Growing Weed Outside: Securing Your Plants

Once they have their medical card, many patients are eager to jump in and start cultivating their own cannabis, if their state allows it, but too often they forget major planning steps that can mean the difference between a successful harvest and a failed one, or worse, legal headaches and fees. Keeping your plants secure is an essential part of any outdoor grow, but it doesn't have to be as complicated as you may think.

Why Secure Cannabis Plants?

Growing weed outside has several advantages, including exposure to sunlight and fresh air.

Securing cannabis plants means keeping them strategically safe from these elements and minimizing the chances of theft, protecting against pests, and adhering to all state and local laws that may apply. 

If the security aspect alone isn't compelling enough, consider costs. Every damaged plant means a loss in time, effort, supplies, and of course, the bud. Plus, an unsecured site could also result in steep fines and legal fees. 

What Counts as "Secure"?

A secure outdoor grow site typically includes:

• Physical Infrastructure/Safety: Fencing or netting.
• Discretion: Concealing plants from public view. 
• Legal Compliance: Understanding legal requirements for outdoor cannabis cultivation. 

Most states require secure enclosures, often specifying locked gates or barriers that restrict access. Always refer to state and local guidelines before starting a grow, as regulations can vary.

Creative Ways to Keep Cannabis Plants Secure

1. Privacy Fencing and Barriers

One of the easiest and most effective ways to secure cannabis plants is with privacy fencing. Solid wood or vinyl fences prevent unauthorized access while also hiding cannabis plants from public view, minimizing risk, and adhering to regulations. For best practice, ensure that privacy gates have locks. 

2. Camouflaging with Companion Plants

This approach naturally blends the cannabis plants with other vegetation, helping keep them discreetly out of sight and adding protection from the elements. Growing cannabis plants among companion plants is a time-honored practice. Mixing cannabis with sunflowers, corn, or bamboo also can help enhance growth, deter pests, improve soil health, and boost overall garden resilience. 

3. Motion-Activated Alarms and Lights

Security is vital to any grow operation. Installing motion-activated alarms or security lights can significantly deter thieves and animals. For cost efficiency and environmental friendliness, consider solar-powered options.

4. Greenhouses and Hoop Houses

Growing cannabis outside in a greenhouse combines the benefits of outdoor and indoor cultivation. Greenhouses offer protection from weather, pests, and thieves while allowing ample sunlight. Hoop houses, a simpler form of greenhouse, provide similar benefits at a lower cost. Additional security measures are needed to secure the structure, but with adequate alarms, lights, and locks, most cultivators should be secure. 

5. Animal Netting and Repellents

Wildlife like deer and rabbits have been known to severely damage cannabis plants and other crops. Placing netting around individual plants or the entire garden can effectively steer animals away from growing cannabis. Adding natural repellents or companion planting, such as garlic or onions, can further reduce animal risks. 

Tips for Growing Weed Outside Safely and Legally

• Check local regulations: Always verify a state’s cannabis laws before growing at home. Rules vary by state, with some requiring cannabis gardens to be enclosed, secured, and out of public sight. Even different cities and counties may have their own regulations. In other cases, home growing may be illegal or come with different rules.
• Plant strategically: If the law allows it, then most people’s backyards should be suitable for growing cannabis. Be sure to check the laws, as most states prohibit plants from growing near fences that border public sidewalks or streets.
• Keep visibility low: Growing tall cannabis strains outdoors can reach impressive heights, with some plants resembling small trees. These plants will likely violate state laws about discrete growing that keep cannabis out of public sight. If that’s the case, consider growing strains that are known to be more stout in nature. Indica plants, for example, tend to max out at around four feet. 
• Regular inspections: Routinely inspect plants and security measures. Doing so ensures that plants are growing ideally and that the grow site is always secure from pests and potential thieves. 

Common Outdoor Growing FAQs

Is outdoor grown weed stronger?

Plant potency varies by the cultivar grown, the setting, and numerous other factors, making it impossible to definitively say if indoor or outdoor cannabis is more potent.¹ 

How big can a weed plant get outside?

Under ideal conditions, outdoor cannabis plants tend to reach four to six feet in height. However, some sativa strains have been known to reach above ten feet. In some rare cases, sativas have even reached 20 feet. 

Do I need to lock up my weed in my state?

Yes, just about every state that allows home grow requires that cultivation sites be secured and locked at all times, keeping minors and the public away from any ongoing grows. 

Can you grow weed outside in a greenhouse?

Yes, growing weed in a greenhouse outdoors is a practical approach. Benefits include extending the growing season and providing a more controlled environment. This method also protects plants from harsh weather and many pests. Furthermore, greenhouses help provide adequate privacy stipulated in state laws. 

How can I keep my weed plants out of view?

Various methods help keep cannabis grows out of the public eye, including planting alongside tall companion plants, installing privacy fences, using discreet greenhouses, and camouflage netting.

How many plants can I grow?

That all depends on state and local laws. Be sure to check a trusted government site for more info. Or, call the state department overseeing cannabis laws for specifics.

References

1. Zandkarimi F, Decatur J, Casali J, Gordon T, Skibola C, Nuckolls C. Comparison of the Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles in Commercial Cannabis from Natural and Artificial Cultivation. Molecules. 2023;28(2):833. Published 2023 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/molecules28020833 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.