Outdoor Growing: Cannabis in the open air

Outdoor cannabis cultivation enables natural growth with impressive yields:

**Outdoor benefits:**

*Natural resources:*

- Free sunlight

- Natural air circulation

- Rainwater available

- Larger plants possible

- Lower operating costs

*Quality aspects:*

- Full spectrum sunlight

- Natural UV exposure

- Complex terpene development

- Authentic growing conditions

- Ecologically sustainable

**Site selection:**

*Light exposure:*

- Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight

- Optimal: 8+ hours daily

- South orientation preferred

- Morning sun particularly important

- Avoid shaded areas

*Soil quality:*

- Well-drained soil

- pH 6.0-7.0 optimal

- Nutrient-rich composition

- Deep root zone

- No waterlogging

*Protection factors:*

- Wind protection important

- Privacy screen for discretion

- Accessibility for care

- Water supply nearby

- Security against theft

**Timing and seasonal planning:**

*Vegetative phase (April-July):*

- Sowing/planting after the last frost

- Long days promote growth

- Regular supply of nutrients

- Training and structure building

- Pest monitoring

*Flowering phase (August-October):*

- Automatic start of flowering with shorter days

- Nutrient adjustment for flowering

- Mould prevention more important

- Intensify weather monitoring

- Harvest preparation

*Autoflower scheduling:*

- Multiple harvests per season possible

- Independent of day length

- April-September continuous

- Smaller plants, faster cycles

- Spread weather risk

**Soil preparation:**

*Improve native soil:*

- Work in compost

- Sand for drainage

- Perlite for aeration

- Organic fertiliser

- pH adjustment if necessary

*Raised Beds:*

- Better control over substrate

- Improved drainage

- Protection from soil pests

- Easier maintenance

- Higher quality possible

*Container growing:*

- Maximum mobility

- Complete substrate control

- Easier to hide

- Higher costs

- Irrigation more critical

**Nutrient management:**

*Organic fertilisation:*

- Compost and worm humus

- Bone meal and fish meal

- Manure (well rotted)

- Natural release

- Promote soil life

*Timing of fertilisation:*

- Spring: Nitrogen-emphasised

- Summer: Balanced fertilisation

- Late summer: phosphorus/potassium focus

- Autumn: Preparation for flowering

- Winter: Soil regeneration

**Irrigation strategies:**

*Use rainwater:*

- Install catchment systems

- Naturally soft water

- Free and sustainable

- Plan storage capacity

- Backup for dry periods

*Drip irrigation:*

- Efficient water utilisation

- Consistent supply

- Automation possible

- Combine mulch

- Minimise evaporation

*Drought strategies:*

- Choose deep-rooted varieties

- Mulch to conserve moisture

- Irrigate in the morning

- Install windbreaks

- Water storage in the soil

**Pest and disease management:**

*Preventive measures:*

- Companion Planting

- Encourage beneficial organisms

- Observe hygiene

- Resistant So