Growing Weed in Spring: Pros, Cons and When to Start Indoors and Outdoors

Spring is the best time of year to start an outdoor weed grow: days are getting longer, temperatures are climbing and your plants get a full season of sun ahead of them. Indoors, spring gives you a mild climate that's easy to control. Both setups have trade-offs, though, from power bills and odor indoors to pests and surprise cold snaps outside. Below we break down the pros and cons of growing cannabis in spring and suggested dates for both, in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

Growing Weed Indoors in Spring

Indoor grow: Growing cannabis indoors in spring has some real perks. Here's what works in your favor:

Pros:

1. Total control: In an indoor grow, you control the growing conditions, like temperature and light. That lets you grow through spring without stressing about the weather.
2. Vigorous growth: Spring brings longer days naturally, which helps the vegetative growth of cannabis plants, and indoors you can set the light schedule to get the most out of veg.
3. Fewer pest worries: Indoors, you're less exposed to the pests and diseases that can hammer plants outdoors.

Cons:

1. Energy costs: Indoor growing can get expensive because of the power needed to run lights and equipment. That adds to your total costs.
2. Technical know-how: You need some technical knowledge and gear to set up a proper indoor grow. That can be a hurdle for beginners.
3. Odor control: Indoors, you have to deal with the smell weed puts out, which may mean installing a carbon filter.

Growing Weed Outdoors in Spring

Outdoor grow: Growing cannabis outdoors in spring has its own upsides and challenges. Here's what's specific to an outdoor grow this time of year.

Pros:

1. Natural light: Spring brings a steady increase in daylight hours, which is great for plant growth.
2. Lower costs: Outdoor grows usually cost less to run than indoor ones, since you're relying on the sun and the outdoor environment.
3. A full season ahead: Starting outdoors in spring gives photoperiod plants the whole summer to grow big before they flower and get harvested in fall. Autoflowers started in spring can even be ready by summer, so you can make the most of the good weather.

Cons:

1. Exposure to the weather: Outdoor grows are at the mercy of changing weather, like unexpected rain or unusually cold temperatures. That can set your plants back.
2. Pest risk: Outdoor plants are more exposed to pests and diseases. You need to be ready to prevent and treat them.
3. Space requirements: Growing outdoors takes enough space and a sunny spot. You also need to think about privacy and security, especially where growing isn't regulated.

When to Start Growing Weed in Spring: Suggested Dates

In Argentina and the rest of Latin America, spring growing dates vary by region and local conditions. Here are suggested dates for kicking off the outdoor season (Southern Hemisphere first, with the Northern Hemisphere equivalent):

• Start of outdoor veg: Most commercial strains can start vegetative growth from October in the Southern Hemisphere (around May in the Northern Hemisphere), as daylight hours climb significantly.
• Start of outdoor flowering: Flowering can kick in from around February in the Southern Hemisphere (around August in the Northern Hemisphere), though timing varies with location and weather.
• Germinating seeds: If you're planning a spring grow, you can germinate your seeds before the season starts. That way you'll make the most of the lengthening days.
• Greenhouse growing: If you want extra control over conditions, a homemade greenhouse is an option. You can grow all spring long, taking advantage of natural light while protecting your plants from bad weather.

Growing cannabis in spring opens up some exciting possibilities, indoors or out. Which one you pick depends on your preferences, know-how and resources. Planning your season around spring's upsides and challenges will help you bring in a solid harvest of high-quality weed. Keep in mind that cannabis growing rules vary from place to place, in Argentina and everywhere else, so know your local laws and follow them. Enjoy your spring grow!