react differently to mould and pest resistance better than others, which is why most of the time, a Skunk, Afghan or Northern Lights are usually the most suitable choice for growers with challenging seasons such as those in the Northern Hemisphere.

Customise The Best Grow Medium

One way to commit to your plants when growing outdoors, is to invest in a grow medium that has all the micro and trace elements available. Over time, pot size and root growth can determine a lower level of trace elements, so it suggested to work with a grow medium that is airy, soft, has excellent water retention, drainage as well as consisting of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and the trace minerals that plants require when growing outdoors. A blend of coco, worm castings, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth , small pieces of charcoal and bat guano are well recommended in producing a grow medium that will withstand heavy watering schedules and leech nutrients to the root zone.

Watering Times, Foliar Feeding And Nutrients

-When growing outdoors, you need to remember plants will utilise water through the root zone, as well as through the leaf tissue by the process of transpiration. Over-watering a plant can have drastic effects on plant growth, in the same way that under-watering can can lead to stunted growth and deficiencies. A great tip here is to foliar feed your plants and spray a mist on the tops and undersides of the leaf. A good nutrient solution when growing outdoors is a mild blend of seaweed or molasses.Feeding times are a big difference maker and will allow you to grow lush vigorous plants which will flower with an abundance of weight. When growing outdoors you must consider that every time there is rainfall, minerals are leached from the grow substrate, so ensure trace elements such as Calcium and Magnesium are replenished. A great tip here is to use fresh compost. This is actively high in Magnesium and acts as a useful medium when supplementing the grow medium when growing outdoors.

Pot Size And Plant Size

Planting directly into the ground is a good idea, if you plan to grow a large plant outdoors. If you have the weather to grow huge plants extending as tall as 2-3 metres, then planting into the ground is the natural process. However, if you are growing either smaller sized plants or you have a number of plants, then the pot size is something you must consider. The size of the pots will usually determine the size of the plant when growing outdoors, which means for small sized, discreet plants you will want 10 litre pots. If you want medium to large sized plants you will need 20 litre sized pots, whilst if you want really large plants then you will need a 50 litre sized pot or to plant directly into the ground.You should also think about all of the micro and macro nutrients, meaning supplementing the minerals should be a daily task if required.

Security And Camouflage

If you have the luxury of growing in your own secure private back garden, or you have green friendly neighbours then you do not need to worry so much about this last tip. Many farmers when growing outdoors must think smart, which means camouflage from nosey neighbours, other growers and thieves is part of their priority list. There are a list of companion plants that work well when growing outdoors. Some of these plants are mint, basil, sunflower, dill and many others. Not only does each offer a unique insect repelling terpene, they offer a natural cover in their own special way which is why growing companion plants is a great tip when growing outdoors. This will help camouflage the plants you are growing as well as help the plants to stay clear of pests.

Seedsman