What is the ideal location for growing cannabis seeds? It is an excellent question. If we ask the same question to the seasoned growers, they will all give somewhat different replies.
Growing cannabis seeds outdoors is regarded as the most natural method of cultivating a crop; it is as per Mother Nature’s design. The first batch of cannabis plants developed spontaneously, thanks to sunlight, soil nutrients, and precipitation.
This method is not flawless, as humans do not have to do anything and let the Sativa or Indica plants develop at their leisure until harvest time.
When growing cannabis outdoors, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Do it in an area where the plants do not get detected.
- They receive 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, must be near a water source, and is easily accessible.
- Cultivation facts will also depend on the region that you are considering.
If you are germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan, it might happen you need to take care of some extra things.
Also, if you are growing cannabis seeds for the first time, we recommend weighing the benefits and drawbacks. It is a must to evaluate all the different aspects before making a decision.
Pros of growing cannabis seeds in a garden
Why should you consider growing marijuana in the garden? For one thing, the plant has thrived in this environment for over 12,000 years of domestication. There are many different temperature zones and locations, and cannabis does not thrive in all of them.
Let us take a look at some of the benefits of growing cannabis seeds in a garden:
Adequate Space
The adequate room allows cannabis plants to develop; it is undoubtedly one of the most significant advantages of cultivating outdoors. Outdoor specimens can exhibit their full genetic potential if they have enough space to spread their roots and develop their canopies. The feminized cannabis seeds love to thrive in open spaces & give a better yield.
Seedlings are freed from the confines of pots and other containers when transplanted into garden beds. The plants might grow extensive root systems and access large amounts of nutrients and water.
Many producers use containers for germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan. It aids in keeping plants at a manageable size. Having greater space allows gardeners to use larger pots to grow plants that are taller and more prolific.
There are more species when there is a larger space. Increase the biodiversity of their garden; for this, many farmers prefer companion plants for growing cannabis seeds. White clover, chamomile, dill, and borage are some popular companion plants.
In addition, insect damage & disease spread gets reduced, and soil is conserved. It is an excellent biological management approach for aphids and other common pests. It also decreases reliability on chemical controls and store-bought solutions.
Diverse Soil Composition
Life abounds in the outside garden beds, & one can utilize it for germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan. He can construct a soil food web teeming with bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and worms by establishing a bed, mulching it abundantly, and following no-till rules. These organisms work together to cycle nutrients from organic matter via each other until they reach plants.
Several bacteria and fungi create symbiotic partnerships with roots, mining essential minerals in exchange for carbohydrates. A healthy soil food web produces good soil structure in addition to providing nutrients to growing cannabis seeds. Worms dig into the soil, enhancing aeration and drainage, while mycelial threads and bacterial biofilms build soil particle aggregates and prevent erosion.
Good Sunlight Exposure
In outdoor gardens, cannabis plants are grown outside basking in the sun during the day. Some people enjoy this privilege far more frequently than others by depending on the local environment. Some strains of feminized cannabis seeds are more receptive & compatible with sunlight exposure & thrive well in abundant sunlight.
The sun’s rays hit chloroplasts in cannabis leaves, similar to indoor grow lights, and aid to stimulate photosynthesis. However, as compared to artificial sources, light emitted by the sun has distinct advantages.
UVA and UVB are the two main types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in the sun’s rays. Plants are not threatened by the former, whereas the latter can cause DNA damage. Growing cannabis seeds produce protective coatings of resin-rich with secondary metabolites such as cannabinoids and terpenes in response to both types of UV. Exposure to this type of radiation may improve the bud’s effects, smell, and taste.
Great microbial life
When it comes to soil life, outdoor habitats are less sterile than interior environments. If you’re germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan outdoors, you’ll profit from a well-developed soil food web. It is possible to create a functioning tiny ecosystem, but it will take time.
Indoor growers are increasingly attempting to replicate the outdoors in whatever manner they can. Growing small companion plants, employing cover crops, and introducing worms, beneficial bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi into the soil are all examples of strategies.
Better Yields
Cannabis growers are concerned about yields. Regardless of their growth style, they’ll always want to make sure the plants produce a sufficient crop. Outdoor environments help the growing cannabis seeds to yield a good harvest. Although, multiple factors need to be taken care of in outdoor settings & need a lot of caution. But, in the end, the grower is gifted with a yield that pays off for all his hard work & attentiveness.
More Growing Options
One of the most significant advantages of growing cannabis seeds outdoors is the variety of options available to you as a grower. Outdoors, cultivars that require more space and are difficult to cultivate indoors can be accommodated.
There are numerous varieties and strains to pick from, each with its distinct characteristics. Also, choose one that is a perfect match for your growing skills and the system you intend to use. It gives you greater control as a farmer because you can now select cultivars that are more suited to your climate.
Plants with more strength
Growing cannabis seeds in the garden generate stronger plants. The main reason for this is that cannabis plants cultivated in the open face harsh circumstances. They become accustomed to shifting circumstances and, as a result, become more resilient in the future.
Outdoor gardening has become feasible due to the factors like lesser care because of large space & number of plants. It naturally helps plants stay strong and healthy, as well as makes them a little tougher in the face of adversity.
Cost-effective
Growing cannabis seeds outside can save a lot of money in the beginning, especially if you keep it simple. Greenhouses, polytunnels, and irrigation systems are quite expensive & need a lot of arrangements. A no-dig bed with a few sacks of compost and a couple of sheets of cardboard may produce incredible yields. This strategy can be used successfully by cultivators with short growing seasons if they have the right genetics.
Indoor lighting systems & growing equipment are quite expensive, & outdoor growers save a lot of money by ditching them. Reduced or minimal electricity bill is a major factor behind cost-effectiveness of the outdoor cultivation.
Cannabis thrives without air regulation
High-grade cannabis requires plenty of ventilation. Growing cannabis seeds in a well-ventilated atmosphere have demonstrated benefits like:
- Plant stems should be strengthened.
- Mold, mildew, and plant rot can all be avoided.
- Help the plant grow to its full potential.
- Defend yourself against gnats, mites, and other pests.
The natural environment provides enough ventilation in an outdoor grow. Indoor plants, on the other hand, must rely on artificial ventilation to survive.
Organic agriculture methods are easier to integrate.
Growing cannabis seeds in the garden give more organic product, natural smelling, and tasting. Plants are also known to become fuller since they have more room to stretch out and thrive. They frequently produce better yields, resulting in a higher profit margin.
Cons of growing cannabis seeds in a garden
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows when you’re growing up outside. This dynamic, living environment presents a variety of obstacles that might range from small problems to complete crop failure. Take a look at some of the most common issues that outdoor gardeners confront.
Pest Infestation
If you’ve ever attempted to cultivate veggies, you’re familiar with pests. Slugs may eat an entire batch of seedlings in one night, aphids can sap a plant dry, and root-eating worms can eat holes in the soil without being noticed.
For germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan, a grower must be familiar with the techniques to keep the pest & insects away. It’s just to learn how to prevent caterpillars, spider mites, whiteflies, and a variety of other pests away from your crop before you can grow it outside.
Unfavorable Weather Conditions
Growing cannabis seeds in a garden are susceptible to a variety of weather occurrences. Branches and stems can be snapped by strong gusts, and torrential rains can induce root rot and increase the risk of disease during the blossoming stage. Then there’s the chance of extreme heat and drought, which could result in wilting and under-watering. Plants can be killed completely by late spring frosts and early fall frosts.
Inappropriate climates
In northern latitudes, growing outside becomes considerably more difficult. Due to the shorter growing season and wet conditions in many parts of the world, producers are constrained to fast-flowering genotypes, which usually imply smaller specimens and poorer yields.
Moreover, climatic conditions play a very crucial role in growing feminized cannabis seeds. In these conditions, auto-flowering strains do exceptionally well, although they fall short of the yield of towering, tree-like Sativa.
A Little Less Discreet
Plants on the outside are far more visible than those on the indoors. During the flowering period, neighbors and passers-by will smell terpenes. Sativa cultivars with large canopies will grow above the fence line.
However, growing cannabis seeds in a garden can be alluring to people with bad intentions. Even if you reside in a legal region, a burglar sees a canopy full of blooms as money. Consider establishing a hidden plantation outside of metropolitan areas if you want to avoid legal or theft occurrences. It will also help you in avoiding unnecessary neighbor issues & complaints about cannabis smell, etc.
Uncontrolled Sunlight Exposure
The seasonal outdoor grower has no control over light, and the plants’ growth is dictated by the rhythms of nature. Nature’s preprogrammed dimmer control is the seasonal fluctuations in daylight and outside growers have no choice but to grow with it.
Sunlight is sometimes good enough for the growing cannabis seeds, while it may become harsh to them sometimes or vice versa. Low sunlight days might lower down the growth graph, while the excess of it can be harmful in other ways.
Dependency on Mother Nature
Outdoor farmers must adapt to the changing seasons. While this promotes a deep relationship with Mother Nature, it also necessitates patience. You can’t compel photoperiod cultivars to flower earlier by changing the light cycle. You’ll have to wait until the shorter days arrive. Germinating cannabis seeds in Michigan outdoors rely on climate heavily. From sunlight to rain to temperature everything is at the mercy of Mother Nature.
When compared to other growing methods, outdoor growth yields are likewise very high. But, the growth period is majorly protracted, as the plants take roughly 6-8 months to yield.
Because it involves very little human participation and no equipment, this method is the most affordable. You don’t need to water them or change the way the light passes through them during the blooming season.
One of the most appealing aspects of growing cannabis seeds is the ability to tailor the activity to your interests and circumstances. If you enjoy nothing more than spending time in the sun, it is the place for you. It is time to grow weed in your garden while feeling the sun on your skin and grass between your toes.
When it comes to picking a growing environment, there are many factors to consider, and it will mostly depend on your needs and desires. Whatever you choose, make sure you have a good time. Growing cannabis seeds can be immensely fulfilling, especially when you start to see your hard work pay off.
