Outdoor Cultivation of Marijuana and Plastic Pots
The plastic pots were designed for use indoors or in a greenhouse. Due to the scarce anti-thermal properties of plastic, it is not recommended to use it outdoors in full sun, at least without taking certain precautions. Next, we will see all the factors that influence this process, as well as the different alternatives that exist.
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To place ourselves in a scenario that we can understand, it must be said that the temperature that we can register at this time of May in full sun is about fifty degrees. If we think that our pot receives this temperature and transmits it to our roots, it will be easy to imagine what the consequences may be.
The roots of our plant must be in an optimal range that goes from 16º to 22º -24º.
When the sun hits our plastic pot in a short time our roots will go above 30º, even 40º. The result is plants that have yellow leaves, even discolorations that tend towards white. And also, as if that were not enough, our plants will almost certainly be affected by a plague or other disease. The reason for this is that the plant is spending 100% of its energy to protect itself from the heat and thus is exposed to all kinds of invading insects. At this point, the plant has no defenses and enters a dynamic in which all kinds of problems appear.
And before all this, what can we do?
AS FOR THE POTTERS:
Using appropriate outdoor pots from the beginning would be the right option, such as those made of clay, cork, or fabric. Clay pots work based on a physical principle called capillarization, which consists of the transit of water through the flowerpot, in the same way, that a jug refreshes the water it contains.
The problem with clay pots is their high weight once they are filled with soil and watered, which makes it very difficult to change their location in the event of hail, rain, or strong wind. Another disadvantage is the few drainage holes that they usually have, often located at the bottom of the pot and which are covered when supporting the pot.
On the other hand, cork pots are light and have holes in the side of the planter so they would never be covered or obstructed. From this point of view, the POLYSTYRENE POT is a more economical and reliable solution for outdoor cultivation than clay or plastic pots.
We also have the option of using fabric pots (geotextile pots) whose strong point is the great perspiration, the resistance of the fabric to the sun, and the rapid absorption and evaporation of water.
AS FOR THE FERTILIZERS:
Plants, to protect themselves from both heat and pests, use amino acids obtained from the various sources provided by nature, such as the slow and progressive decomposition of living soil.
We have the opportunity to voluntarily administer that extra amino acids through specific products, even through entire ranges of fertilizers such as Big Nutrients, which in all their products provide a large number of specific amino acids for each phase of the plant. In addition, thanks to its high concentration and low dosage, it makes them affordable and professional quality fertilizers.
And what do we do if we can no longer change pots?
If we have already transplanted our plant to a plastic container (especially if it is black), don’t worry, there are several things we can do to protect the pot from the heat. Here are some of them:
The first is to lift the planter off the ground so that it does not touch it. The material from which floor tiles are usually made is a good heat transmitter and for this reason, the pots should not be in contact with it. At this point, the ability of each intervenes to fit them with the material they deem appropriate, evidently materials that are insulating such as cork, wood, or cardboard.
Another part of the job is to protect the pot itself … but how? We have already said that it is not ideal to grow in plastic pots outdoors but if we already have it mounted we can protect the pot with any of the thermal materials mentioned above, cork, wood, or cardboard. The principle is that it is these materials and not the pot that receives the heat. Therefore we can either line the pot if it is very exposed or just support them so that they shade the container and the air can flow.
We should pay SPECIAL attention to protecting our pots from the heat in these cases:
-Large plant in a small pot.
-Plants supported directly on the ground.
-Plants in refractory environments also receive sun such as attics and very sunny patios.
-South facing plants.
-Plants of heat-sensitive genetics.
-Plants in environments with many pests.
