Outdoor watering/overwatering and feeding outdoor plants

[shimmz22]

hey all, im about to start my first outdoor grow. I am going to grow them in pots and put them outdoors after about 2 weeks. My question is how do you prevent from overwatering your plants if you have just watered them or fed them and then it rains? Also how do you schedule your feedings around the rain? ANd when your plants are in flower can a lot of rain hurt your buds? Also, where im from there are a lot of rabbits around and i am worried about them eating my plants any suggestions there? Anyone ever try liquid fence for a problem like that? Any answers would be great and +REPS.

 

[realcarlos]

Hey there shim. I'm not sure about your other questions.
But when your plants are in flowering mode and it rains. You should shake the plants after it has rained that should help.

 

[namvet]

If your putting them directly in the ground dig a hole and fill it with some good draining soil with added perlite same soil for indoor grow.You can't control the rain so you have to adjust your watering accordingly to the weather.use same program as A indoor grow,let dry out in between watering and feed light dose at every watering ,once there going well and are fairly large you can up the dose.The rain shouldn't hurt the buds unless you get it very often.Ive tryed that pest deturant and it didn't work to well.You can always put some chicken wire fence around them but make it high enough because those little bastards can stand up pretty high.

 

[greatape]

HI shimmz,nice ta meet ya.Congrats on starting your first OD grow!
First off what size pots do you plan on using?What you want to make sure of is that what ever you plant in has sufficient drainage holes.When it comes to outdoor growing,one must keep a eye on the weather forcast.Personally I have never had a problem with outdoor over-watering.Remember once your plants get big enough to fill your planter the rain basically hits the foliage.It then takes a real down pour to soak your soil.As for feeding,what are you using for food?Slow release,water soluble,top dressing?
I have alot of experience with dealing with critters in DA woods.So my first piece of advise would be to use some sort of fencing around your pots.Chicken wire with the 1inch holes works great.If you are paranoid about the metal shining just throw the roll in a fire for a few minuets or simply buy spray paint and hit the roll with that.Also you could lean sticks or moss or what ever on the wire...pretty stealthy.
Another good method for keeping bunnies (and other critters) at bay is to use blood meal.I haven't used blood meal but my mentor swears by it.Just dust the entire plant.
As for rain during bud-First off you NEED to select a mold resistant strain.Then ideally your going to want to select a sunny SW facing spot that gets the early sun.The early morning sun will burn off dew and really help you out in the long run.If at all possible(and safe to do so)visit your plants after a big rain and give those ladies a shake.
Now I will add this,since you are a first time outdoor grower(and depending how bad the epidemic is in your area) you MUST plan on what the hell your going to do about SLUGS!If your in a area with alot of them they WILL whip you out man.IN one night it is possible to lose EVERYTHING.plan ahead.A good way to check their population is fill a soup can or a cup 1/2 way with beer and leave it at your grow site(s).If they are bad that cup will be a gooey mees of dead slugs by morning.
Hope this helps
APE:thumbs:

 

[Muddy]

As you've already surmised, it's difficult to keep outdoor plants on a regular feeding schedule. What I like to do is amend my soil with some worm castings or composted manure. That will feed the plants when you are not able to feed them. Just make sure you have a sufficient amount of perlite mixed in and you should be fine. I've got some outdoors right now that I haven't been able to feed yet and they have been out for 3 weeks now. I added 1/3 composted chicken manure and some additional perlite. They are doing great, even without the additional feeding.

Liquid Fence is a great product and very effective against rabbits and deer. I've used it the past 3 years and no animals have eaten on my plants. Spider mites and caterpillars can be more of an issue, especially the mites. I would suggest getting a 1 gallon sprayer, about $10 at Lowes, and some insecticidal soap. Once my plants start flowering I give them a weekly spray with the soap. That will keep the mites, and a few other nasties, in check.

 

[Bandit]

"Once my plants start flowering I give them a weekly spray with the soap. That will keep the mites, and a few other nasties, in check."

Maybe this is a stupid question, but how do you get rid of the insecticide before you cure the bud?

~bandit