Outdoor marijuana cultivation is a practice that attracts both fans and cultivators experienced equally. However, to achieve a successful crop, it is essential to understand and adapt to the unique characteristics presented by the outdoor environment. This understanding goes beyond the simple selection of seeds or the choice of a place to plant; It implies a deep appreciation of how multiple environmental factors interact with the life cycle of the cannabis plant.
From the texture and composition of the soil to variations in climate and sunlight, each element of the outer environment has a significant impact on the health and productivity of marijuana plants. For example, a well drained and nutrient rich can be the basis for robust growth, while a detailed understanding of local climatic patterns can help prevent problems related to pests and diseases. In addition, the hours of direct sunlight, environmental humidity and day and night temperatures are all factors that must be considered carefully to guarantee optimal development.
Optimal climatic conditions
Climate conditions are a fundamental pillar when cultivating outer cannabis. Each variety of marijuana has its climatic preferences, and understanding these needs is crucial to guarantee healthy growth and abundant harvest. Two central aspects of these conditions are temperature and humidity, including rainfall, each significantly affecting the development of the plant.
Ideal Temperature
Marijuana, when grown outdoors, thrives in a range of temperatures that generally ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This thermal strip is optimal for most varieties, promoting vigorous growth and adequate flowering. It is crucial to avoid extremely low temperatures and frost, which can damage or even kill plants. On the other hand, excessively high temperatures can cause stress in plants, leading to problems such as growth interruption or a decrease in cannabinoid and terpenes production, affecting the final quality of the product.
Rainfall and humidity
Moisture and rainfall are two interrelated factors that significantly influence the cultivation of exterior marijuana. A balanced humidity level is essential, since both dryness and excessive humidity can be harmful. High humidity, especially during the flowering phase, increases the risk of fungal diseases such as Mildiu or mold. On the other hand, lack of moisture can lead to water stress, affecting the development of the plant and reducing the quality of the buds.
Natural rainfall can be beneficial for plant irrigation, but excess rain can saturate the soil, which leads to drainage problems and possibly to the rot of roots. It is vital to plan the crop at a time of the year where the rains are not excessive and guarantee a good drainage in the place of cultivation to avoid the accumulation of water.
Importance of sunlight hours
One of the most crucial factors when cultivating outdoor cannabis is to understand and take advantage of the natural light cycle. Sunlight hours have a direct impact on the phases of growth and flowering of marijuana plants, and their variation along the stations plays a determining role in the life cycle of the crop.
Natural Light Cycle
Marijuana plants respond to changes in the photoperiod, that is, the duration of daylight. During the vegetative growth phase, cannabis plants require long hours of light (ideally between 13 and 18 hours of light a day). This prolonged exposure to sunlight promotes robust and healthy growth.
As the days shorten and the nights are lengthened, the plants enter the flowering phase. This transition is naturally induced by a photoperiod of around 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. During this phase, it is crucial that the plants are not exposed to light sources during the period of darkness, since this can interrupt their flowering cycle and negatively affect the performance and quality of the buds.
Variations according to the station
The change in the hours of light throughout the stations is an essential aspect to determine when planting exterior marijuana. In spring, with the gradual increase in light hours, it is the ideal time to initiate crop, allowing plants to take advantage of the vegetative growth period during the long summer days. As summer progresses and autumn is approaching, the days shorten, which triggers the flowering phase.
Cultivators must be attentive to these seasonal variations and adjust their cultivation practices accordingly. When planting at the right time and considering light variations according to the station, the health, growth and productivity of exterior marijuana plants can be maximized.
Soil and preparation selection
The choice and preparation of the soil are fundamental aspects to ensure a successful crop of exterior marijuana. A proper soil not only provides the necessary physical support for plants, but also supplies nutrients and environment for optimal development.
Type of soil
The ideal floor for cannabis cultivation must have certain characteristics:
- pH: The pH of the ground is crucial. For marijuana, the ideal is a slightly acidic pH, in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. This pH level allows optimal nutrient absorption.
- Texture: Soil texture must be such that it allows good moisture retention, but also an excellent drainage. Sandy soils can drain quickly but retain less nutrients, while clay soils retain too much water and can drown the roots. The ideal is a frank soil, which offers a balance between water and drainage retention.
- Fertilizers: A soil rich in organic matters is beneficial. The presence of compost, earthworm humus, or bat guano can enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as micronutrients.
Soil preparation
Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil properly:
- Soil analysis: Performing a soil analysis can be very useful to determine the pH and nutritional content, and thus make the necessary adjustments.Comienza collecting samples from several areas of your garden at a depth of 15-20 cm and let them dry in the air. You can use a soil test kit to measure pH and nutrients. Once you have the results, interpret the levels of pH and nutrients to determine the necessary amendments, such as lime to increase pH or fertilizers to correct nutritional deficiencies.
- PH setting: If the pH is not in the ideal range, you can add amendments to adjust it. Agricultural lime can raise pH, while aluminum sulfate or iron sulfate can reduce it.
- Enrichment with nutrients: Add compost or organic matter will improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.
- Tillage: Plowing or removing the soil helps loosen it, improving aeration and drainage.
- Weed control: Eliminate weeds before planting ensures that they will not compete with cannabis plants for nutrients and water.
- Drainage verification: It is essential to ensure that the soil drains well to avoid the accumulation of water. To check the drainage of the soil, you can perform a simple water absorption test. This implies digging a small hole and filling it with water, observing how long it takes to drain completely. A good drain is indicated when water is absorbed in a couple of hours. If the water stagnates for longer, it is a sign that the ground can be too compact or clay, which requires modifications to improve its structure. Improving soil drainage may imply the incorporation of organic matter such as compost or perlite, which helps loosen the soil and facilitate water flow.
Space and location
An adequate space planning and the choice of location are crucial for success in external marijuana cultivation. These factors directly influence plants' health and harvest quality.
Spacing between plants
The space between plants is a vital factor for optimal development. A suitable spacing allows:
- Adequate air circulation: This helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases, since moisture does not accumulate in foliage.
- Access to sunlight: Each plant needs enough sunlight. A correct spacing ensures that all plants receive the necessary light for their growth and flowering.
- Growth without restrictions: Cannabis plants can grow a lot, both in height and width. Enough space allows growth without restrictions, crucial for the development of roots and the expansion of foliage.
The recommended spacing may vary according to the variety and the culture method, but it is generally suggested to leave at least 1 meter between plants to allow adequate growth.
Location selection
Choosing the correct location within your garden or land is another key aspect. When selecting the location, consider the following factors:
- Sun exposure: Look for a place that receives abundant direct sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours a day. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis and the general development of the plant.
- Protection against elements: Consider protection against strong winds and the possibility of providing some coverage during heavy rains.
- Privacy and safety: Marijuana cultivation may require some discretion. Choose a location that is not easily visible to curious and comply with local regulations.
- Access to water: Be sure to have easy access to water for regular plants irrigation.
- Soil quality: Verify soil quality in the chosen location, making sure it is suitable for cannabis cultivation, as described above.
Additional factors to considering
In addition to climatic conditions, sunlight, soil and location, there are other crucial factors to take into account when cultivating marijuana outdoors. Protection against pests and animals and irrigation needs are aspects that can significantly influence the health and productivity of plants.
Protection against Pests and diseases in marijuana
Cannabis plants abroad are exposed to a variety of pests and animals that can damage them. Here are some strategies to protect them:
- Use of networks and fences: Installing physical barriers such as networks or fences can be effective to keep large animals and some insects away.
- Biological control: Using natural predators, such as ladybugs to control aphids, can be an ecological way to handle pests.
- Organic pesticides: In case of infestations, the use of organic pesticides may be necessary. It is important to choose products that are safe for cannabis plants and for later human consumption.
- Regular inspection: Review plants regularly to detect signs of pests or diseases allows you to act quickly before the problem is aggravated.
Irrigation needs
Proper irrigation is essential for cannabis cultivation, and must be adjusted according to the climatic conditions and plant growth stages:
- Vegetative growth phase: During this phase, plants usually require more water due to their rapid growth. A constantly humid (but not saturated) soil is ideal.
- Flowering phase: At this stage, water needs can decrease. It is important to avoid excess irrigation to prevent problems such as roots rot.
- Climatic conditions: Irrigation needs will vary according to the weather. In warm and dry conditions, it will be necessary to water more frequently, while in humid climates, irrigation can be less frequent.
- Irrigation methods: Systems such as drip irrigation They can be efficient to ensure constant and controlled water supply. Avoid watering directly on the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.