I have to germinate outdoors? any suggestions?

[kaiserAxel]

inb4 'don't start them outside'

...I'm forced to. The seeds arrive soon (probably this week), and I already have the heavier part of my gear outdoors. Within the next couple of days, FF grow big and the flowering fert. will be arriving with some FF potting soil (wont help anymore, I was going to use that to veg)

So my spot outdoors is away from animals and no trees blocking the sunlight for c.12 hrs. My 'pots' are 3 -20 gallon rubbermaid bins (about 3x1.5).. I was planning on two plants per bin. I'll be checking in on the plants one or two times a week (probably more) and when their sex begins to show my plan is to catch the males early and either A) rip em out or B) (if the roots are too entwined with teh females), I'll just cover them with a clear plastic bag while they pollinate.

The strain is blackberry and out of this thread I am looking for advice on....

1) germinating outdoors (the seedlings will be out of wind until about 1 ft high, due to the bin, and less sunlight due to the bin)
2) Lol noob question, but will the females naturally create seeds in the bud or do you have to pollinate for that to happen? ( I cant be spendin $40 for 10 seesd o.0 )
3) Advice on maintenance (how often will I have to water? how long can they go after a good rain?---I have holes in the bottom of the bin, btw so no water collection)

*edit* In case you are curious, this is the bin: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100644802&N=10000003+90089+525763 And it's filled up to about 6-8 inches from a 40lb bag of Farmer's dirt...the pH on a sample I tested was about 6.8

 

[LiEBE420]

make sure the seeds are warm. dont germinate if is going to be cold out

 

[kaiserAxel]

make sure the seeds are warm. dont germinate if is going to be cold out

Ok man, cool advice (I mean...I was kinda stressing the 'forced to germinate outside', but I should be able to get by with the paper towel method and then planting them in the soil)
On the nirvana site in its germination directions, it says plant before the roots develop, but how long does this take from cracking? (Cause I'm going to have to hike 2 miles to put these into the soil..would it just be easier directly into the soil?)

 

[Space Angel]

Ok man, cool advice (I mean...I was kinda stressing the 'forced to germinate outside', but I should be able to get by with the paper towel method and then planting them in the soil)
On the nirvana site in its germination directions, it says plant before the roots develop, but how long does this take from cracking? (Cause I'm going to have to hike 2 miles to put these into the soil..would it just be easier directly into the soil?)

a humidity dome over them will give you an excellent chance of sucessful germination in only a few days

 

[jonboy30]

inb4 'don't start them outside'

...I'm forced to. The seeds arrive soon (probably this week), and I already have the heavier part of my gear outdoors. Within the next couple of days, FF grow big and the flowering fert. will be arriving with some FF potting soil (wont help anymore, I was going to use that to veg)

So my spot outdoors is away from animals and no trees blocking the sunlight for c.12 hrs. My 'pots' are 3 -20 gallon rubbermaid bins (about 3x1.5).. I was planning on two plants per bin. I'll be checking in on the plants one or two times a week (probably more) and when their sex begins to show my plan is to catch the males early and either A) rip em out or B) (if the roots are too entwined with teh females), I'll just cover them with a clear plastic bag while they pollinate.

The strain is blackberry and out of this thread I am looking for advice on....

1) germinating outdoors (the seedlings will be out of wind until about 1 ft high, due to the bin, and less sunlight due to the bin)
2) Lol noob question, but will the females naturally create seeds in the bud or do you have to pollinate for that to happen? ( I cant be spendin $40 for 10 seesd o.0 )
3) Advice on maintenance (how often will I have to water? how long can they go after a good rain?---I have holes in the bottom of the bin, btw so no water collection)

*edit* In case you are curious, this is the bin: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100644802&N=10000003+90089+525763 And it's filled up to about 6-8 inches from a 40lb bag of Farmer's dirt...the pH on a sample I tested was about 6.8

1)the humidity dome forementioned will ideally work...but make sure to remove the dome once the seedlings break soil surface.
2)Females only produce seeds pollenated from that of a male plant. Ideally you want your female plant to produce buds with no seeds at all...creating a higher potent/higher yielding bud. But like Nirvana seed co. and other seed banks do, they harvest seeds through scientific cross breeding for the sole purpose of sales to people like you and me. You could do the same, but you'd be wasting precious smoke
3)Maintaining your plants is important. MJ, like every other plant on earth's surface need 3 vital things for growth and function: light, water and CO2. With optimal amounts of these 3 things, growth and function should flourish. The plant will tell you all that you need by carefully inspecting foliage, surrounding soil, etc,. Keep the soil moist ensuring the plant's roots have sufficient nutrients to absorb. Poor compact soil doesnt allow for root expansion so make sure that the soil is composted and aerated.
I hope this helps you out! and good luck...keep us posted!

 

[johnnysacoseeds]

I had seeds sprout during the last week that were planted directly in the soil. They were 5 separate types of Nirvana "indoor" varieties (Black Jack, Bubblelicious, Raspberry Cough, Urban Poison, and White Widow). The only problem I see for you getting started, is not knowing how long your container/soil will retain moisture. Seedlings like ample moisture while their root system is getting established, especially if they are exposed to long periods of direct light and heat.

 

[kaiserAxel]

I know I'd be wasting seeds, but I would also obtain a LOT of seeds for growing next year, so I wouldn't have to stress survival rates as much. The bud is still smoke-able though, right? I think I can remember a couple of times I got seeds in my bud (we have crappy weed around here), and the smoke wasn't great, but it got me high for about an hour?
My soil crumbles to the touch but I will test it under moisture to see A) how long it retains and B) if it compacts to much

Also, the foilage in my area is filled with holes from bugs, someone suggested Neem oil?

PS: Thanks for answering the questions like that jonboy, for some reason people only pick one quest.? lol

 

[jonboy30]

A) soil retention is based on a number of variables. How hot, sunny, humidity, etc,. Just frequently check the soil moisture. If you really want to, you can buy a moisture probe from your local garden/hardware, home depot...that will accurately determine your moisture levels. Me? I stick with the ole' finger method.
B)If your soil compacts too much, it will make it harder for the plant's roots to spread, thus exhausting a lot of energy in the root system, whereas you want more energy going to the more important areas of the plant, ie,. bud/flower sites. Mix in some pearlite, vermiculite, peat moss, cow manure and of course, soil...and I think you'll be just fine!
Neem oil is suggested to use. I've never had to use it before, but a lot of people find great sucess with it. Only apply it when you see insect damage to your plants. ANd also, don't stress alot if you see holes in your leaves. Nature will adapt.
Hope this also helps!

 

[kaiserAxel]

Yeah, and some people are telling me rainwater will suffice, I tend to agree?

 

[jonboy30]

Yeah, and some people are telling me rainwater will suffice, I tend to agree?

rain water will suffice, only when its consistant though. During the real hot summer you're faced with drought possibilities. They will need to be watered at least every other day.