How to Grow Marijuana Outside: A Step-by-Step Guide

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about growing marijuana outdoors
PDF download Download Article

Growing marijuana outdoors produces a higher yield, gives your buds a unique flavor, and is far less energy-intensive than using indoor grow lights. Outdoor cannabis plants can grow up to 14 feet (4.3 m) tall and produce 4–8 pounds (1.8–3.6 kg) of quality weed per plant–and it’s not rocket science to grow cannabis outdoors. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to tell you everything you need to know about picking a location , germinating marijuana seeds , and maintaining your crop to get the highest possible yield with advice from cannabis expert Aaron Justis.

How to Grow Cannabis Outside: Quick Tips

Start cannabis plants inside with clones or seeds. Transfer them outdoors when temperatures are above 70°F to a spot with 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Water your plants weekly, and stake them as they grow for stability. The buds should be ready to harvest in the fall.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Location to Grow Bud Outside

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some regions require you to participate in a medical program in order to grow marijuana , register your plants, and/or limit the amount of plants you grow. Verify the exact regulations on the number/size/maturity of your plants before you start growing legal cannabis . Look at local regulations, as well–many cities may not allow you to visibly grow marijuana. [1]
    • States that allow growing marijuana (with restrictions): Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington D.C.
    • States that allow growing marijuana for medical purposes (with restrictions): Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island
  2. That's the ideal range for cannabis growth. [2] However, cannabis plants can comfortably tolerate weather down to 60 °F (16 °C) during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. After temperatures drop below 45 °F (7 °C), the plants won’t do well. For that reason, start your growing cycle in spring to avoid dealing with harsh cold weather. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. Sunlight stimulates growth, while darkness regulates the plant’s flowering cycles. Marijuana plants need around 6 hours of sunlight a day to grow well. [4] If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, pick a spot with southern exposure to maximize sunlight. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, pick a northern-facing location. [5]
    • Try to remove shade-creating obstacles from your garden.
  4. You can use either soil or coco coir as your primary growing medium. Choose coco coir if you live in a hot environment, since coco coir’s loose structure lets it soothe roots and prevent heat stress. No matter your potting medium, mix it with perlite for a 70% soil/coco coir to 30% perlite ratio. [6]
    • Perlite is a mined volcanic glass that prevents the soil from getting too soggy.
  5. Some states might restrict the size of your plant, and restricting the root space with a container will limit how big the plant grows. Choose breathable fabric growing containers rather than plastic ones. [7]
    • Breathable containers allow more oxygen to get to the roots to promote growth and overall healthier plants.
    • Pick a larger container if you want a larger plant and a higher yield. 10–20 gallon (38–76 L) pots are standard, but you can get 100 gallon (380 L) pots.
    • Growing in containers also lets you have more control over the soil (if you want to use a proprietary soil blend).
  6. Planting your cannabis in the ground allows the roots to spread out so the plant can reach its maximum size (and therefore produce the most buds). Space the plants 6 feet (1.8 m) apart so that you don’t end up with overcrowding. [8]
    • Plant your cannabis in raised beds alongside vegetables for a stealthier approach.
    • Keep in mind you’ll have to water your plants daily. If you’re planting far from your own property, try to plant near a water source.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Starting Pot Plants & Transplanting Them Outside

PDF download Download Article
  1. Female plants are the only ones that produce buds. If you start from seed, you’ll have to prune away the male plants “before they pollinate the whole crop and turn it into a seed crop instead of a flowered bud crop,” advises Justis. [9] Clones are also easier for newbies because they’re already-sprouted cuttings, so you don’t have to worry about germination or dealing with delicate seedlings. [10]
    • Justis adds, “The male plant just looks a little different. It can be a little thicker. It can get a little taller…You have to basically just check them and make sure they're not starting to produce seed pockets.” [11]
    • The downside to clones is that you can inherit pests from the original plant. Clones have a secondary system of roots instead of a taproot, which many believe makes the plant less stable.
    • Depending on your region, you might not find the strain you want available in cloned plants.
    • Starting with clones shaves roughly 3-4 weeks off the growth timeline. [12]
    • Sativa grows taller and is better suited to outdoor growing than indica. [13]
  2. For instance, if you live in a hot environment, you might want heat-tolerant seeds of the sativa, Haze, African, or Hawaiian variety. [14] Look for seeds labeled “feminized,” which are better for first-time growers, recommends Justis. [15] Feminized seeds (in contrast to autoflower or regular varieties) are guaranteed to produce buds, and they have a higher yield due to the longer growing cycle. [16] “Seeds are still probably more popular in general because clones are harder for people to get their hands on,” adds Justis. [17]
    • From seed to harvest, the growth cycle will take roughly 5 months. [18]
    • Germinate your seeds on a moist paper towel in a plastic bag. Let the bag sit in a sunny spot for a few days. Once you see a root come out of the seed, poke a hole in the soil of a 2 inch (5.1 cm) container. Put the seed in with the taproot facing down and lightly cover it with soil. [19]
  3. Plants grown from seed are ready for the outdoors when they have at least 5 full leaves. Transplant your plants into 1 gallon (3.8 L) containers. [20] Move the plants outside for direct sunlight and fresh air in the early mornings and late afternoons for 1 month. After 1 month, they should be acclimated to the strength of direct sunlight and ready to be transplanted outdoors.
  4. Transplant your cannabis outdoors. To transplant your plant , gently water the soil and dig a hole about â…“ deeper and â…“ wider than the root ball of your plant. [21] Turn the pot containing your plant upside down, and support the weight of the plant as you pop it out of the container. If the roots are tightly bound together, gently pull them apart with your hands to encourage growth. Place the plant in the hole, backfill the hole with soil, and water the plant until the soil is moist but not flooded.
    • Squeeze the container sides if you’re having a tough time getting the plant out.
    • The root system of a cannabis plant is sensitive, so be very gentle as you handle it. [22]
  5. Install a heavy-duty tomato cage to stake your plant when you transplant. Add 4 metal T-post poles around the outside of the container, bed, or growing area. [23] Then, lay 1 wire horizontal trellis across the top of the tomato cage and another that will act as a “roof” for the top of the poles. Finally, add outer wire caging around your 4 poles to create “walls” that will support the flowering plant.
    • Buy T-posts that are 6–10 feet (1.8–3.0 m) tall, depending on the eventual height of your plant.
    • Use heavy-duty, vinyl-coated wire caging with 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) square holes for the caging.
    • The caging walls should sit 1 foot (0.30 m) above the ground or container.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Cannabis Plants Outdoors

PDF download Download Article
  1. As a rule of thumb, when the soil is dry 1 inch (2.5 cm) down, it’s time to water. For rainy climates, add more perlite, gravel, or clay pebbles to the soil if you’re concerned about fungus and overwatering. [24]
    • If you notice your soil is wet or moist, you may be overwatering.
    • Consider setting up drip irrigation on a timer to make your life easier. [25]
  2. In terms of the growth timeline, that means you’ll apply high-nitrogen fertilizer until mid-summer. Once the plant enters the flowering phase, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote bud growth. [26]
    • Standard fertilizer is often called NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
    • The ideal NPK ratio for the vegetative period is 6-3-9. For the flowering period, change the NPK to 3-6-9. [27]
    • When you buy commercial fertilizer from your local garden store, it’s regulated and shouldn’t affect the safety of your buds. Just wear gloves and rinse off after applying it to avoid burns from the concentrated nutrients. [28]
    • Mixing your own nutrients might result in a nutrient imbalance or deficiency.
    • However, if you’d like to try an organic fertilizer, you can try manure , compost , fish emulsion, or worm castings.
  3. Cannabis plants can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) tall, and your state may regulate the height of your plants. Furthermore, pruning can create a bushier shape which encourages more side shoots, in turn encouraging more buds. [29] Clip off shoots with clean, sharp cuts at a 45° angle. [30]
    • Stop pruning by mid-summer or you’ll interfere with bud production.
    • Pruning increases airflow and light exposure. [31]
    • Always remove any yellowing, dead, or dying leaves where disease could take hold.
  4. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis sub. kurstaki (BTK) , a naturally occurring bacterium safe for humans and pets, just before bud season to prevent budworms. If you suspect an infestation, check for budworm caterpillars (also called tobacco budworms) in the evening. Remove any caterpillars from the buds and discard infected buds. [32]
    • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plant to ward off fungus gnats and other pests naturally. [33]
    • Plant rosemary , marigold , and basil around your weed, as these act as natural insect repellents.
  5. For people in the Northern hemisphere, that means you’ll harvest around October. Cut the buds from the plant with 6–8 inches (150–200 mm) of stem below each bud. [34]
    • Hang the buds by their stems to dry for a week.
    • Cut the buds off the stems and save them in a glass jar. They’re now ready to use!
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant Cannabis Seeds Indoors
      How to
      Identify Female and Male Marijuana Plants
      How to
      Plant Date Seeds
      Self-Watering Planters: How to Use Them & How They Work
      A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a Garden
      When and How to Trim Marijuana Plants
      A Complete Guide to Growing Autoflowers Outdoors (When to Plant, How Often to Water, & How Much They Yield)
      How to
      Prune Forsythia
      How to
      Propagate Lucky Bamboo
      Can LED Lights Grow Plants? Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights
      How to
      Germinate Cannabis Seeds
      How to
      Care for Houseplants & Outdoor Plants
      How to
      Grow Algae
      How to
      Prune Thyme
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://drcannabis.io/growing-marijuana-legally
      2. ↑ https://www.growweedeasy.com/temperature
      3. ↑ https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/growing-extreme-climates/
      4. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/
      5. ↑ https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/marijuana-outdoor-basic-light-needs/
      6. ↑ https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/growing-extreme-climates/
      7. ↑ https://hightimes.com/grow/outdoor-marijuana-growing-beginners/
      8. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/
      9. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview. 17 October 2023.
      1. ↑ https://news.green-flower.com/do-you-prefer-growing-cannabis-using-clones-or-seeds/
      2. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview. 17 October 2023.
      3. ↑ https://growithjane.com/cannabis-plant-life-cycle-stages/
      4. ↑ https://www.cnbs.org/cannabis-types/sativa-vs-indica/
      5. ↑ https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/growing-extreme-climates/
      6. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview. 17 October 2023.
      7. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/
      8. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview. 17 October 2023.
      9. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-grow-cannabis/
      10. ↑ https://news.green-flower.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
      11. ↑ https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/cannabis-transplanting-101
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/sn_z9FDUNCo?t=97
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/h6sisuWxi7M?t=98
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/MEDLpmNGmPs?t=810
      15. ↑ https://ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing/outdoor-marijuana-growing-watering-tips-and-techniques/
      16. ↑ https://hightimes.com/grow/outdoor-marijuana-growing-beginners/
      17. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/
      18. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8635921/
      19. ↑ https://www.respectmyregion.com/when-to-use-cannabis-nutrients/
      20. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/
      21. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrlXnipXcIc&t=158s
      22. ↑ https://news.green-flower.com/how-to-prune-marijuana-plants/
      23. ↑ https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/tomorrow-in-cannabis-5-common-outdoor-cannabis-cultivation-problems-tips-solve-them/
      24. ↑ https://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-plant-problems/fungus-gnats
      25. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2018/08/how-to-grow-cannabis-in-your-garden/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 345,777 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Barry Bcbear

        May 16, 2022

        "My clones were started in little pots and are doing fine. I will transplant them from pots to outdoors in the ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement