1st Time Outdoors

[Freshies]

Living in Colorado I thought I would exercise my rights and grow some personal. I've grown indoors in the past, probably 5 harvests or so and that was at least 5 years ago...so I'm no expert here but giving it a shot outdoors. Since it's legal now I convinced my non-toking wife to let me do it, WINNING!

I picked up 4 clones back in July from some dude I know. He said they were Pineapple Express and the other was Tangerine Kush x Chemdog. Not sure on genetics, but he claims good shit. I'm doing two each.

The girls have been showing their sex for awhile and just started to flower a few days ago, fuck yeah. Im glad too because I'm concerned about winter coming early.

I've been supercropping them to make bushes so they don't grow to high and seen by neighbors.

Here are some pics from early on In late June when I put them out til today. I started out with 5 gal buckets with the clones, transplanted to 20 gal smart pots and put one in the ground. Using Roots Organic 707 and the Fox Farm trio with Rhino Skin also
Let me know your thoughts...I'm here to learn.

 

[Freshies]

A little closer look.

 

[SunGrown]

Plants look good so far.

What elevation are you at and when does the weather really hit?

 

[Plasma]

They're looking great!

 

[Icristal]

Look great good luck and I hope the weather hold for you.

 

[Freshies]

Thanks dudes. I'm at 6000' in the foothills. Weather is pretty damn unpredictable, it could freeze mid Sept or not until late Oct. Just a gamble outside here...but the wife doesn't want it inside. Was thinking a small greenhouse/hoop house but I'm pretty sure that will attract rippers round these parts.

 

[SunGrown]

I have never grown at 6k'. I bet the weather is unpredictable.

You could build a cheap and easy 2x4 and osb walled structure with clear panels for the roof. Would just look like a shed.

 

[Freshies]

Well its been soaker here this summer, cool temps and rain. Starting yesterday afternoon it started raining and hasn't stopped, looks to keep raining until late tonight. The girls haven't seen thia much moisture yet. It's a nice steady rain and not pouring so hope they like it. Went out with the raincoat this morning and they are still shooting out new pistols.

I wonder if the cool weather and rain will speed up flowering? does this happen? Pics to come when the sun comes out.

 

[DarkSpark]

Whoa growing at 6000' has got to present some unique challenges. how long is your outdoor season?

 

[Freshies]

From internet research it looks like we can plant mid-may/early June and should harvest by early October. It's going to be a matter of luck to get them where I would like them but I figure at the very least I'll have some flowers that are a little immature. I may construct a little unnoticeable green/house that Sungrown suggested but I kinda like them out in nature. Next year I'm going to track down some strains with proven track records for this climate.

Looks like the sun is coming up!

 

[Texas Kid]

You are definately going to need some sort of cold frame or hoop tent structure..I've grown at 6000, 7500, 8000, and 9000 ft and the first hard freeze is a bitch to predict...September 22 is the start of the equinox or true 12/12 and even though the plants are sliding into flower now you still need a solid 4 weeks or so of 12/12 to finish..the pineapple express especially will need a little longer in the sun..I would really be looking at a 3rd week in October to the first week in November as you pull down window so I would protect them accordingly

 

[usstoner]

Plants look happy..happy..

 

[Freshies]

Texas Kid, I think I'm going to take your word on that and build a structure. My concern is the girls are completely out of sight on our property now hidden in scrub brush. We have no where to put a greenhouse without it being seen from the road. I've been reading local CO threads and sounds like the cops show up if you have a greenhouse and want to make sure you comply with the rules....(not sure how or why the assume your growing ganja), in the Denver area anyways. ..I live in the hills away from the city though but still get plenty of traffic driving by. I don't want to talk to police even if I'm legal and don't want to attract criminals.

But if it's worth saving my crop I will probably take the risk. Well I've got a few months to figure it out.

 

[SunGrown]

I would take TK's advice, I have learned a lot by reading and taking to heart what this guy has said over many years now. @Texas Kid is an inspiration in a few ways, and I have never even met him face to face.

 

[Freshies]

Blue skies, 70 degs in the middle of summer...can't complain. Sure can't beat going out and puffing on a bowl hanging with the gals in this weather. "Summertime and the livings easy"

 

[outwest]

I'm rocking a shelter logic 10x10 gh. Home Depot shipped it to my door for $250. Some of the best money I've ever spent. I'm also about 6000 feet. My 10 week strains would have gone until mid-october, my 8 week strains were done 10/1 last year. Got our first frost and snowy sleet some time first week of October last year. My whole reason for the greenhouse was to be able to extend my season into late October, but the general environmental protection from wind/rain/snow/cold has been very nice. My plants are in full-on flower stretch mode right now. Everything is looking great. Very exciting.

Happy growing.

outwest

 

[Freshies]

Thanks for all your input. I'm pretty positive I'm going to put up a greenhouse, I've put too much time into these girls to lose them or to not get their full potential. Currently thinking about designs and possibly get a hook up from a buddy if I'm lucky. I'm still thinking incognito would be the best option.

The plants are looking good still and putting on some quick growth. Flowering is becoming more obvious but still very early on.

Issues:
1) Went to check on them this morning and a few very young new growth (leaves) were droopy. Took a closer look and their stems were a little black at the weak spots and the leaves fell right off when touched. Not sure what causes it but I hope it doesn't become a serious issue.

2) They are doing well I guess since their roots are growing out the bottom of the 20 gallon smart pots. I moved one and heard a tearing sound of roots. I'm not sure how much damage was done because I heard that sound and gently stopped moving and haven't lifted up to inspect. Problem is, I'll be needing to move them when I build the GH. I assume there isn't much that can be done to save these roots when I move them. I was thinking of digging under the pots and then trying to wash the dirt off underneath or just move with the dirt attached. Is this worth the effort?

 

[outwest]

Is this worth the effort?

No. Not great, but not super bad either. My roots are well grown into the ground. I've had to move them a few times. No biggie!

outwest

 

[caregiverken]

I cringe when i hear those roots tear :facepalm:
but it doesnt seem to hurt the plants

 

[Freshies]

Here is a photo of the problem I have found on a few of my tops new growth. It appears something is eating the new growth. If you look closely or zoom in you can see where it is turning a dark dirty color.

I was planning on a few leaves getting munched on being outdoors but not this. I think it spread to a few other bud sites since yesterday. I want to identify it and stop it. Maybe it won't get serious but maybe it will.

Any help is greatly appreciated.