Tending to your cannabis plant in the summer sunshine is a form of meditation. Checking on the progress, making sure it is regularly watered, being part of the process makes partaking in the harvest that much more enjoyable. Sun. Fresh Air. Soil. You most likely already have access to the basics required for growing cannabis outdoors. While cannabis has been cultivated outdoors for thousands of years, it’s best to review some guidelines before putting clones in the ground. Check the policies in your area (Santa Rosa Cannabis Guidelines HERE) and then head into our Sonoma County Dispensary to pick out your very own cannabis clones. We’ve chatted with several knowledgeable members of our staff to bring you the 101 on your outdoor grow.
The experts we asked?
David Wingard: Flora Terra Founder & CEO
Scot Vensel: Cultivation Manager
Benny Thaibeau: Irrigation & Environmental Specialist
Offering a large selection of clones in Sonoma County, what new strains does Flora Terra have available this year?
- The Vapor fuel will be a good outdoor plant, Gelonade as well. Easy to grow and large yield. -DW
With so many plants to choose from, how does someone decide which ones to take home? Any tips on how to choose a clone at Flora Terra’s Sonoma Dispensary?
- Ask the staff. Let the sales person know your preferences and you will be pointed in the right direction. – DW
- I would select depending on sativa or indica dominance. Indica and sativas offer differing health benefits and feelings. Choose based on what you prefer to consume. Flower time is also a factor to consider. Sativas will also grow taller and ripen slower, while indicas will stay shorter and generally finish sooner. Beyond that, look at the thickness of the stalk and the presence of clean white roots growing out the bottom of the rockwool to indicate that the clone is strong and healthy. -SV
Pick out the clone, take it home, and now what? What other supplies are needed?
- A bucket and soil likely. The larger the planter, the larger the plant can get. Beginners should select a nice organic soil, nothing with time-release fertilizer, but maybe something with worm castings and a nice mixture of cocoa fibers and sand; the more drainage the better. Clean water is also very important. A small investment in an inline carbon hose filter can improve the overall health of the plants. This will remove chlorine and metals that negatively interact in the soil biome. Further into the growing season, expect to buy plant stakes to support your growing branches and heavy buds. -SV
- Watch our YouTube Video! – DW
Tips on finding the best place for our clone to grow?
- The plant will need to acclimate to the outdoors. It’s best to start in the shade and slowly move it into full sun. – DW
- Placing the clone in direct sun when getting home from our Santa Rosa Cannabis Club could be detrimental. The young plant will need time to adjust to the intensity of the sun. Shade cloth can be used, or placing the clone in partial shade will help. After a few days, move the plant to full sun to maximize growth. Be sure to keep your clone in sight so that you can enjoy it throughout the full growing season. -SV
How frequently do you need to be outside caring for the clones? How often does it need to be watered?
- The answer greatly depends on the location, strain, and intention. In general, the plant requires very little attention. One could simply plant their clone in high-quality soil, set up a water timer, and rarely check on the plant. However for a better flower, daily checks on your plant are most ideal. But don’t fiddle with it every day! Let the plant rest and recover after removing any leaves or topping any branches. Overwatering and underwatering are both very common issues. Depending on the size of the plant relative to the container, and the outside temps and humidity, plants will need water daily or maybe just every 3 or 4 days; sometimes it might be a heavy soaking and sometimes just a short burst is appropriate. The soil 2-3 inches down should be moist to the touch. Wait until it feels dry and then water until saturation (until water begins to drain from the bottom of the bucket.) Watch for the leaves to wilt, like flags in the wind, as a sign of underwatering. Watch for drooping, stiff leafs that bend downward, as a sign of overwatering. Watering appropriately keeps the soil biome alive and the plants happy. -SV
It’s been said that talking to plants makes them grow faster. Do you chat with cannabis?
- I do believe this is true. Talking and encouraging your plants sets a good intention for yourself and your plants. I try to keep a positive energy and attitude when I’m around my plants. This can change how you look at, and approach any issues you might have during the cultivation. Also, maintaining that positive energy ensures that working on and around my plants is fun, not really work. -SV
- I have full blown conversations with my plants! They are living beings and if you treat them with the same respect as any other creature, they will respond in kind. –BT
Is there a particular strain that you love to grow?
- I like growing exotics. The smoke is great. This year I am growing three different strains: Platinum Zkittels, Vapor Fuel, and Runtz. – DW
- I’ve always been fond of Grand Daddy Purple. Anything short and squatty with a fruity finish – BT
- I don’t have a favorite. I enjoy the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and smells that different strains have to offer. I like to keep it interesting and new. -SV
We don’t all have a green thumb and, for some of us, thinking about growing our own cannabis is a little intimidating. Words of encouragement for all the clone growing newbies?
- Cannabis is a plant. Focus on good soil, water and some plant food — it isn’t hard. – DW
- Just try it. The plant wants to succeed and produce. Often, it’s the first grow that gets one hooked on cultivation. Keep it fun and don’t stress. Working with your plants can be something to look forward to each week. I vividly remember my first crop. The first puff of smoking flower I grew was extra rewarding. -SV
- The best way to learn to grow cannabis is to make mistakes. No one starts out as a ‘Master Grower’, so be patient with yourself. With dedication and an open mind, you’ll surely get there. – BT
Any other tricks of the trade or clone caring tips you can pass along?
- Clones are fragile. Do more by doing less. Let your new plant get acclimated to its new home before really working on her. As she gets established, let her tell you what she needs and don’t try to force it. Do your own research, learn as much as you can, and try new things. There are many approaches to cultivating cannabis. Find what works for you, what’s fun for you, and enjoy the process. -SV
Visit our Sonoma County Dispensary and get your outdoor garden going! We’ve got the best clones in Santa Rosa and are happy to answer any additional questions that you might have. Happy growing season!
