5 Potent Hacks To Thrive While Cultivating Your Cannabis In Hot Weather

5 Hacks for Cultivating Outdoor Cannabis in a Hot Climate

Growing cannabis outside in a hot place like the Mediterranean can be tough, no matter if you’re new or experienced. Big waves of heat and really high temperatures can come unexpectedly. It’s super important to get ready! We’ve got 5 tips to help you grow great cannabis plants in a hot climate. We’ll tell you what to watch out for, how to give your plants the right stuff they need, and what to think about when dealing with outdoor challenges.

Best Advice for Cultivating Outdoor Cannabis in a Mediterranean Climate

If you reside in places like California, Southern Spain, or anywhere with extended summer periods, you’ll encounter daytime temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius/ 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Nights might still be warm, even around 30 degrees Celsius/ 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

While a hot Mediterranean climate might seem like a dream, if you don’t stay watchful and fully manage your outdoor garden, your crop could vanish rapidly.

First Essential: Providing Shade for Cannabis Plants during Hot Weather

The first essential tip for cultivating cannabis plants during hot weather is providing shade to protect the plants from excessive sunlight and heat. Here’s more information on this essential practice:

Why Providing Shade is Important:

• Cannabis plants are sensitive to extreme heat and intense sunlight, especially during the peak hours of the day.
• Excessive heat and light can lead to several problems, including wilting, dehydration, and even sunburn on the leaves.
• Providing shade helps maintain a more stable and moderate temperature around the plants, reducing stress and preventing heat-related damage.

Methods for Providing Shade: There are various methods to provide shade for your cannabis plants during hot weather:

1. Natural Shade: Look for areas in your garden or outdoor space that naturally receive partial shade during certain times of the day. Plant your cannabis in these spots to take advantage of the natural shade.
2. Temporary Structures: You can create temporary shade structures using materials like bamboo sticks, wooden frames, or PVC pipes. These structures can hold shade cloth or netting that provides filtered sunlight.
3. Shade Nets or Cloth: Shade nets or cloth specifically designed for horticultural use can be draped over your cannabis plants to reduce the intensity of sunlight. These materials come in various shading percentages to control the amount of light reaching your plants.

When to Provide Shade:

• The ideal time to provide shade for cannabis plants during hot weather is between 12 pm and 4 pm when the sun is at its strongest and temperatures are highest.
• Shade can be especially beneficial during heatwaves or extended periods of intense sunlight.

Considerations:

• Ensure that the shade provided is not too dense, as cannabis plants still require some light for photosynthesis. Filtered sunlight is preferable.
• Regularly monitor the temperature and humidity under the shade to make sure it remains within a suitable range for cannabis growth.
• Be cautious not to overcrowd plants when creating shade structures, as proper air circulation is crucial for preventing mold and mildew.

Providing shade is a practical and effective way to protect your cannabis plants from the adverse effects of hot weather, allowing them to thrive and produce healthy yields. It is one of the essential steps in successfully cultivating cannabis in regions with high temperatures or during the summer months.

Second Essential: Best Times to Water Cannabis Plants during Hot Weather

The second essential tip for cultivating cannabis plants during hot weather is to water them at the best times to ensure they receive adequate hydration without being stressed by extreme heat. Here’s more information on this essential practice:

Why Watering at the Right Times Matters:

• Cannabis plants are highly sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. In hot weather, the risk of dehydration is heightened.
• Watering during the cooler parts of the day helps prevent excessive moisture loss through evaporation and minimizes the risk of heat stress.
• It allows the roots to absorb water and nutrients more effectively, promoting healthy growth and preventing wilted or drooping plants.

Best Times to Water Cannabis Plants in Hot Weather:

• Early Morning: Watering your cannabis plants in the early morning, just after sunrise, is generally considered the best time. During this time, temperatures are cooler, and the plants can take up water and nutrients efficiently before the heat of the day sets in.
• Late Evening: The late evening, just before sunset, is another suitable time for watering. In the early morning, temperatures are cooler, and the plants have time to absorb moisture before nightfall.

Tips for Effective Watering:

• Water Deeply: Ensure that you water your plants deeply so that the moisture reaches the root zone. Shallow watering can encourage shallow root growth, making the plants more vulnerable to heat stress.
• Use Soaker Hoses or Drip Irrigation: Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the root area, minimizing water wastage and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of your cannabis plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Monitor Soil Moisture: Regularly check the moisture level of the soil to determine when your plants need water. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep; if it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water.

Avoid Watering During the Hottest Part of the Day:

• Refrain from watering your cannabis plants during the hottest hours of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Watering during this time can lead to rapid evaporation, potentially scalding the leaves and wasting water.

Overwatering Warning:

• While it’s important to ensure your cannabis plants receive enough water, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.

Watering your cannabis plants at the right times during hot weather is a critical practice to maintain their health and vitality. It helps them withstand high temperatures and thrive, ensuring you achieve a successful outdoor grow, even in challenging climatic conditions.

Third Essential: Safeguarding Cannabis from Summer Winds

The third essential tip for successfully cultivating cannabis plants during hot weather is to protect them from the potentially damaging effects of summer winds. Here’s more information on this essential practice:

Why Safeguarding from Summer Winds is Important:

• Strong summer winds can have several adverse effects on cannabis plants. These effects include windburn, rapid water loss, physical damage to leaves and branches, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Wind can exacerbate the effects of high temperatures and drought conditions, leading to stress and reduced plant health.
• Protecting your cannabis plants from summer winds helps maintain their structural integrity, prevents excessive moisture loss, and reduces the risk of damage.

Methods for Safeguarding Cannabis from Summer Winds: Here are several methods you can use to shield your cannabis plants from summer winds:

1. Windbreaks: Erect windbreaks or barriers around your cannabis garden to reduce the impact of strong winds. This can be done using materials like bamboo screens, wooden fences, or natural windbreaks such as shrubs or trees.
2. Staking: Support taller cannabis plants with stakes or trellises to prevent them from bending or breaking in strong winds.
3. Hedge or Barrier Plants: Planting tall, sturdy hedge or barrier plants, like sunflowers or taller cannabis plants, can act as natural windbreaks.
4. Sheltered Planting Locations: Choose planting locations that are naturally sheltered from prevailing winds, such as areas behind buildings, walls, or natural landforms.
5. Temporary Windbreak Structures: For smaller gardens or potted plants, consider using temporary windbreak structures made of materials like PVC pipes and shade cloth.

When to Safeguard from Summer Winds:

• Begin safeguarding your cannabis plants from summer winds as soon as you notice that windy conditions are becoming problematic.
• It’s especially crucial to protect young and fragile plants, as they are more susceptible to wind damage.

Additional Considerations:

• Ensure that your windbreaks or barriers are sturdy and securely anchored to withstand strong winds.
• Regularly inspect your cannabis plants for signs of wind damage, such as torn leaves or broken branches, and take prompt action to address any issues.

Safeguarding cannabis from summer winds is essential to ensure the health and well-being of your plants during hot weather. By implementing protective measures, you can minimize the stress and potential damage caused by strong winds, allowing your cannabis plants to thrive and produce a successful outdoor crop.

Fourth Essential: Constructing a Polytunnel for Outdoor Cannabis

The fourth essential tip for successful outdoor cannabis cultivation during hot weather is to consider constructing a polytunnel or greenhouse to provide protection and controlled growing conditions for your plants. Here’s more information on this essential practice:

Why Constructing a Polytunnel is Important:

• Polytunnels or greenhouses offer a controlled environment where you can mitigate the effects of extreme heat, protect your cannabis plants from harsh sunlight, and maintain optimal growing conditions.
• They provide a degree of insulation and shade while allowing for ventilation, which can help regulate temperature and humidity, reducing stress on the plants.
• Polytunnels also offer protection against pests, diseases, and strong winds, creating a more controlled and secure environment for your cannabis crop.

Benefits of Constructing a Polytunnel:

• Temperature Regulation: Polytunnels can help maintain more stable temperatures by reducing the intensity of sunlight and providing shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• Humidity Control: Controlled ventilation in a polytunnel allows you to manage humidity levels, which is especially important in hot weather to prevent mold and mildew.
• Pest and Disease Protection: The enclosed space of a polytunnel can act as a barrier against pests and diseases, reducing the risk of infestations and infections.
• Extended Growing Season: Polytunnels can extend your cannabis growing season by providing protection against cold weather in addition to heat.

How to Construct a Polytunnel:

1. Select a Suitable Location: Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and has good drainage. Ensure the area is level and free from obstructions.
2. Gather Materials: Purchase the necessary materials, including polyethylene or polyvinyl plastic sheeting, PVC or metal pipes for the frame, anchors, and connectors.
3. Frame Construction: Assemble the frame according to your chosen design, ensuring it is stable and securely anchored to the ground.
4. Cover with Plastic Sheeting: Stretch and secure the plastic sheeting over the frame, making sure it is taut and properly sealed. Leave openings for ventilation as needed.
5. Ventilation: Install vents or windows that can be opened and closed to regulate temperature and humidity. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating.
6. Shade Cloth: Consider adding shade cloth or netting to further reduce sunlight intensity during the hottest part of the day.

Maintenance and Monitoring:

• Regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and ventilation within the polytunnel to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Be vigilant for any signs of pests or diseases, as the enclosed environment can create conditions conducive to their development.

Constructing a polytunnel for outdoor cannabis cultivation is a valuable investment in maintaining ideal growing conditions and protecting your plants from the challenges of hot weather. It allows for greater control over the environment, ultimately contributing to the health and success of your cannabis crop.

Fifth Essential: Applying Foliar Feeding to Outdoor Cannabis Plants

The fifth essential tip for cultivating cannabis plants outdoors during hot weather is the practice of applying foliar feeding to provide essential nutrients directly to the plants through their leaves. Here’s more information on this essential practice:

Why Apply Foliar Feeding to Cannabis Plants:

• Foliar feeding involves applying a nutrient solution directly to the leaves of your cannabis plants. This method allows the plants to absorb essential nutrients quickly and efficiently through their stomata, the small openings on the leaf surface.
• During hot weather, cannabis plants may experience increased stress due to higher transpiration rates and nutrient uptake. Foliar feeding can help meet the plants’ nutrient demands more effectively, especially during periods of rapid growth or extreme heat.
• Foliar feeding is particularly beneficial when the root system is compromised or if there are issues with nutrient uptake through the roots.

How to Apply Foliar Feeding:

1. Prepare the Nutrient Solution: Mix a suitable nutrient solution according to the recommended dilution rate provided by the manufacturer. Ensure the solution includes essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) needed for healthy cannabis growth.
2. Choose the Right Time: Foliar feeding is most effective when done during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to minimize the risk of leaf burn due to intense sunlight.
3. Use a Spray Bottle or Sprayer: Fill a spray bottle or sprayer with the prepared nutrient solution. Make sure the spray nozzle produces a fine mist.
4. Spray the Leaves: Lightly mist the nutrient solution onto the leaves of your cannabis plants. Ensure full coverage but avoid excessive dripping or runoff.
5. Repeat as Needed: Foliar feeding can be repeated as needed, typically every 1-2 weeks or when you observe signs of nutrient deficiencies or stress in the plants.

Considerations and Tips:

• Avoid foliar feeding during the hottest part of the day, as the water droplets on the leaves can act as magnifying glasses, potentially causing leaf burn.
• Ensure that the nutrient solution is appropriately pH-balanced for optimal nutrient absorption.
• Be attentive to the plants’ response to foliar feeding. If you notice any adverse reactions or leaf damage, adjust the nutrient solution concentration or frequency.
• Foliar feeding is not a replacement for soil or root-based nutrient applications but serves as a supplementary method to provide essential nutrients.

Applying foliar feeding to outdoor cannabis plants can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to thrive in hot weather conditions. It can be a valuable addition to your cultivation practices, especially when faced with nutrient uptake challenges or when you want to support healthy growth during periods of high temperatures.

4 Best Cannabis Seeds for Hot Weather

Acquiring suitable cannabis seeds for hot climates offers the grower a significant edge. Some popular choices are the classic White Widow, Durga Mata, Dutch Dragon, and Amnesia Haze

Conclusion:

Cultivating outdoor cannabis plants in a hot climate like the Mediterranean requires effort, but the results are very satisfying. Once you figure out the right strains, and feeding schedules, and understand the changing seasons, dealing with high temperatures becomes manageable. Best wishes for your outdoor crop, and may your storage jars stay well-stocked!