Northern climate outdoor grow question(s)

deadbeet

Member
Hi, folks. I'm new to these forums. Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

I have a small outdoor grow in a very Northern climate (Zone 3a). Plants look healthy. Two varieties. One is presumably an auto-flower although this can't be confirmed. I grew auto-flower from seed last year and pollinated a female in order to save some seeds. The other is "CW Bubba Cross." Same deal.. grew from seed last year and pollinated a female to carry some seeds over.

I'm beginning to see some pre-flower activity, namely on the potted plants (most are in-ground). Again, we are in an extremely Northern environment. If I'm interested in finishing these plants sooner than later, what are my options? I'm considering making a "tent" out of black 6 mil poly in order to move to a 12/12 light cycle. Some questions I have related to that are: Is this worth doing if the plants are already showing signs of pre-flower? How long will I have to consistently provide the 12/12 cycle? If I start now, will I have to continue with it on a daily basis until the natural light cycle is close to 12/12 (approx end of September)?

I understand that if I stop the 12/12 cycle too early I risk sending the plants back into their vegetative state. What's too early? I also understand that forcing them to flower early will result in a smaller yield. This doesn't concern me. Namely, I'd just like my plants to mature as quickly as possible because our first frost can be as early as late September! For the record, I have row cover available and will protect the plants from frost if necessary.

Thanks for your time.
 

ganga gurl420

Well-Known Member
Hi, folks. I'm new to these forums. Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

I have a small outdoor grow in a very Northern climate (Zone 3a). Plants look healthy. Two varieties. One is presumably an auto-flower although this can't be confirmed. I grew auto-flower from seed last year and pollinated a female in order to save some seeds. The other is "CW Bubba Cross." Same deal.. grew from seed last year and pollinated a female to carry some seeds over.

I'm beginning to see some pre-flower activity, namely on the potted plants (most are in-ground). Again, we are in an extremely Northern environment. If I'm interested in finishing these plants sooner than later, what are my options? I'm considering making a "tent" out of black 6 mil poly in order to move to a 12/12 light cycle. Some questions I have related to that are: Is this worth doing if the plants are already showing signs of pre-flower? How long will I have to consistently provide the 12/12 cycle? If I start now, will I have to continue with it on a daily basis until the natural light cycle is close to 12/12 (approx end of September)?

I understand that if I stop the 12/12 cycle too early I risk sending the plants back into their vegetative state. What's too early? I also understand that forcing them to flower early will result in a smaller yield. This doesn't concern me. Namely, I'd just like my plants to mature as quickly as possible because our first frost can be as early as late September! For the record, I have row cover available and will protect the plants from frost if necessary.

Thanks for your time.
Doing light dep is up to you. You should start seeing your plants start stacking buds any time now. Its really strain dependent. Some of mine are stacking buds already and other are just starting. I'd suggest finding a shorter flowering strain next yr. Really do some research.... and possibly start the light dep earlier then now next yr if that is your plan of attack.

We start getting frosts here in late Sept. Light frosts are not a problem. They will bounce right back after the sun comes out. I've had my plants down as low as 25 degrees with no issues. It's important if you know it will be cold to water the plant. It helps insulate the roots. If your roots freeze that's an issue. Keep that root ball warm.
 

deadbeet

Member
and possibly start the light dep earlier then now next yr if that is your plan of attack.
And so it's probably a little late to even bother starting 12/12 now then? If I had started that at the beginning of August, is it a cycle I would need to carry thru 'til the natural light cycle is at or around 12/12 (Sept 25th or thereabouts)?

Thanks for your input! And that's helpful info re: watering coming into a frost. Thanks again.
 

ganga gurl420

Well-Known Member
And so it's probably a little late to even bother starting 12/12 now then? If I had started that at the beginning of August, is it a cycle I would need to carry thru 'til the natural light cycle is at or around 12/12 (Sept 25th or thereabouts)?

Thanks for your input! And that's helpful info re: watering coming into a frost. Thanks again.
No... you missed what I was saying. If you do the 12/12 now to really force them to flower now as soon as you see the buds start to stack you can stop. The light hours are short enough now to keep it in flower.
 

deadbeet

Member
No... you missed what I was saying. If you do the 12/12 now to really force them to flower now as soon as you see the buds start to stack you can stop. The light hours are short enough now to keep it in flower.
Ahh! Groovy.. thanks again! I'll start 12/12 in the next couple days.. will need a few supplies first. Thanks a bunch!
 
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