Outdoor Grow Risks: Rain, Wind, Mold and Pests That Threaten Your Weed

 

The biggest dangers of growing weed outdoors are heavy rain and root rot, strong wind (which breaks branches and carries pollen), mold, pests and, if you grow in containers, bad soil and over- or underwatering. Most of them can't be eliminated, but they can be managed with good drainage, windbreaks, regular inspections and a little planning. Here's how each risk plays out and what to do about it.

 

What are the risks of growing weed outdoors?:

 

When you grow weed outdoors, especially in unpredictable climates, there are a few risks to keep in mind. One is the weather itself, like heavy rain. Too much water can lead to root rot and stunted plants. To avoid that, make sure your soil drains well and shield your plants from extreme conditions with structures like greenhouses.

Strong wind is another risk for outdoor weed. Besides the physical damage it can do to your plants, wind can carry pollen and lead to unwanted pollination of your female plants. To cut that risk, use physical barriers or protective structures to soften the wind's impact on your plants.

 

The risks of growing weed in containers outdoors:

Growing weed in outdoor containers is a popular option for people without a garden or who want more control over their plants. But it comes with its own risks. One is getting the soil and containers wrong. A poorly chosen container or low-quality soil can hold back your plants' growth and development. Use the right containers with good drainage, and make sure you give your plants a quality growing medium.

The other risk is overwatering or underwatering. Too much water can waterlog the soil and cause root rot, while too little can dry out your plants and hurt their health. Find the right balance and check the moisture of your growing medium regularly so you water just right.

Environment:

Every garden and outdoor space is different: north or south, sunny or rainy, with different soils, surrounding vegetation, pests and diseases. To know what problems your outdoor grow might face, you have to pay close attention to its surroundings.

Rain:

There's no avoiding rain when you grow weed outdoors. Root rot can set in when there's too much water in the soil. That can stunt growth, because the roots don't get enough oxygen and nutrients can't flow and be absorbed properly by the rest of the plant.

Strong wind:

This is one of the most common problems outdoor growers face, and short of growing in a greenhouse there's not much you can do to fully solve it. Strong winds can carry pollen through the air, and that can lead to pollination if it reaches your female plants.

Mold:

Unlike an indoor grow, where temperature and humidity are under your control, outdoors you can't control either one. Keep an eye on your plants to prevent mold, especially during flowering. As soon as you spot mold, remove any affected part or parts of the plant. To lower the risk of mold, gently shake the buds or the whole plant after a heavy rain.

Pest infestations:

Pests are really hard to get rid of once they've hit your plants. Prevention is your best bet, but since you're growing outdoors, they're tough to control. Your best move is to check your plants regularly for damage from pests like slugs, snails and caterpillars. These pests can eat leaves, buds and even the whole plant. Spider mites and whiteflies are two other common pests that can damage your cannabis plants. You'll find them on the undersides of the leaves, and if you don't get rid of them, they can leave white and yellowish spots on the tops of the leaves.

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Which is better, indoor or outdoor growing?

Choosing between an indoor and an outdoor grow comes down to several factors and personal preferences. Both have their pros and cons. Here are a few things to weigh when deciding which option is best for you:

Indoor growing:

An indoor grow happens in a controlled environment, like a grow cabinet, a grow tent or a dedicated room. Some advantages of growing indoors:

1. Environmental control: Indoors, you have full control over conditions like light, temperature, humidity and airflow. That lets you optimize growth and get more predictable harvests.

2. Privacy and security: Growing indoors keeps your grow private and lowers the risk of theft or unwanted attention.

3. Year-round growing: An indoor grow lets you grow weed any time of year, no matter the season.

That said, indoor growing has its downsides too:

1. Upfront costs: An indoor grow takes a bigger initial investment in gear like grow lights, ventilation and pH meters, among other things.

2. Energy use: Running electrical equipment indoors can eat up a lot of power, which drives up long-term costs and has an environmental impact.

3. Limited space: Indoor grows usually come with space limits, which can cap how many plants you can grow.

Outdoor growing:

An outdoor grow happens in the open air, using natural sunlight. Some advantages of growing outdoors:

1. Natural light and space: Outdoor plants get direct sunlight, a more natural and powerful energy source. Plus, open-air space lets plants grow much bigger.

2. Lower energy costs: An outdoor grow doesn't need artificial lights or ventilation gear, which cuts your energy bill.

3. Bigger yield potential: In ideal conditions, outdoor plants can grow larger and produce more abundant harvests.

But outdoor growing has its downsides too:

1. Weather dependence: An outdoor grow is at the mercy of the weather and the seasons. Heavy rain, strong wind or extreme temperatures can hurt your crop.

2. Exposure to pests and disease: Out in nature, outdoor weed plants are more exposed to pests, insects and diseases that can damage the crop.

3. Less privacy and security: When you grow outdoors, it's harder to keep things private, and there's a bigger risk of theft or being spotted.

In the end, choosing between indoor and outdoor comes down to your circumstances, goals and preferences.

If you're just getting started, we recommend signing up for our Successful Grow Course (in Spanish).

Good training makes all the difference!

 

🌱 Want a permit to grow and transport cannabis in Argentina?

 

 

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