There are plenty of excellent jobs in the cannabis industry. And not all of them involve hands-on interaction with the plants themselves. In fact, many folks in cannabis roles have never used cannabis, let alone grow it. 

But there’s something to be said about getting your hands dirty and growing a marijuana plant from seed at least once. Tending your own plant can give you a greater understanding of what’s involved in cultivating this humble weed. And it will probably give you a newfound appreciation of your role in the industry too!
Many states have legalized the practice of cultivating your own cannabis. It’s an excellent way to ensure quality and be self-sustaining. It can also be the start of a profitable career. If you are in a legal zone and want to try your hand at cultivating your own cannabis, we’ll show you how easy it can be. Here are ten simple steps to successfully growing your first outdoor cannabis plant.

1. Plan Your Garden

Choose an outdoor location that gets partial shade and plenty of sunlight. Depending on the type of soil you have in your area, you can grow your plant right in the ground, or you can buy soil and grow it in a container. Either way, make sure your soil is nutrient-enriched. 
Choose a location large enough to fit a tomato cage, as you will want one for pest control and plant support. Also, make sure to locate the plant in an area with plenty of airflow to avoid mold.

2. Accumulate Seeds 

There are dozens of websites and vendors where you can purchase cannabis seeds. Many of these companies guarantee viability. When selecting the best sources for you, consider what strain and effects you are looking for. 

The most common choices include auto-flower or photoperiod-type seeds. Autos grow faster and have a smaller yield, while photos grow much slower but yield much more. After receiving your seeds, keep them in a dry and dark area until you are ready to plant.

3. Germination

The “paper towel method” is the most popular (and easiest) method for seed germination. All you do is fold your seed into a damp paper towel and put it in a ziplock bag. The bag is then kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This method allows you to visualize the sprouting of your new plant. 
Alternatively, you can do it the old-fashioned way and push your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. Then, after dampening the hole with water, simply drop in your seed in and loosely cover it with soil. You should see your sprout within three to six days.

4. Seedling Care

Your sprout will grow up to a few inches tall within a few days. This stage of the plant’s life requires a lot of love and care. Protecting your seedling from sunburn, dehydration, and over-watering is crucial. Water your baby cannabis plant once every evening (plants grow more overnight than during the day). And make sure your seedling doesn’t get hit by heavy rain as it is very fragile at this stage.

5. The Vegetative Stage / Adult Plant Care

The vegetative stage is the waiting/growing period where your cannabis plant will grow up to 12 feet high. The average height for a full-grown photoperiod plant is 6 feet tall. Make sure to water your plant daily, depending on your climate. 
During this stage, bugs are a common issue. To keep your plants free of damage from these pests, spray the leaves with Neem Oil in the evenings. Don’t use Neem Oil during the day as it can cause sunburn. Always trim yellowing and dead leaves.

6. The Flowering Stage 

When you start to see tiny hairs on your plant, it will start producing buds. Depending on your strain, these buds will grow for 5 to 10 weeks. It is crucial to watch for bud rot due to pests or humidity. This is when a bud turns brown and dies. If this occurs, be sure to cut the rotten bud off of your plant to prevent spreading. During the flowering stage, continue to water often but cease using Neem Oil as you do not want it on your buds. 

7. Harvesting Your Plant

Your cannabis plant is ready for harvest when the trichomes are cloudy or amber in color. Trichomes are the tiny bulbous crystals that form on your buds. It is best to use a Jeweler’s Loop to inspect them. Different trichome stages result in different effects, so you will want to harvest your plant when the trichomes indicate the level of THC you desire. When it is time to harvest, cleanly cut down your plant at the base.
Knowing when to harvest can be a little tricky for first-timers. Luckily there are plenty of online groups with many friendly cannabis growers eager to help newcomers. You can also find lots of excellent information about harvesting week on Cannabis Wiki. 

8. Drying The Buds

To dry your buds after harvest, hang the entire plant upside down. The best conditions for bud drying are in a dark and dry area with good airflow. If you live in a humid region, you will need a dehumidifier. 
Keep your hanging plant’s room at a constant temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus five degrees. It should take seven to fourteen days for your plant to dry fully. You can take down your plant when the branches easily snap apart and the leaves are crunchy. Ensure you do not overdry your plant, as it can lose potency.

9. Curing & Storage

Now that you have dried the marijuana, cut the buds from the stems using trimming scissors. Place your buds into an airtight glass jar and store them in a cool dark area for at least 30 days. This is called curing. Make sure your curing area stays below 70 degrees to avoid mold. The longer you cure your buds, the stronger the effects will be.

10. Reap What You Sow

Congratulations. You finally get to reap the benefits of your hard work. After the curing period is the best part—using your own buds! While growing and harvesting your own cannabis plant takes a lot of time and effort, the experience is worth it. And this small project will definitely give you a new perspective on the work involved in this nearly $100 billion industry.