With some basic knowledge, good soil, clean water, and an open, well-lit space, it’s easy to grow a healthy cannabis crop. These plants are photoperiod-dependent, which means they move from the vegetative stage into the flowering phase as the nights get longer and the days get shorter. Using a grow calendar will help maximize your plants’ exposure to light before fall comes.
Dates to Remember
The vernal or spring equinox is a great day to start an outdoor crop by germinating some seeds. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, your plants will strive for that, too. If you’re growing outside, be sure all your plants are in place by the time the summer solstice arrives. After that, the sun will descend in the sky and the weather may start to cool—but your plants will fatten up with sticky, sweet buds. Though it may be tempting to do it earlier, try to wait for the fall equinox to harvest your crop.
By the time of the winter solstice, your crop should be harvested, cleaned, dried, and cured. Winter is a good time to make tinctures, topicals, and edibles with the trim from a bountiful harvest. Kick back, relax, and use winter’s downtime to make a marijuana growing calendar for next season.
Growth Phase Notes
It’s important to note that the times we’ve suggested are appropriate for locations in the Northern Hemisphere. You’ll want to adjust the calendar based on your climate, local weather, and geographical area.
Along with a grow calendar, it’s a good idea to track your plants’ progress. Taking notes and referring to them will help you learn from your mistakes and maximize crop quality and quantity.
Take detailed notes on how and when each step is performed, as well as weather conditions. Other notes may include how much water the plants get, when they are watered, and how they’re fed. Pictures may give a sense of how your plants are doing as they grow.
Buying Seeds: Timing is Everything
Deciding which strains to grow, where to buy weed seeds online, where you’ll plant the crop, and planning around your local climate and weather all take time and effort. And, once the seeds are ordered, it may take several weeks for them to come. When building a cannabis grow calendar, do your homework early so you’re not rushed—and so you don’t miss the right time to grow your crop.
Germinating and Sowing Seeds
It takes three to seven days for a cannabis seed to germinate. Many growers do it indoors because seeds are quite delicate, and it is easier to control the climate and temperature inside. However, if you live where it’s warmer, it’s possible to germinate seeds outdoors. Some growers even use small greenhouses to keep their seeds warm.
When you start the germination process depends on how big the plants are expected to be at harvest time. If high yields are the goal, the earlier the plants are grown, the bigger they will be. Keep in mind, though, that smaller cannabis plants are easier to prune, top, and manage.
Time to Step Outside
If you’re germinating and growing seeds indoors at first, the time between Mother’s Day and the summer solstice is the right time to move the seedlings outside so they can get more light. It’s best to have the plants six inches to one foot tall before transplanting them, so they’ll be strong and large enough to stand up to tough weather.
The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For: Harvest Time
The strains you’re growing and the local climate will determine the right time to harvest a crop. While indica-dominant strains usually grow bushier and stouter, they’re more susceptible to mold growth, so they are often harvested earlier in the season. On the other hand, sativas are taller and not as dense, so they can safely be harvested later.
Which Seeds Are Best for Your Calendar?
Now that you know a bit more about the cannabis calendar, which type of seeds are best for your schedule? Feminized seeds are great for growers who want big plants, high yields, and elevated cannabinoid levels. Autoflowering seeds, though, allow time-crunched growers to take a hands-off approach without sacrificing quality or quantity.
No matter your choice in cannabis seeds, following our basic calendar will provide you with great results and a sense of satisfaction. Once you’ve had a successful crop, it’s time to look to the future—and start planning your next growing season.
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