It's not quite the season, but there's a spring in our step, and it's never too early to get prepped to grow cannabis outdoors. So here we are again, with more cannabis seeds from which to choose than Starlink satellites in the sky; we better start prepping if we want to get a summer crop. Plus, the planning is part of the fun.
Here are five reasons to grow cannabis outdoors
Bigger Yields
On average, growing cannabis outdoors leads to higher yields than indoor crops. It's not always the case, but if you live somewhere warm and dry enough, cannabis plants will flourish outdoors and outperform any indoor plant. Growing outdoors is usually less hassle than growing cannabis at home in a grow room or a grow tent. The sun is all the lighting set-up you need, and by harnessing its natural power, outdoor plants can reach their full potential without maximum effort from the grower.
Tip: To maximize yield, train your plants using low-stress training (LST) or topping to encourage bushier growth and more bud sites.
Free lights
The sun does not charge, but your electrical supplier does. Growing cannabis outside means free power, baby. Let your plants bask in the sun's rays, and let that big old start do all the hard work. For the nerds, natural sunlight provides a full light spectrum, helping the plants thrive without the pesky human touch.
Tip: The sun might be your friend, but some elements can ruin a good crop on a bad day. Too much wind or rain will cause your plants to take a beating and spend time recovering rather than growing. The best thing to do is protect them with a greenhouse or polytunnel. Or move somewhere where you don't have to worry about the climate.
More vigorous, harder cannabis plants
Cannabis plants grown outdoors tend to be taller and more resilient to pests and diseases thanks to thicker stems and root systems. Although too much wind and rain might damage your crop, a little bit will go a long way to making your plants way more resilient than if you'd grown cannabis indoors.
Tip: The roots need to breathe to get the best root systems, so plant directly in the ground or large fabric pots. Doing either will give your plants the space to spread and absorb those crucial nutrients they need to thrive. A strong root system will help the plant resist drought and pests.
Eco friendly
Growing cannabis outdoors is more sustainable than indoor growing, and it's better for the planet. There's no need for energy-hungry grow lights, ventilation systems, or dehumidifiers. Just soil on which you stand, water, and sunshine.
Tip: Keep it sustainable using compost and organic feeds; the soil's overall health will improve and benefit future growth.
Better Cannabis: Indoor vs Outdoor
This might cause debate because there are a lot of variables to consider before claiming cannabis grown outdoors is better than indoor cannabis. But yes, if you have the optimal conditions to grow outdoors and you select the right genetics for the job, growing outdoors almost always results in better cannabis. Outdoor-grown cannabis tends to have richer terpene profiles thanks to exposure to natural elements. Sunlight, soil nutrients, and fresh air contribute to more aromatic, flavorful, and potent buds than indoor-grown plants.
Tip: Want even more flavour? Use companion plants like basil, lavender, or marigold around your cannabis. Find out why they might be key to a killer crop.
Outdoor Cannabis Seeds at Amsterdam Seed Center
Are you ready to grow outdoors this season? If this has you hungry for outdoor cannabis seeds, then check out our seed finder and search through over 1000 cannabis seeds online. One of them might be the ideal cannabis seed for you.