Tips on Growing Marijuana Outdoors

Hola Nico,Can you give me some tips on outdoor growing? I live in Mexico… – Kiko E. via Twitter

Greetings, Kiko & thanks for reading and writing in from Mexico. Everyone knows that Mexico has a warm place in my heart, especially where cannabis growers are concerned!

Outdoor growing has many advantages, the primary being the power of the sun! Not only is sunlight free, it is also the best possible light we can give our plants. Remember, all plants – including cannabis – have evolved for thousands, if not millions of years under the sun’s natural light.

To take full advantage of the sun in outdoor growing, it is important to find a place that provides plenty of sunlight. To do this, it is usually best to find a southern-facing location, though in Mexico you are much closer to the equator so this is less of a concern. Also, remember to stay away from areas with lots of trees and vegetation that may grow with the seasons and end up eventually shading your cannabis plants.

Growing outdoors at home is always a very nice option and can be quite fun and relaxing. It is important to visit with you plants everyday, if possible, and keep an eye out for molds or insect infestations. It is also very important to both “top” and prune your plants. Topping should occur only in the early, vegetative stage of growth and will result in better branching, structure and yield. To do this, simply find the top shoot – also called the terminal shoot – and pinch or cut off the entire shoot. This releases plant hormones that will create more off-shoots directly under the top shoot so that you have more top colas forming during flower.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to use a trellis system, or some sort of stakes to support your outdoor plants, as they tend to stretch and get larger than indoor plants. A support system for patio plants will help maintain good structure and development. Pruning off the bigger, lower leaves (just a couple per day) will also help newer growth developing at the top of the plant. Always prune off any yellowing or decaying leaves from your plant.

If you are doing a guerrilla-style grow that is off of your own property, you will want to throw down some time-release fertilizer and make attempts to get back to your garden with plenty of water whenever it has not rained for more than a few days. Best of luck and have fun!

Thanks for reading everyone and remember: Grow… And help the world grow, too!

Got questions? Email ’em over to Nico at NicosNuggets@hightimes.com and be sure to put “Nico’s Nuggets” in the subject line!
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  1. Hey Nico! I have 4 plants outdoor in pots. The temp is supposed to reach 100 all week. I was wondering if I can move them under my trellis in the shade with the misters on lightly. Will this be ok?

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