The Transition of Cannabis Plants: From Indoor to Outdoor

When considering the transition of your cannabis plants from an indoor setup to the great outdoors, several factors need to be taken into account. This includes your location, the stage of growth, and your ultimate goals. Whether you're in a place like northern California, where I operate, or an area with different climatic conditions, the success of your outdoor grow heavily depends on how well you prepare your plants for the move.

Starting Inside and Moving Out

For instance, if you reside in northern California, like I do, and aim to grow a monster plant, it's imperative to start your cannabis plants indoors, either through seeds or clones. I begin in February, utilizing a greenhouse with supplemental heat and LED lights to ensure they receive 18 to 20 hours of light per day. This intensive light regimen helps the plants quickly become robust before I gradually reduce the light to match the sun's intensity by June. Once the plants are well-established, they are moved to large fabric pots outside the greenhouse, where they ultimately reach their peak productivity.

Challenges and Precautions

It's crucial not to expose the plants directly to intense sunlight initially, as this can lead to sunburn. Intuitively, placing your plant in a large pot is also advisable. However, your cannabis plant is still vulnerable to various threats once it is transferred outdoors. For example, there's a high risk of theft, and pests like wasps and spider mites can decimate your crop. Growing your plants indoors reduces the risk of spider mites and provides a nurturing environment, making them hardier and woodier when introduced to the outdoor environment. This robustness supports better bud development once the plants start flowering.

Gradual Exposure to the Outdoors

To ensure your plant maintains its health and growth during the transition, a gradual exposure to the outdoor environment is recommended. Begin by placing the plant in a shaded area for short periods, such as 5 minutes on the first day, increasing the time to 10 minutes on the second day, and so on. During this transition phase, consider repotting to a slightly larger container for better root development, but refrain from burying the plant in the ground as moving it once it's settled could be challenging.

Real-World Examples

I have experience with several successful outdoor grows, and here are a couple of examples:

Example 1: A plant that was started indoors in February, produced large buds, and then had the lights cycled back up to 20 hours per day to restart the vegetative phase. After weeks of growth outside, the plant is now entering the flowering stage, with an expected harvest in about two months. Example 2: Another plant was started indoors in the early spring to take advantage of the growing season's early part. This plant is currently thriving and shows significant growth, demonstrating the potential of this transition with proper care and planning.

In conclusion, transitioning your cannabis plants from an indoor setting to the outdoors can yield impressive results with the right approach. By following these steps and being mindful of the challenges, you can maximize your yields and ensure the health and vitality of your cannabis plants.