Planning for first outdoor grow in So. California had a few questions

Gelato41

New Member
Hoping to get some first hand info from other So. Cali growers.
My biggest concern is the So. California heat during the summer.

1. How do you handle the heat during the heatwave? (I live in the SFV)
2. I wanted to build a sort of green house mainly so I could cover it with insect screen to keep all the bugs out, however my concern is the plant will outgrow the "green house" structure. I'm planning on a single plant and was going to build a 5ft wide x 3ft deep and 7ft tall frame with the insect screen.
3. To shade cloth or not to shade cloth?
4. I was planning on Manifolding. Any pros/cons to this?

Thank you in advance for any and all responses.
 
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redeyedfrog

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't worry about a greenhouse if you are growing in a hot environment, especially on a first grow id focus on building a frame for shadecloth
That you can use to shield the plant on really hot days, second I wouldn't try manifolding on a first grow, it's a advanced technique that even experienced growers have a hard time getting their heads around. Try putting your seeds in the ground and getting a grow in and getting a harvest under your belt first before you go Jedi master, learn how to top your plants that's the very first thing you need to learn before you try manifilding , second thing is LST low stress training if you dont have those 2 techniques perfected and mastered you will FAIL! Just keep it as simple as possible. So many people try and fail because they jump in and try stuff that's way beyond their capabilities, learn to grow a plant then next learn basic techniques then try more advanced techniques, see that's 3 seasons right there before you might be ready. KISS (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID)
GOOD LUCK!
 

Gelato41

New Member
@redeyedfrog Thank you for responding and the very useful information!

Growing indoors we don't have to worry too much about HEAT because we have active cooling running 24/7. We have strict insect/pathogen controls in place and (knock on wood) and haven't had any pest or mold infestations to date.

So my buddies and I were just chatting a few days ago and wondered what a full size plant would look like. The SOG/Perpetual grow setup we use go from 3in clones, vege till 12-14in, lollipop'd and then into flower. They finish out at 36-40in with 12-14in main colas. They just remind me of those tiny christmas trees you see during the holiday season. I thought it would be fun to grow one to full size outdoors to see what it would look like.

I was reading the outdoor grow threads and also some of the outdoor grow journals. It seems like Insects and when to plant/harvest were the biggest issues.

My biggest concern was just about the HEAT issue. The insect issue seemed easy enough to control using sprays and just squashing them with your finger before the infestation got out of hand. But I am lazy so I figured if I built a simple 6 post frame I could cover the entire thing with insect screen to keep all the bugs out and it would have an added bonus to allow for the shade cloth during the worst of the summer heat/sun.

I'll just be using one of the clones so I don't need to worry about the seed sprouting part. I am familiar with the different pruning methods, but was curious what outdoor growers preferred.
 

socaljoe

Well-Known Member
Shade cloth is great to use, I love it. I wouldn't worry about the heat, as long as you keep on top of watering. Where I'm at, temps hit 110-115 in the summer and I haven't had a plant negatively impacted by it as long as I was doing my part.

In my opinion, your biggest concern should be pests. Not necessarily like aphids and whiteflies, they're easy to control with insecticidal soap, but caterpillars will destroy your harvest and you won't even see them until it's too late. When flowering starts, it'd be wise to use a BT based spray 1-2 times a week to control them.
 

Booyah!

Well-Known Member
Bt and Serenade mixed together once a week will greatly help with caterpillars and mold. The two biggest problems you'll see. Lollipop til July. Keep the stalks nice and bare...reduces disease. Plants get 15ft tall so get some netting ready.
 

eddy600

Well-Known Member
I grow mine outside in the Desert no shade cloth but i grow them up threw a couple of 6in by 6in wire mesh screens to keep them up in the wind and rain.I start my seeds in the beginning of April to avoid any reveg issues. I have a small greenhouse that i start my seeds in and grow a few plants in,it requires a few fans to move air and a swamp cooler to keep it cool. a simpler solution is a tent with roll up sides for ventilation without the need for electrical power.
 

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