Many cannabis enthusiasts are interested in growing their marijuana from the seed on their balcony. It is good to have a backyard marijuana garden to save and generate money, especially for commercial planters.
In addition, planting marijuana seeds outside might make it perform better and requires lesser responsibilities. It saves you time from constantly checking on the plant to add nutrients or regulate the lighting system.
The following tips can guide how to plant marijuana seeds in your backyard for amateurs and professionals. If you decide to have a marijuana garden, here are the five best ways to go about it.
1. Choose the variety
The first thing to consider is the variety that will do well in your region. Many firms have sprung up to fill the gap in demand. Thus, types of marijuana seeds are on the market with different descriptions.
They are breeds for intense and non-skunky citrus flavors, strains for anxiety, strains with low THC, songs that grow less than 3 feet tall, etc. However, the easiest way to omit this confusion is to use products from trusted suppliers, like lab tested marijuana seeds.
Most importantly, ensure the seed can withstand outdoor planting conditions. Reputable companies provide product descriptions on the label, such as mold resistance.
2. Understand the Climate
The weather of your garden is crucial. Marijuana seeds do well in many conditions but not in extreme weather. A temperature above 85°F hinders growth, while below 55°F causes stunt growth or death. They also damage from heavy rain and high wind resulting in low yield; excessive moisture leads to mold and powdery.
If you decide to grow during the cold seasons, a temperature of 60-75°F is favorable, and ensure the temperature doesn’t drop below 50°F to prevent slow growth. During hot climates, ensure you target a temperature of 75-85°F because anything above 85°F causes plants to wilt.
3. Pick a site
Once you know your climate, the garden site is next in line. Planting marijuana seeds where there is full, direct sunlight during the day triggers the flowering state at night when the temperature is low.
Weeds need a constant breeze, especially in hot weather. So, it is best to invest in a windbreak if your region lacks wind.
Remember that your neighbors might be judgy about your garden, which is enough reason to conceal it. Building tall fences, trees, or large shrubs is a great idea. In addition, state regulations insist you keep it hidden from the public.
4. Soil Quality
Soil is the topmost layer containing organic materials, clay, and rock. Cannabis enjoys rich organic soil with good drainage. Thus, many growers fill a hole with fresh soil or plant in pots allowing the planter to control the growth and nutrients.
To be on the err side, it is best to test your soil before planting. The testing will indicate the pH, contaminants present, and the type of fertilizer and materials to use.
Many pot planters use loamy soil for their weed because it is rich and diverse with dark and hearty colors. The quality potting soil to buy should have many amendments. There are different soils, like the widespread pre-fertilized soil, super soil, etc. The earth is rich and does not require extra nutrients for growth.
You can also get soil and add worm casting, bat guano, and other components, preserve it for some weeks before using it, or purchase premade soil from a nursery or grow shop. Planting in containers is the best way to plant marijuana seeds in a region with poor soil. This saves you the stress of digging holes and amending soil.
You can plant on the decks, patios, rooftops, raised beds and other spots. Also, you can store the plant to receive adequate sun. However, planting in containers like pots, buckets, or barrels may limit the plant’s size and growth.
In essence, the pot size determines the plant size. So, a five-gallon pot or less is suitable for small plants, while a ten-gallon pot or more is suitable for larger plants. Regardless, the important thing is protecting the plant’s roots from overheating during the hot weather.
5. Fertilizers and Nutrients
Nutrients are what keep marijuana seeds growing. These nutrients are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The soil’s composition will determine the quantity you need for the plants. Since you’re using the backyard, outdoor amendments in powder form mixed with the soil will nourish the plants.
The best start-up fertilizers are the less expensive and available ones. Some rapidly release nutrients, while some delay for months or weeks. Mix the product with your soil amendments. Here are some fertilizers to check;
- Blood meal or fish meal for nitrogen
- Bone meal or bat guano for phosphorus
- Wood ash or kelp meal for potassium
- Dolomite lime for calcium and magnesium
- Epsom salts for magnesium and sulfur
You can quickly get these fertilizers and mix them with your soil to get better yields. However, amateur growers should refrain from using commercial fertilizers, especially those with long-lasting effects.
Generally, every planter should avoid nutrients designed for indoor planting because they are synthetic mineral salts that cause damage to soil bacteria.
Again, testing the soil will provide valuable details on what will work best on your soil and plant. In addition, amend your soil and add extra fertilizer. Finally, be conservative on the amount you apply since you can add more when you observe deficiencies known as top-dressing.
Conclusion
Planting fertilizer in your backyard can be a fun endeavor. However, your effort will only be successful if you observe the right tricks. This article has explored the best ways to be successful planting marijuana in your backyard.
