How to Prepare Your Cannabis Plants for Heat and Growth Spurts

I am sad to say I noticed I had’nt posted on here since winter, and that’s just a shame. Tho I have been very busy in my garden, I haven’t found inspiration to blog much. This seems to change as spring fades and summer takes the stage, cannabis growers face a crucial transition period. Early summer marks a dramatic shift in weather, plant growth, and maintenance needs. If you’re cultivating cannabis—whether in your backyard, greenhouse, or on a larger outdoor farm—understanding how to adapt your care routine to match this seasonal change can make or break your harvest.

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1. Understand What Changes in Early Summer

By early summer, cannabis plants are deep in their vegetative stage—this is when they’re focused on building mass: growing taller, wider, and stronger. At the same time, environmental conditions ramp up: temperatures rise, days grow longer, and pests become more active.

This means your plants need:

• More water
• More nutrients
• Protection from heat
• Stronger structural support

Failing to respond to these needs can stunt growth, stress your plants, and invite problems like pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies.

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2. Gradually Acclimate Plants to Summer Sun

If you’re moving plants from indoor or greenhouse environments to full sun, harden them off gradually. Sudden exposure to intense summer sunlight can cause shock, sunburn, or stunted growth.

Steps to transition gently:

• Start with a few hours of morning sun per day for 3–5 days.
• Slowly increase exposure to full sunlight over a week or two.
• Use shade cloths or row covers temporarily if needed.

This step is especially crucial if early summer comes with a heat wave or UV index spike.

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3. Monitor and Adjust Watering Habits

As temperatures rise, water evaporates more quickly from both soil and plant surfaces. Your cannabis plants will need more frequent watering, especially if they’re in pots or grow bags.

Tips for summer watering:

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Deep, infrequent watering is often better than shallow, frequent watering—this encourages deeper root growth.
• Check soil moisture regularly. A finger-test (2 inches deep) or moisture meter helps avoid over- or under-watering.
• Mulch around plant bases with straw, leaves, or bark to help retain moisture.

Be aware: overwatering is still a risk—especially if your soil or containers don’t drain well.

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4. Dial in Nutrient Feeding for Explosive Growth

In early summer, cannabis plants are growing rapidly, so they need plenty of nitrogen to build leafy green mass. Depending on your setup, you might be using:

• Organic amendments (compost teas, fish emulsion)
• Liquid or slow-release nutrients
• A living soil system

Focus on nutrients that support:

• Leaf and stem development (Nitrogen)
• Root strength and overall vitality (Phosphorus and Potassium)
• Micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron to avoid deficiencies

Watch for signs of overfeeding (burnt leaf tips, dark green leaves) or underfeeding (yellowing, slow growth).

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5. Support and Train Your Plants

With explosive early summer growth comes the need for support and training. If left alone, cannabis branches can become top-heavy or grow unevenly, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of breakage.

Use techniques like:

• Low-Stress Training (LST): Bending and tying down branches to create a flat, even canopy.
• Topping: Cutting the top of the main stem to encourage side branch growth and bushier structure.
• Trellising or caging: To support heavy branches and open the plant to light and air.

These methods increase light penetration, airflow, and yield potential.

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6. Plan for Heat and Pest Defense

Early summer is the start of heat stress and pest season. Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies love the warm weather just as much as your plants do.

Protect your grow by:

• Spraying with organic pest deterrents (e.g., neem oil, insecticidal soap) every 7–10 days.
• Keeping plants spaced out for better airflow.
• Using shade cloth (30–40% shade) during peak afternoon hours if temps exceed 90°F (32°C).
• Maintaining a consistent watering and feeding schedule to reduce stress.

Happy, well-fed, and hydrated plants are more resilient to pests and temperature swings.

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7. Keep Records and Stay Observant

Early summer is a period of intense change and opportunity. It’s the perfect time to start or update a grow journal, noting:

• Watering and feeding schedules
• Plant height and structure
• Pest or disease issues
• Weather trends

This data will not only help you make better decisions mid-season—it’ll also improve your planning for next year’s grow.