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by Lee G . Lyzit
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I ’ ve started my plants indoors for the first time because the growing season is pretty short where I live , but I ’ m not sure when the best time to move them outside is . Can I just take them outside when it ’ s warm enough or should I do it gradually ? Thank you !
— Leora L .
Thank you for your question . Although cannabis is pretty resilient , it is still very important to slowly transition plants to an outdoor environment after being started indoors . Even the most efficient and effective horticultural lighting source is a drop in the bucket compared with the sun . Plants that are not transitioned properly to direct sunlight can experience significant damage . The wind , weather , and temperature fluctuations from daytime to nighttime should also be considered when transitioning your cannabis plants outdoors . The process of transitioning cannabis plants started indoors to an outdoor environment is known as hardening off . Hardening off is defined as the process of gradually exposing tender plants to sunlight , wind , and temperature fluctuations . Determining your growing zone is the first step when bringing your cannabis plants outdoors . A quick internet search should disclose this information . Once you know your growing zone , you can find out your area ’ s last average frost date . Unless protected by a greenhouse , cold frame , or other climate control tool , cannabis plants should not be brought outdoors until after the last average frost date . In other words , the hardening off process begins after your geographical location ’ s last average frost date . When hardening off cannabis plants ( or any plant started indoors ) gradual exposure is key . If possible , start by bringing the plants outdoors for just a few hours a day . Initially , the plants being transitioned should not be placed in direct sunlight . Instead , for their first three to four outdoor days , place them in the shade . After a few days , plants can be gradually exposed to direct sunlight . Each day , both the length of time outdoors and the amount of exposure to direct sunlight can be increased . After a week or two of gradual increments , the plants should be able to handle direct sunlight for multiple hours a day . Wind and weather should also be introduced gradually as part of the hardening off process . In some cases , a wind shield or canopy may be useful to protect tender cannabis plants from damage during transitioning . As long as the plants are exposed gradually , the wind and weather will actually help strengthen the overall structural integrity of the plants . Once hardened off , cannabis plants will thrive in direct sunlight , wind , and weather . They will become tolerant of temperature fluctuations , as well as pathogens and pests . Patience is required , but cannabis cultivators who implement the simple process of hardening off will reap the benefits of a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors .
Keep on Growing , Lee G . Lyzit .
LL
Lee G . Lyzit has been involved in the medical cannabis industry for 18 years . His passion for natural healing drives him to learn as much as he can about the miraculous cannabis plant . Lee breeds his own strains of cannabis to create concentrated glycerine and coconut oil extracts . Aside from cannabis education and consumption , Lee enjoys playing music , gardening , hiking , and cross-country skiing .
18 Maximum Yield