Backyard Cannabis Growing (As The Seasons Change)

As more states continue legalizing recreational marijuana, in turn, more people are growing cannabis plants in their backyards. Growing cannabis plants yourself is not only rewarding but much more cost-effective — especially for heavy consumers. Unlike growing indoors in a tent, there isn’t a limitation on how big these plants can get, leading to massive yields.

Even in states with cold seasons, it’s more than possible to follow a seasonal grow schedule and harvest enough cannabis to get you to the following season’s harvest.

However, before you run out and buy your first cannabis seeds, you’ll need to understand the basics of time your grow season for your climate and area. 

Grow Methods for Backyard Cannabis

First, you’ll want to determine the best place for these plants to take root and grow. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as digging a hole and tossing in the seeds.

Instead, there are a few outdoor growing methods to consider that will help ensure your plants do better and grow larger.

For example, one option is a raised plant bed, which has benefits like improved drainage, full control over soil quality, and better root development when compared to planting them directly into the ground in your yard. Three to 4 feet wide by 6 to 8 feet long are commonly recommended dimensions for raised beds, giving cannabis plant root systems enough space to work. For growing multiple plants, you will need 18-36 inches of space between each cannabis plant.

You can also grow more than just cannabis in the same bed, such as including some vegetables, as long as you have ample space for each of the plants.

Greenhouses are another outdoor backyard growing method many use because they combine the benefits of outdoor and indoor growing. This is because you have more control over elements like lighting and temperature, which means better control over growing cycles and when you harvest. You also can keep away cannabis-eating pests and protect young plants from inclement weather, leading to potentially higher and more consistent yields on your cannabis crops.

Greenhouses also offer some privacy for weed growing, as many come tinted or colored if discretion is a concern when growing cannabis in your yard.

The slight downfall of this method is that it is initially less cost-effective than growing in plant beds because you will need to purchase a bit more equipment upfront. Additionally, you will need to do some soil work or put the plants in pots when using the greenhouse method.

No matter which grow method you choose, be sure to do plenty of research to ensure you have your grow space prepped and ready to go before it’s time to plant them.

The strains you choose to grow should also be well-researched as some types, such as autoflower, are more ideal when using natural sunlight. Some cannabis strains can tolerate higher humidity, which is important for those using the greenhouse grow method.  

If you’re growing in a plant bed or directly in the ground, the timing of planting your seeds is even more crucial since you need to plan for harvesting them around late September or early October based on their flowering schedule.

Planting Cannabis in Your Backyard: Germinating

Before you toss that cannabis seed in the ground and call it a day, it’s best to start by germinating seeds in a particular way to give them the best chance at growth.

Typically, this looks something like soaking the seeds in distilled water for a day, transferring them to a moist paper towel, and then waiting for them to grow taproots before putting them in the soil where they will permanently grow.

If you want to skip the seedling stage, there are cannabis clone plants you can buy online to grant yourself almost a month’s head start.

The region you live in will depict when you are ready to start planting and growing outdoors, and more importantly, when they will be harvested. As such, one of the most important factors when growing cannabis is the photoperiod — when the plant moves into the flowering stage. Maximizing the plants’ exposure to light before fall is crucial, so getting your plants in the ground to align with this schedule is imperative.

In places like the northern hemisphere, you typically should be putting your plants in the ground between April and May. Finding a grow schedule calendar online that aligns with where you live can help with nailing down that planting sweet spot for your state.

With methods like greenhouse growing, where you can use artificial light in conjunction with the light coming into the greenhouse, this is a bit less imperative than planting them outdoors because the plants rely solely on the length of the days, temperature, and natural sunlight for their cycles.

Pro-Tips for Backyard Cannabis Growing

No matter which backyard method you plan to grow your cannabis plants, it will take some work and monitoring to ensure your plants grow correctly.

Cannabis plants need direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, and ideally around 12+ hours of sunlight, so keep this in mind when planning your grow location and grow method. When cannabis plants start to get less sunlight in the fall months, this is what triggers their flowering stage.

Temperature will also affect your plants’ growth rate. For example, temperatures over about 85° degrees cause plants to stop growing, and below 55° degrees can cause stunted growth, damage, or even make the cannabis plant die. The optimum temperature for weed plants to grow is about 70°- 85° F and about 10° cooler than that at night.

For plants not in a greenhouse, beware of heavy winds and rain as this can also damage your plants, leading to a reduced yield or mildew growth during the flowering stage. Consider planting your cannabis somewhere that has a natural windbreak, like a fence, a large bush, or a wall.

Soil and soil nutrients are vital to healthy cannabis plant growth. You’ll need to purchase soil or test your soil to ensure you have the right balance of these nutrients specific to cannabis plants. Even if you plan to simply dig a hole and plant your cannabis plants in the ground without a plant bed or greenhouse, you will need to ensure your soil is going to meet your plants’ needs. If you plan to try and use the soil already available in your yard, get your soil tested to be sure the PH levels are correct, that it holds moisture correctly, and that there aren’t any contaminants present.

Many choose to purchase pre-made soils specific to cannabis plant needs, as this is the easiest way to start your cannabis gardening journey.

Keep in mind that whether the plant is in the ground, a plant bed, or a pot will also affect the cannabis plant’s water intake. Researching the amount of water needed for your choice of grow method ahead of time will be helpful. Too much water or not enough will also cause growth issues in cannabis plants.

If your plants aren’t under the protection of a greenhouse, be sure to look into options for natural, non-harsh chemical pest control methods that are safe for ingesting or inhaling the plant later.

Finally, research pruning cannabis plants, which is the art of strategically removing leaves and branches to increase light and air circulation.

Final Thoughts  

Growing cannabis in your backyard can be an incredibly rewarding and cost-effective endeavor, especially for those who consume regularly. Whether you choose to plant directly in the ground, use raised beds, or invest in a greenhouse setup, success depends on careful planning, research, and ongoing monitoring.

From selecting the right strains to ensuring the plants have the right light, temperature, and soil conditions, each step plays a crucial role in maximizing your yield and succeeding in healthy plant growth. By following these practices and adapting to your climate, you can enjoy a harvest that will last you until the next growing season.