What to do once you have a Germinated seed
Congratulations on your seed sprouting a leg! Ain’t that radicle?
Now that your cannabis seed has successfully germinated and the radicle (the embryonic root) has emerged, it’s time to carefully transition your seedling to its outdoor growing environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next:
Step 1: Prepare Your Outdoor Growing Space Choose a suitable outdoor location for your cannabis plants.
Ensure the area receives plenty of sunlight, has well-draining soil, and offers some protection from strong winds if possible. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any debris or weeds that may compete with your seedling for nutrients and water.
Step 2: Acclimate Your Seedling to Outdoor Conditions
Before moving your seedling outdoors permanently, it’s essential to gradually expose it to outdoor conditions to prevent shock. Start by placing your seedling in a shaded or partially shaded area outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight over the course of a week. This is especially key in the hot Aussie summer. Remember how strong our sun is. Delicate seedlings can get fried by mid day and arvo sun. Help them adjust by gradually exposing them to the sun.
Step 3: Transplant Your Seedling
Choose a time to transplant your seedling when the weather is mild and there’s no risk of frost. Dig a hole in the prepared soil that is slightly larger than the root system of your seedling. Gently remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to damage the delicate roots. Place the seedling in the hole and carefully backfill with soil, ensuring the seedling is planted at the same depth as it was in its container.
Step 4: Water Your Seedling
After transplanting, give your seedling a thorough watering to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Water gently to avoid disturbing the seedling or causing soil erosion. Monitor the soil moisture levels regularly and water as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Our advice: get a filter for your outdoor hose, that filters out chlorine. We love this one from Dr Greenthumbs, another great Aussie business.
Step 5: Provide Support and Protection
Depending on the size and age of your seedling, you may need to provide support to help it withstand outdoor conditions. Use stakes or cages to support taller plants and protect them from strong winds. Additionally, consider using organic mulch around the base of the seedling to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain
Keep a close eye on your seedling as it adjusts to its new outdoor environment. Monitor for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and address any issues promptly. Continue to water, fertilize, and provide care as needed to support healthy growth throughout the growing season.
By following these steps, you can successfully transition your germinated cannabis seedling to its outdoor growing environment and set it up for success as it continues to mature and thrive in the great outdoors. Happy growing!
In future guides, we will cover fertilizing, nutrition and how best to approach that.
Happy growing you lot!
