Cannabis cultivation on the balcony and terrace – What you need to do now in spring (Part 1)

And you don't need a large garden. Hemp (lat. Cannabis) can also be grown on the smallest balcony and terrace. However, in the end, the quality and quantity of the harvest depend on considering a few things. But these are manageable. To ensure you can achieve a good harvest in the fall, we offer to accompany you throughout the year with detailed instructions, tips & tricks, and expert know-how regarding cannabis cultivation at home. We will regularly update here on the blog when the next steps in outdoor cannabis cultivation are due. For all those who have already decided on cannabis cultivation in our Easy Care system or in the grovvy raised bed system, we will provide additional tailored advice & tips (watch for the "information sign").

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CANNABIS SEED

The different hemp plants (lat. Cannabis) have a fairly similar appearance at first glance. However, there are hundreds of varieties with sometimes significant differences, including THC content and terpene profiles. Terpenes are secondary plant substances that are responsible for the typical smell and taste, for example. There are approximately 50 hemp varieties approved throughout the EU with a THC content of <0.3%. These plants can be either female or male - hermaphroditic plants also occur. In this context, two things are important to understand.

Cannabinoid Formation

Cannabinoids are only formed in the female flowers and by pollinating the female plant with male pollen, the female plant becomes fertilized and stops cannabinoid production. If cannabinoids like THC and/or CBD are the focus, it is important or even essential to cultivate only female cannabis plants. The same applies to cannabis plants with THC values beyond the 20% mark. The commercial cultivation of THC-containing cannabis is regulated and legal in Germany by the Cannabis Act (CanG). In all other EU countries, however, private cultivation is (still) not permitted. The situation in Austria is very special. Here, cannabis may be cultivated as an ornamental plant until the beginning of flowering. Once flowers form and THC content increases, hobby gardening becomes a criminal offense. Which variety or strain, or better, which cannabis genetics should ultimately be cultivated is usually a matter of personal taste - it’s about the terpene profile. But the corresponding THC content is also decisive for some gardeners. Numerous dealers offer cannabis seeds for sale on the internet. The selection is huge and sometimes overwhelming.

The Right Selection of Seeds

We have taken this work off your hands and selected three top genetics. 1. Cannabis Strain Lemon Haze 2. Cannabis Strain Blue Dream 3. Cannabis Strain Wedding Cake. Since these are feminized seeds, each plant is guaranteed to be female. Thus, the foundation for successful cultivation is secured!

TIP: If you plan to cultivate three plants, we recommend sowing at least four seeds. Despite a high germination rate with high-quality seeds, it can happen that a seed does not germinate. Alternatively, cuttings can also be purchased. These cannabis plants are usually 20-30cm tall and already have a good root system - just plant them and watch them grow.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTING CONTAINER AND THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION

When choosing the right planting container and location, you must primarily consider the following three points: Size: the size of the container influences the size of your plant. Permeability: the water must be able to drain so that the plant does not sit in standing water. Location: sufficient sunlight and protection from wind.
Your cannabis plant needs space. Small pots provide little room for the roots and thereby limit the growth of your plant. Therefore, it is important that the container is large and, above all, high enough. We have had the best experience with our planting container of 40 cm x 30 cm x 40 cm (WxDxH) and would recommend choosing a container of approximately this size. Up to 2 plants can be grown per container. If you decide to plant only one plant in this container, you can achieve an overwhelming result:

TIP: In the sophisticated grovvy raised bed system, up to 4 plants can be grown. Perhaps you can try it out in the first year: plant two in one container and one in another and see what works better for you. Your cannabis plant must not sit in water. One thing that your cannabis plant cannot tolerate at all is waterlogging. Waterlogging occurs when plants receive too much water and it cannot drain properly. This leads to the roots of your plant standing permanently in wet soil and beginning to rot. The water prevents your plant from absorbing oxygen and other nutrients from the soil through its roots. Therefore, you need drainage holes in your container and a saucer to catch the excess water.
TIP: With the grovvy raised bed system, you don’t have to worry about waterlogging. The excess water drains into the large water tank and is collected there for automatic irrigation and returned to the bed.

How Much Light Does My Plant Need?

Your cannabis plant needs a protected spot in the sun. Cannabis requires a lot of light during the day, followed by darkness at night. Ideally, your plant should receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight during the day. You should also ensure that your plant is in a place where it is protected from very strong wind or rain.
TIP: The good thing about growing in our grovvy raised bed system containers is that you can easily move the raised bed because it is on wheels. Use this to always provide your plant with the best conditions.

CREATE A GOOD MICROCLIMATE WITH THE RIGHT NEIGHBORS

An optimal microclimate makes plants more robust, extends the growing season, and creates a great habitat for both plants and humans. To create a lush microclimate for you and your plants, it’s a good idea to grow other plants as well. Additionally, companion plants can help protect your plant from pests and diseases. We have compiled a few companion plants here that you can grow among your cannabis plants:
Nasturtium: The nasturtium has bright flowers that attract beneficial insects, repel harmful insects, and confuse others, keeping pests like aphids at bay. Plant nasturtium directly in the ground outdoors between March and May. Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtium are edible and are full of vitamin C.
Mint: Mint has a strong aroma that can help mask the characteristic smell of ripening cannabis. Mint attracts bees and repels pests. Plant mint in moist soil in the spring after the last frost. Mint can be used to relieve stomach discomfort, inflammation, and cold symptoms. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Borage: Borage attracts bees and parasitic wasps that ward off or hunt cannabis pests. Additionally, borage enriches the soil with vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for green manure or compost. Sow the seeds directly into the ground in the spring. The leaves are densely covered with fine hairs and do not attract feeding insects. Borage leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads or juices.
Lavender: The intense scent of lavender attracts pollinators and repels some animals. The aroma masks and complements your cannabis. Plant lavender in the spring. Lavender has been used for thousands of years to relax the body and mind. You can use it for aromatherapy, yoga and meditation, or to promote sleep.

So, the plant neighbors will not only do a lot of good for your cannabis plant but can also help you create a habitat where you can unwind and recharge. And by the way, you will also benefit from your companion plants after the harvest.

START THE SEEDLING

Now the adventure can begin! If you want to grow cannabis on your balcony, terrace, or garden, you can start the seedlings as early as mid-April on the windowsill. Keep the following three points in mind when growing your cannabis plant: 1. The right preparation. 2. The right amount of light. 3. The right temperature.
Your cannabis seed needs stimulation. Before planting, you should germinate your cannabis seed. To do this, place the seeds individually between two well-moistened paper towels or cotton pads and put them in a mini greenhouse or a transparent plastic bag. Let it sit at room temperature for now. Important: You should keep the towels moist by spraying them with water using a spray bottle. After a few days, the seeds will germinate. Once they have developed a root several millimeters long, you can carefully sow them.
TIP: If you do the germination with our cannabis germination kit "GREEN KIT", you can place the seeds (three cannabis genetics with two seeds each) in the supplied plastic bags. And remember to attach the germination plant label (also found in the kit) directly to the bag so you don't forget which variety was where. Your cannabis seed also needs the right amount of light during germination. Now grab one seedling pot per seed, fill it with seedling soil, and make a small hole of about 4-5 cm in the middle with your finger or a pencil. Place one pre-germinated seed with the root facing down into the planting hole and carefully close it with your fingers. Be careful not to damage the small fine root. Now place the seedling pots back in the mini greenhouse or the bag.

TIP: The cannabis germination kit "GREEN KIT" also includes coconut tablets. This means you don’t need seedling pots. You soak the coconut tablets and can place the seeds directly into them.

HELLO SEEDLING!

About three to six days after planting, the seedling should appear - a plant with two small seed leaves. The seedling needs a lot of light, but it must not be exposed to strong sunlight suddenly. Place it on a sunny windowsill for a little longer each day. Your cannabis seedling needs warmth. The optimal germination temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees. The seedlings also require high humidity. That’s why you placed your pots in the mini greenhouse or the bags. However, it’s important to find the right balance here. Therefore, open the bag or mini greenhouse for about 2-3 hours each day and then close it again. Once the young plants have unfolded their second pair of leaves, you can carefully take the young cannabis plant out. Be careful not to let the soil (or in the case of germination with the GREEN KIT, the coconut ball) dry out - keep it always moist, but the water should not stand, as the plant, as mentioned above, cannot tolerate waterlogging.

OUT INTO THE OPEN!

From mid-May, when the young plant has formed 4 - 5 true leaf pairs, your cannabis plant can move outside to a warm, sunny location. However, you must harden the young plant beforehand. What this means and what you need to consider when moving will be described in detail in the next blog post in part 2. We look forward to seeing you again.

Image sources: (c) KAME, Karin Martens, shutterstock