Since the Constitutional Court ruled that it was legal to grow and consume cannabis in September 2018, there’s no reason not to enjoy the local outdoor growing season.
But before you think cannabis is easy to grow because, you know, it’s also referred to as weed, you’re wrong. There’s a lot to master and learn. So rather than learning from your own mistakes, here is our quick-fire checklist.
Cannabis Climate
Climate has a huge impact on how cannabis grows. Aspects to consider are heavy rains, like in Joburg, or wind, like in Cape Town.
Heavy rains can cause the soil to become oversaturated and can damage the roots. If this is the case, you might want to consider planting your cannabis in a fabric pot to ensure proper drainage.
High winds will snap branches and generally bash the plant about. If this is the case, make sure to build a little windbreaker. After all, you don’t want your bud pre-ground on the plant.
Choose Your Cannabis Genetics
We’ve all heard about the different names of strains, like Durban Poison, but generally, if you have access to local strains, planting them outside shouldn’t come with many issues.
Then there’s the decision of choosing clones or seeds. While you won’t be able to purchase a clone in the local market, if you are gifted a cutting, it will ensure there’s no upsetting discovery that you’ve grown a male for months. This is the major drawback of utilising seeds sourced straight from an organic plant.
But if you are keen to grow from seed there are feminised seeds. These seeds are guaranteed to produce female plants. You can read more about seeds here, and if you’re not sure how to germinate your cannabis seeds you can read about it here.
Cannabis Soil
Soil is important for any gardening project. Whether you were planning on planting some lovely basil or the dankest White Widow, you need to ensure you have the correct mixture.
We stock loads of growing mediums in store, but what you want is soil that drains well, holds nutrients and has some compost in it.
Using Coco Coir in the soil mix will make sure that your plant has access to food and good drainage. If you’re still a little worried about your soil you can read more about it here.
Now, nutrients and feeding your plants.
Cannabis Nutrients
There are a tonne of products on the market. Also, in the marijuana growing community, everyone has their favourite so we’ve stocked a wide range.
But the best way to ensure your plants have access to nutritious soil is to toss in some worm castings. Then again, we know that some might be squeamish. Thus the products.
Just for your information, if you have transplanted your plant into a bigger pot, make sure to give it a week to recover from the stress (plants are alive) before adding nutrients to the soil.
If you remember these elements, you should be well on your way to growing some great cannabis.
And yes, we’ll be diving into more details soon. Maybe comment below what topic you want us to investigate first.
Also, if you feel like this list is far too long, you can always purchase our Zootly’s Nest all-in-one grow kit. It’s packed with everything you need to grow our own amazing cannabis plants.
Zootly Says: “I’m literally hooting with excitement! Share with us how you’re prepping your crop this year!”
Words By: Andrew Macfarlane, budding horticulturist and seasonal fan of summer