A Guide to Growing Cannabis Outdoors in the US

Growing cannabis in the US can be a truly rewarding experience, but it does take a bit of careful planning and timing. The country has diverse climates, from the chilly northern states to the sun-kissed south, so getting to know your local conditions is essential for nurturing healthy plants. Of course, you should be aware of your state laws too, which we will discuss later.

Whether you're just starting your journey or you're a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will help you sail through the growing season with confidence. It offers valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of your cannabis cultivation.

Factors to Consider When Growing Cannabis in the US

Remember, this grow calendar is more of a guideline than a set-in-stone rule. Think of it as a rough map to help you time your cannabis cultivation. Why? Because in most parts of the US, the growing season isn't a year-round luxury.

Generally, February is when you'll want to start prepping for your grow. Since cannabis plants usually take about 3 to 4 months to reach full maturity, you'll likely harvest your hard work around October. That's the average growing season — give or take a few weeks.

But here's the catch: the strain you choose, the size of your plants, your local weather, and the growing environment you create all play a big role in how long the process takes. These variables can stretch or shorten your plant's life cycle, so stay flexible.

For this guide, the timing advice is based on typical conditions in northern states like New York, Chicago, and Seattle, as well as southern states such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami. Keep in mind that your specific area might have its own quirks, so don't be afraid to adjust.

U.S. State Regulations for Growing Cannabis Outdoors

The laws permitting outdoor growing of cannabis vary greatly across the United States, so knowing the laws in your state is important to stay compliant and out of trouble.

• Recreational vs. Medical Cannabis

The laws associated with cannabis cultivation change based on whether a state has legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use.

Recreational States

Places like California, Oregon, and Colorado allow adults to grow cannabis for their own use without a doctor's note. These states usually put a cap on the number of plants and make growers comply with certain rules. Even if cultivation for recreational use is not restricted, other requirements may apply, such as securing your grow space and keeping plants out of sight of others.

Medical-Only States

In states where cannabis is legal only for medical use (e.g. Arizona, Florida), home cultivation will usually be limited to registered patients or caregivers. A state-authorized medical marijuana card may be required for patients. Moreover, patients must comply with stricter regulations like growing only a limited number of plants to meet their medical needs.

Prohibited States

There are some states where no cannabis growing is allowed, even for medical use; you'll face stiff penalties for trying to grow weed in these states.

Thus, if you want to grow cannabis outdoors, you need to confirm the latest laws of your state and locality. Laws may vary and even municipalities within the same state can have extra laws.

• Plant Limits

So, how many plants can you grow in states where both recreational and medical use is okay? Well, it again depends on your state laws. 

For example, in California, people can grow six plants in a single household, no matter how many people live there. In Oregon, individuals can cultivate up to four plants at home, whereas in Nevada, people can have six plants. However, there is a cap of 12 plants.

That said, some states allow medical patients to grow more plants than recreational users. For example, card-bearing patients in Michigan are allowed to grow 12 plants at home. Also, states may allow caregivers to grow additional plants for registered patients under care.

In any case, make sure you know local plant limits! Going beyond the limit could get you fined!

• Visibility

In most states, you have to hide cannabis plants from public view. In California, the public shouldn't have any access to the plants. To be compliant with this requirement, fences or other opaque barriers may be necessary.

• Residential vs. Agricultural Zones

Some cities only allow outdoor cannabis cultivation in farmland areas. City and suburb locations might restrict the rules or prohibit outdoor growing altogether.

• HOA and Landlord Rules

Even in states where cannabis cultivation is permitted, homeowners' associations and landlords can impose further restrictions on it.

Here's a tip: Watch out for the zoning laws, your homeowner's association (HOA), or rental agreements before you start an outdoor grow. 

• Age Restrictions

Your state's legalization type will dictate age requirements for growing cannabis.

Recreational States

In most states, to cultivate cannabis for personal use, growers must be 21 years or older. Adults aged 18 to 20 might receive penalties for cultivation, regardless of whether cannabis is legal for recreational use. 

Medical States

Patients under 21 years old may be allowed to grow cannabis if they are registered with the state's medical marijuana program, but a caregiver may need to manage the plants. Caregivers are adults, usually aged 21 and older who comply with medical cultivation laws.

It's important to know and comply with the specific regulations in your state to grow your plants outdoors successfully. Always research state and local rules carefully as they depend on each other or will override each other.

Month-by-month Guide to Grow Cannabis Outdoors in the US

With that out of the way, let's take a look at how you can grow cannabis outdoors in good ol' USA. 

• February: Prepare for Growing Cannabis

If you're up north, February is still too cold to plant cannabis outdoors, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start. Use this month to gather everything you'll need — seeds, soil, pots, and any equipment that you may have missed.

In cities like Boston or New York, you can begin sprouting your seeds indoors in a controlled environment. Just keep in mind that outdoor planting is a no-go until the frost is gone.

Now, if you're lucky enough to live in the southern US, February might already feel like spring. In warmer spots like Houston or Miami, the frost risk may have passed, and you can start growing cannabis outdoors. 

With the luxury of a longer growing season, you can opt for strains that grow taller and wider since they'll have plenty of time to reach their full potential.

If it's still a bit chilly, start germinating your seeds indoors. You can also prepare your outdoor soil by loosening it up with some compost and worms. That way, when the time comes, your plants will have the perfect home waiting for them.

• March: The Growing Season Begins

By the end of March, if you're up north, you can finally start sprouting their seeds. Even a sunny windowsill can do the trick, as long as your plants get plenty of daylight. If sunlight is still limited, a small grow lamp can help give your seedlings the light boost they need.

Down south, March often feels like summer's early arrival. If you haven't sprouted your seeds yet, now's the time. Whether you're germinating on a windowsill or outdoors, just ensure your plants are getting enough sunlight. 

• April: Move Your Plant Outdoors

By mid to late April, the northern US starts enjoying days that stretch beyond 14 hours of sunlight. This means you can finally bid goodbye to grow lights. And if you're on the West Coast, this is the perfect time to transplant your cannabis outdoors. 

However, in areas where nights are still chilly — like parts of the Midwest — you might need to bring your plants inside at night for a little extra warmth. During the day, though, they can soak up all that glorious sunshine.

April is perfect for southern states. Temperatures are already high, and the days keep getting longer, especially after the second week. If your area gets more than 13 hours of daylight, your plants can thrive on a sunny windowsill without any artificial lighting. 

In the Southeast, where spring is the warmest, you can confidently move your plants outdoors and let nature take the wheel.

• May: You Can Leave Your Plants Outdoors Full-Time

With May comes warmer temperatures and longer days, making it the ideal time to move your cannabis outdoors in the US — even in places like Alaska! With spring in full bloom, pun intended, you can safely leave your plants outside without worrying about bringing them in at night.

• June: Help Your Cannabis Thrive

Cannabis plants grow everywhere in the US in June, whether you're in the North or the South; this is when your plants will experience their most rapid growth. 

This period is especially critical as plants will stretch out and build their structure. Even autoflowering strains will shift gears, growing quickly and beginning to develop flowers by the end of the month.

At this stage, your focus should be on providing your plants with everything they need to thrive. Nutrients are your best friend — make sure your plants are well-fed to maximize their growth potential. 

• July: Wait for the Flowers

In the northern US, cannabis plants that you selected for their early flowering traits will begin to show their first pistils by July. Down south, some plants may also start transitioning into the flowering phase as daylight hours gradually decrease.

For autoflowering strains, July is an exciting month. You'll notice their buds growing significantly, so it's time to start preparing for the harvest — it's just around the corner!

• August: Harvest Your Autoflowering Cannabis

Autoflowering cannabis plants that began their journey in May are now ready for harvest. Carefully cut the buds and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space. Be patient during the drying process, which typically takes about ten days. 

For photoperiod cannabis plants, August marks the beginning of the flowering stage in regions where days are shorter than 14 hours. In some southern states, photoperiod plants might even be ready for harvest if the daylight falls below 13 hours.

If your photoperiod plants are still flowering, you must protect them. Strong winds or rain can damage flowerheads, so you can build a greenhouse shelter or bring the plants indoors. Alternatively, you can use bamboo stakes to provide support if rain isn't a concern.

• September: Wrapping It Up

As winter looms in the northern US, it's time to move your photoperiod plants indoors or provide shelter to keep them dry and protected from strong winds. If bringing them inside isn't an option, consider building a makeshift greenhouse.

By late September, fall will officially begin. However, the Midwest will see a gradual transition, and regions like Alaska may still enjoy extended daylight hours. You should plan your harvest accordingly.

In southern states, fall might not be as noticeable, with temperatures remaining consistent. However, shorter days by the end of the month signal that the growing season is nearing its end. It is time to be ready to harvest your plants as they reach full maturity.

• October: End of the Growing Season

Autumn fully sets in across the US this month, and if your cannabis plants haven't bloomed by September, they will now.

In colder regions like Alaska, the Midwest, and the Pacific Coast, bud rot becomes a significant concern. This is also true for the heartland, where mold issues can affect your crop. Keep a close eye on your plants and act quickly if you spot signs of rot or mold.

Temperature monitoring is critical during this time. While most cannabis varieties can survive short periods of freezing temperatures, prolonged exposure can be fatal. If a severe cold snap is on the horizon, harvest your plants immediately to save your crop.

Indoors vs. Outdoors: Where Should You Grow Cannabis?

If you have space, you can grow cannabis outdoors which can benefit you in many ways. If you have access to a proper outdoor area like a backyard, a garden, or a larger piece of land of your own, outdoor growing can improve yields, be cost-effective, and be environmentally friendly. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is often the ideal option when there is adequate space to do so.

If you're wondering whether you should grow outdoors or indoors and can't make up your mind, Here are a few reasons that may help you make a decision: 

• Maximum Yield Potential

People can grow cannabis outdoors, which yields larger buds as cannabis plants grow bigger in the sun. Outdoor plants generally have more space than indoor plants, so they can achieve their full genetic potential. Growing outside usually provides a much larger harvest than indoor grows because plants are not limited by pot size or the restricted area of a grow room. Because of the natural environment, the root systems of plants can develop extensively, the stem gets bigger, and the canopy can become fuller, which ultimately increases bud production.

Plants grown outdoors can be quite a bit bigger and taller than their indoor counterparts. They can reach a height of 6 – 12 feet or even higher. This allows them to produce more buds than most indoor plants, which can be limited by ceiling height and grow space.

Cannabis prefers natural sunlight that grows outdoors as it helps with photosynthesis, ultimately helping the plant grow to its full potential. Larger plants with better growth processes result in greater productivity.

• Lower Operational Costs

If you've got the space, growing cannabis outside is a lot cheaper than indoors. Indoor growing uses a lot of energy, which can lead to high utility bills for everything from lights to climate control. Don't forget that you'll also be spending on expensive grow lights. Sure, there are many cheaper LED lights that cost only about $100, but most of them are cheap fakes from China and don't perform as well as they should. 

In contrast, outdoor growing uses the free resources of nature. As long as you place your plants in a sunny spot where they can receive abundant warmth from the sun, you're golden. In addition, you may not even have to spend a lot on water or irrigation systems as rainfall can cut back or eliminate the need for expensive systems and save water and energy costs.

Without the need for an indoor grow light and climate control systems, outdoor growers do not need to worry about high electric bills, which are common in an indoor grow setup.

• Environmental Sustainability

Growing plants outside is a sustainable alternative, especially if you are careful about the environment. When you grow cannabis outdoors, you take advantage of a natural system. This helps reduce the footprint of your grow. Here's how:

• Growing plants outdoors saves energy because sunlight is used for lighting, which is not the case for indoor grows.
• As mentioned earlier, outdoor growers can use rainwater or natural water sources which lessen their dependence on municipal water systems. When rain falls regularly in the area, outdoor growing is much more sustainable.
• Most outdoor growers also use organic methods to grow their plants. In turn, their plants grow well when the soil is nutrient-rich and healthy. With so much space, they can even make their own compost, and use natural pest control and crop rotation to build healthy soil and enhance biodiversity.

• Plants are Healthier and Taste Better

When grown outside, the overall health of the cannabis is likely to be better, and the flavor of the buds will be richer than indoor cannabis. There's a simple reason behind this: when plants are exposed to things in nature, like wind, rain, and sunlight, they can get stronger against pests and diseases. Plants grown indoors are often weaker with their grown settings not able to replace sunlight and other aides that could be more useful outdoors. 

Additionally, when cannabis plants are grown under the sun, they develop a stronger smell and flavor due to so many terpenes. Ultimately, the buds are stronger and more nuanced in flavor. Growing cannabis plants outdoors will make them have stronger stalks and larger buds. In turn, this makes for a better final product.

If you're wondering if there are any scientific studies to back this claim, well, there aren't many. This small study shows that buds grown outdoors have more cannabinoids like THC, but you don't need a study to realize that plants grown outdoors are larger and happier than those grown indoors. 

• Privacy and Safety at a Remote Site

With your private or secluded outdoor area, growing cannabis outdoors can offer you an extra level of privacy. Unlike indoor grows that take many security measures, outdoor plants in remote locations can be hidden securely or grown behind fences, trees, or areas not easily visible to neighbors or pedestrians.

Having this level of privacy can be particularly advantageous for people with large rural properties or gardens. You can even plant other plants along with your cannabis plants to get things going and prevent pests! Yes, that's the beauty of companion planting. While outdoor grows can attract a lot of attention in urban or suburban areas, private risk-free places can be perfect for growing cannabis.

• Reduced Risk of Overcrowding and Stress

Plants grown indoors often have limited space and eventually get overcrowded with limited light, nutrients, and space. When plants get too crowded, they get stressed, and such plants yield. Suffice it to say that the final product will be weak. 

But, when you're growing cannabis outside, space is less of an issue. The plants are free to spread out and grow without worrying about overcrowding. They don't have other plants competing for space. Of course, not everyone has acres of land to grow cannabis, but you can still grow them in separate containers and get great results. 

Also, don't forget that plants growing outdoors are less susceptible to mold and mildew as they have adequate air circulation. 

• Connection with Nature

If you cultivate the plants outdoors, you will be more connected to nature, which can be rewarding. Whether growing them in an apartment garden, backyard, or rural plot, you can see life come full circle. From germination to harvest, you'll be able to witness the complete cycle. 

Although you can do this even with plants growing indoors, you won't be able to connect with them as much as plants growing outdoors. Being in touch with nature will not only help you grow your buds more enjoyably but also help you learn much more about your local environment and how nature works.

Being outside in fresh air while managing the natural resources as well as working with your plants in a more organic way usually gives the entire experience much more meaning and sustainability.

So, outdoor cannabis cultivation is generally better for maximizing profits, reducing costs, and eco-friendliness if you have the space to do so. Try your best to grow outdoors if you live in an area where cannabis is legal because outdoor growing lets you cultivate healthy, high-quality cannabis efficiently at a lower cost. This is because your plants get access to natural sunlight, larger growing areas, and fewer resource requirements. Also, as you watch your outdoor plants flourish in nature, the pleasure of growing outdoors may be higher than that of growing indoors. If you have the space, growing cannabis outdoors is arguably the best method for growing cannabis.

Choose the Best Location to Grow Cannabis Outdoors

One of the most important factors that can ensure a successful outdoor cannabis harvest is choosing the right place. The right spot will have all the factors including sunlight, soil air circulation, and more to help the plant grow healthy. 

Here's a breakdown of the top considerations when choosing the best spot for your outdoor cannabis garden: 

1. Sunlight Requirements

Your cannabis plants need as much light as possible to grow well, whether they are growing indoors or outdoors. But since we are talking about growing cannabis outdoors here, let's talk about sunlight.

Location: First, choose a spot that helps the plants get a lot of sunlight, preferably from mid-morning to late afternoon. Whether you're growing photoperiods or autoflowers, the plants need at least 18 hours of sunlight. And, although most locations don't get 18 hours of light, you should do the best you can. More sunlight is better for your plants and more sunlight means more photosynthesis, which means stronger plants with better yields.

Southern Exposure: In the northern hemisphere, locations facing south typically get the most sunlight, which means they are best to cultivate cannabis. This is very crucial in areas that have low light intensity or shorter growing seasons.

Shaded Areas: Cannabis can stand some shade but does not grow as vigorously when placed in shaded areas. Therefore, do not choose locations that are obscured by tall trees, buildings, or other obstructions as this would limit direct sunlight to the plants.

Tracking Sunlight: If you're not sure about how much sunlight a specific spot receives, you can track the path of the sun during the day to identify areas that get maximum sunlight. 

2. Soil and Drainage Conditions

Growing cannabis in the right soil is very important for roots and the health of the plant overall. Cannabis plants thrive in light, airy soil that allows oxygen to penetrate their roots. Poor soil conditions can cause plants to develop root rot, nutrient deficiencies, or stunted growth. Here are a few ways to identify the condition of your soil:

• Soil Type: Cannabis plants benefit from loamy soil — a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Many growers use loamy soil because it retains moisture while draining excess water. On the other hand, if your soil has too much clay or is very sandy, you can add some organic matter to amend it. 
• Soil pH: Cannabis prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0 to flourish. If the soil you're using is too acidic or alkaline, it can prevent the plants from absorbing nutrients even if you provide it. Therefore, check your soil's pH using a digital pH meter for maximum accuracy. Some growers use probes or pH test strips, but they aren't nearly as accurate. Then, if it's necessary, you can use lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it as needed. 
• Drainage: If you're growing your plants in the ground, you must pick a spot that has ample drainage. Also, don't go for low-lying locations as water is more likely to pool in there. You can add organic compost or sand to heavy soil or use raised beds to elevate the plants to improve drainage. 

In any case, it's best to use containers even if you're growing outdoors. Of course, growing cannabis in the ground provides it with a lot of nutrients naturally and you can go for it if you have fertile land; however, using containers will help you move the plants just in case you need to. 

In addition, you can use containers like fabric pots to improve the drainage to a large extent. Truth be told, using fabric pots is like growing your plants in the ground as it allows maximum air circulation, and the roots will have an opportunity to extend a lot. 

• Nutrients: Cannabis requires different nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. And, don't forget the micronutrients too. Although the plants need very little, they won't be able to function properly without them. Therefore, soil enriched with organic matter such as mulch, compost, or worm castings will help your plants satisfy their nutrient needs.  Add a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments to the soil if it doesn't have all the nutrients the plant requires. 

3. Protection from the Wind and Pests

Growing outdoors has its advantages but it also exposes the plants to pests and other threats like the weather. The location should be such that natural hazards and disasters do not pose a threat to it. Here's how to protect your plants.

• Stay away from areas that get a lot of foot traffic and also avoid areas around plants that are likely to attract many types of insects. Instead, select an area that is distant from thick shrubbery or plant gardens as these may harbor pests.
• If you see lots of pests in plants in surrounding areas, you can plant companion pest-repelling plants like marigolds, basil, or lavender around cannabis. You can use these plants to repel a number of common pests naturally. Or, you can get beneficial insects as they will be more than happy to get rid of the pests for you. In any case, check the plants frequently to identify pest infestations and take necessary actions accordingly.  Pesticides made from organic compounds like neem oil will control insect pests.
• Strong winds can break branches of tender cannabis plants and cause the soil to dry out too fast. Therefore, protect your plants from the wind. Also, pick a spot that has natural windbreaks like walls, fences, and tall hedges to protect your plants from strong winds. It protects from the stress of wind and offers good airflow. 

In addition, planting shrubs or temporary windbreaks (tarp, netting, etc.) are good options if you're growing in an open area and if your plants experience serious windburn. You can also set up a physical barrier like a trellis or fence to block the wind while allowing your plants to grow as they would naturally.

4. Preventing Frost and Extreme Temperatures

Cannabis can withstand different temperatures, but it performs best if you grow it in a place with moderate and consistent weather. That said, be very careful and make sure the plants are not exposed to frost as they can reduce the yields. To prevent frost-related issues, you should plan ahead and make sure that you harvest before the frost comes in. You can also pick strains with a short flowering cycle or use row covers or greenhouses to protect your plants.

5. Security and Privacy

Besides environmental elements, the safety and privacy of the place also matter. If you're growing weed in legal outdoor growing territory, but are worried about how neighbors may react (not that it matters but it's best to keep your grow private even if it's legal), you can build a strong fence or enclosure around your grow site to protect your plants from vandalism or theft. A locked, opaque barrier also prevents the public from seeing plants and maintains privacy. You can also grow in more remote locations as it means fewer visitors. So, your plants will not get stolen or damaged by accident.

As you can see, the location you choose to grow cannabis outdoors matters a lot. To optimize your cannabis garden, you must pay attention to sunlight, and healthy soil, and also protect the plants from strong winds and pests. By paying careful attention to these factors, you will be able to grow cannabis outdoors with great success.

More Tips for Growing Cannabis Outdoors in the US

We've almost covered everything, but to help you get the best results, here are some more tips to help you:

• Autoflowering cannabis thrives between April and October. For best results, start in April when temperatures are moderate. If your area is still cold or wet, germinate indoors or wait until conditions improve.
• Avoid germinating seeds too early, as plants might flower prematurely. Base your timing on your local climate and growing season. Generally, late March or April is ideal for most regions.
• Photoperiod cannabis typically has a pre-flowering phase lasting 1-3 weeks, varying by strain and climate. During this time, you can identify male or female plants. Check your strain's characteristics and the growing calendar for guidance.
• The flowering stage for photoperiod plants lasts 8-10 weeks, depending on the strain and region. In areas with short seasons or long-flowering strains, use a tarp to provide 12 hours of darkness to encourage early flowering and protect against frost.

Summary: A Guide to Growing Cannabis Outdoors in the US

Growing cannabis in the US requires patience, knowledge, and adaptability. By following this guide and tailoring your approach to your local climate and chosen strains, you can enjoy a successful growing season and a bountiful harvest. 

Stay vigilant, learn from your experiences, and don't hesitate to experiment with your region's unique conditions. With the right care and preparation, you'll be well on your way to cultivating premium cannabis at home.