Grow Q&A: Starting Pot Seeds Outdoors

Dear Dan, I want to plant seeds directly in my outside location instead of germinating them inside. Is this unwise and can you give me any advice? – Gorilla Joe

Dear GJ,
It’s ideal to start your outdoor crop indoors but if for some reason it’s impossible, you absolutely can plant directly in your chosen location. Keep in mind that unless you’re using feminized seeds, you’ll still have to return at least once to remove the males before they mature. Also, remember that young seedlings can be easily damaged by exposure to the elements early on in life. On the plus side, any that survive are sure to be hardy and well acclimated to their location.

Plant more seeds that you expect to grow out fully and water them in well. Sounds to me like you can’t regularly visit your chosen location so be sure to bring water and organic fertilizer whenever you find the opportunity (and especially if there’s been no rain for over a week).

If you choose to start them indoors, the benefits are plenty. Seedlings can be started while it’s still winter outside and vegetated into nice-sized bushes before it’s warm enough for them to go out. Oscillating fans will recreate the wind to strengthen the young shoots and prepare them for life in the wild. Stronger plants mean bigger yields.

Have a grow question? Ask away at deardanko@hightimes.com