Preparing Your Cannabis Garden | EP3

[00:16] We hope you enjoyed the previous episodes and you're now eager to get started. This episode covers everything you need to prepare for the season ahead, starting with location.
 

[00:29] Hi guys. Welcome back to How to Grow Cannabis Outdoors with Nikki and Swami.
 

[00:46] Your outdoor space could be anything from a small balcony to a vast sprawling farm. Whatever the size or landscape, you still need to decide the best place to grow your plants. Close to the house might be too shady, whereas the sunniest spot could be a mile from your door. It's useful to know what really matters when choosing your spot — you can't really change your mind once you have a six-foot plant in the ground.
 

[01:23] Like buying a property, the three most important words when growing outdoors are location, location, location. First, the location needs to be accessible. You need to be able to get there every day for feeding, watering, checking for males, and all sorts of things. It could be the sunniest spot on earth, but if you need a hobbit-style quest to get there every day, it's just not going to work.
 

[01:56] The second most important thing is sunshine — more is definitely merrier. Find the sunniest place in your garden or deck, taking into account that in spring and fall the sun is lower than midsummer. A light breeze is also important, but we mean light. If the best spot also suffers high winds, you'll need to create a natural windbreak with large shrubs or install a wall or fence for protection.
 

[02:21] If you want to plant straight into the ground, you'll need a spot with good soil. This means wheelbarrow access and a bit of a mess, so be prepared.
 

[02:42] The next thing to consider is pests, large and small. Do your existing plants suffer from infestations? Do they get attacked by rabbits, deer, or gophers? Secure your grow with adequate fencing. Consider companion plants to deter non-beneficial insects, and make sure you keep everywhere clean and tidy. Finally, check your local laws and regulations. If your plants need to be out of sight, make sure they are. Whatever you need to do, do it.
 

[03:21] The word earth can mean different things — the earth as a planet, or the earth in your hand. The planet is home to millions of animals, and each handful of soil is home to billions of organisms. Everything that treads the earth or soars above is linked to everything in the soil. This is what all regenerative growers need to understand. Growing cannabis in soil is a responsibility.
 

[03:56] Building up the fertility of the soil takes time — at least three to four years. This is a good reason to work on improving the soil you have rather than throwing it away and buying new soil every year. It's also cheaper and much better for the environment. Whether beginner or experienced gardener, if you're using existing soil, you should have it tested and follow the laboratory's recommendations.
 

[04:35] When buying new commercial soil, check with your nursery. You can also buy commercial compost, worm castings, chicken and steer manure, and many other essential amendments. These ingredients can be used to make your own cannabis soil and are great for increasing yield and potency. Just make sure your pH stays between six and seven. We use chicken manure and even alpaca manure from our neighbour up the hill. We've also used alfalfa meal, sea kelp, wood chips, leaves, compost from worm castings, rock phosphate, greensand, gypsum, and azomite. Whatever we use, we insist on strictly organic and mineral products.
 

[05:20] Most conscientious growers shy away from bat guano and seabird guano — harvesting the droppings disturbs the nesting habitats and the working conditions for employees can be very deplorable. Peat moss is also frowned upon; the removal of peat changes the ecosystem left behind and it takes centuries to grow back. As for blood meal, bone meal, and feather meal — please make your own ethical decisions. As vegetarians, we choose not to use these ingredients. Plus, they can attract large animals like bears. By thinking deeply about the earth in your hand, you can be part of restoring the earth we all share. Aim for purity, go organic, and leave a small carbon footprint. Your cannabis will taste and smell and feel a billion times better for it.
 

[06:22] Let's recap. Your outdoor growing spot needs to be accessible — usually close to your house. It needs to be as sunny as possible, with a light breeze, and you need good soil with at least room to amend or replace existing soil. Your spot needs to be secure from pests and conform to local laws. Tick all those boxes and you're good to go. In the next episode, we're going to help you become proud parents — the time has come to germinate your seeds.
 

[07:02] Hey home growers. I'm Parker Curtis from Homegrown Cannabis Co. Thanks for watching How to Grow Cannabis Outdoors with Nikki and Swami. Grab your seeds at homegrowncannabisco.com and use promo code SWAMI10 for 10% off. See you in the garden.