WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GROW WEED OUTDOORS?

Spring may be the most beautiful time of the year for growers. Nature awakens, the days grow longer, and the sun shows itself more often. For many outdoor growers, it's the perfect moment to get started again. In this blog, we share our knowledge and experience about growing cannabis outdoors: when to begin, what to look out for, and how proper preparation can increase your chances of a healthy and successful harvest.

What Does an Outdoor Cannabis Plant Need?

Outdoor growing is all about nature. The sun provides light and warmth, and rain offers water. But you'll also have to deal with wind, pests, and fluctuating temperatures. That’s why proper preparation is essential.

The Four Basic Needs of a Cannabis Plant:

1. Light:
   Sunlight is crucial. During the growth phase, your plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In the flowering phase, the light/dark cycle becomes more important, and rest is more critical than intensity.
   
   
2. Air:
   Use airy, well-draining soil. Cannabis plants absorb oxygen through their roots and CO₂ through their leaves. Use light potting soil and avoid compacted soil. Pro tip: add perlite or coco coir for extra aeration.
   
   
3. Water:
   Rainwater is preferred: it contains less lime and is gentler on your plants. Stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle: if the soil sticks, there’s enough moisture. If it's dry, it's time to water.
   
   
4. Nutrients:
   Use organic fertilizers. Rich soil is a good base, but additional nutrients (like worm castings or bat guano) make a big difference during flowering.

The Right pH Level

Your plant can only absorb nutrients properly at the correct pH level. For outdoor growing, a pH between 5.8 and 6.3 is ideal. Use a digital pH meter (e.g., from Milwaukee). If the value is too high, use a product like pH down to correct the acidity.

Choosing Outdoor Cannabis Seeds

Not every seed is suitable for outdoor growing. That’s why we offer various strains that have proven themselves in temperate climates. For beginners, we recommend autoflowers: they flower automatically, are less sensitive to light cycles, and are ready to harvest more quickly. Keep in mind that autoflowers are usually smaller than photoperiod strains.

When to Start Growing Cannabis Outdoors?

Once the risk of night frost has passed, you're good to go. May is usually a safe bet. By then, the days are long and warm enough for a strong start, with a beautiful harvest around August or September.

The Best Spot for Your Outdoor Grow

The right location makes all the difference. Choose a spot that:

• Gets plenty of sun (at least 6 hours a day).
• Is well protected from strong winds.
• Doesn’t get shaded by walls or trees.
• Stays dry – avoid spots where moss grows, as that indicates damp soil.
• Is nitrogen-rich – places where nettles previously grew are often ideal.

Best Season to Grow Cannabis Outdoors

Picked your seeds? Then it’s time to start growing outdoors! You can begin once there’s no longer a risk of frost. Young cannabis plants are vulnerable to night frost, which can be fatal. Spring is an ideal season for growing plants—but be sure the nights are frost-free!

May is generally the best month to start growing outdoors. By then, night frosts are usually over. This timing is comparable to the concept of the "last frost date" in many regions (typically between early and mid-May). The second half of May is ideal for germinating your cannabis seeds, ensuring a strong harvest in August. This timing also applies to autoflowering seeds.

Growing in Pots or in the Ground?

In Pots:

• More control over the environment.
• You can move your plant to optimize sunlight exposure.
• Use at least 20 liters, ideally 40–50 liters for larger plants.

In the Ground:

• Potential for larger plants and yields.
• Use airy soil enriched with compost.
• Pay extra attention to pests like slugs, ants, and aphids.

Pro tip from experience: Plant marigolds or basil near your cannabis plants. They naturally repel unwanted insects like aphids.

Legal Information About Outdoor Cannabis Growing

Important: growing cannabis plants is illegal in many countries, including the Netherlands, where small home grows are often tolerated but not officially allowed. Always research your local laws carefully and never grow more than is legally permitted (commonly up to 5 plants for personal use in tolerated areas). If you're growing for personal use, do so discreetly and respectfully.

Reliable English-language resources on cannabis cultivation laws:

• https://norml.org/
• https://www.leafly.com/learn/legalization
• https://cannabis.net/blog/news/legal-cannabis-growing-laws-in-your-country

Need Help or Want to Learn More?

Do you have questions about your outdoor grow or want to learn more about suitable products? We're happy to help. You’ll find more tips and insights in our other blog posts.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for educational purposes only. 24High does not encourage anyone to break the law. Growing cannabis is entirely at your own risk. Always check the current legislation in your area.