ILGM sets you up for success for open-air crops, strain-by-strain.

Outdoor growing season for cannabis is just around the corner, so it’s time to stock up on seeds and start planning your crops.

Indoor cannabis plants have their own advantages, of course, but there’s nothing quite like cannabis plants grown in the open air, fueled by natural light with their sweet scent flowing in the breeze. If you’re willing to give up a little bit of control to Mother Nature, sungrown cannabis plants will reward you with big, juicy buds rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Not relying on climate controls like grow lights are better for both the environment and your power bill.

Whether you already have a few successful seasons under your belt or you’re planning your first outdoor crops, Robert Bergman is a tried-and-true resource. He’s been growing cannabis for more than 25 years and runs one of the most detailed modern cannabis-growing guides available, including strain-specific resources—completely for free.

In addition to educational resources, his website I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM) stocks high-quality seeds for hundreds of strains. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need for a successful crop.

In need of some inspiration for this year’s outdoor grow? Read on to find some of Bergam’s top picks for the freshest, hottest strains to include this season, along with clutch growing info that applies no matter where you live in the United States.

Get ready for spring

True outdoor growing season doesn’t start until mid-May, but there’s plenty of work to get done before then. Whether you live in the north or the south, late winter is a perfect time to get the party started.

According to Bergman, February is about when those in northern climes should start shopping for equipment like pots and watering supplies, along with seeds, soil, and nutrients. As soon as the last frost has passed, start preparing your soil with compost and worms—for more moderate climates, this could be towards the end of when it’s an ideal time to sprout seeds indoors with artificial light. Indica strains are more likely to thrive in cooler climates with shorter summers.

In the South, you can probably start working your soil right away, and you should absolutely get your supply shopping done. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can even start sprouting your seeds on a windowsill. Sativa strains are great for longer, hotter summer days.

You’ll thank yourself for all this winter work during your busy spring and summer—once the days are 14 hours long, it’ll be time to move those baby plants outside! ILGM has a grow calendar with a to-do list for every month of the growing season.

Cannabis seed shopping guide

There are plenty of tried-and-true outdoor strains, like Northern Lights, White Widow, and Amnesia Haze—but a little sunshine can also bring out the best in the latest and greatest. Try including some of these superstars in your next outdoor crop! With ILGM, germination is guaranteed if they’re soaked in water for 72 hours before planting.

Runtz

This sweet-tasting, 50-50 hybrid was Leafly’s 2020 Strain of the Year (and a 2019 Emerald Cup winner) for a reason. As a matter of fact, for a few reasons: Vibrant trichomes, beautiful smells, and potent effects. Hailing from Humboldt County, California, this child of Zkittles and Gelato typically flowers in October when grown outdoors and can yield up to 18 ounces per plant. ILGM’s Runtz seeds cost $149 for a pack of 10.

Dosidos

As the child of legendary GSC and iconic OG Kush, Dosidos is an indica-dominant hybrid with calming, ecstatic effects—which, along with its undeniable pungency and jaw-dropping potency, made it Leafly’s 2021 Strain of the Year. It typically flowers in late September to early October in an outdoor grow, making it a good option for mellow climates. Grab 10 seeds from ILGM for $149.

Tropicana Cookies

Also known as MTN Top, this cross of GSC and Tangie is another in the legendary Cookies lineage. Created by Bloom and Oni seed companies, the 70/30, indica-dominant hybrid typically flowers at the end of September, making it a great choice for climates that cool once fall starts. With citrus notes, a high THC content, and uplifting effects, Tropicana Cookies is equally powerful for recreational and therapeutic applications. 10 seeds from ILGM will run you $129 and net you up to 18 oz per plant when grown outdoors.

Godfather OG

With a THC content of around 28%, this Cannabis Cup 2013 winner for Best Indica has become a staple of dispensary shelves. With a deep OG Kush ancestry from parent strains XXX OG and Alpha OG, Godfather’s whole-body, deeply relaxing effects and spicy, earthy flavor are beloved by both medical patients and recreational consumers alike. It’s easy to grow and yields around 16 oz per plant when grown outdoors. ILGM’s feminized seeds cost $149 for a pack of 10.

*Availability subject to law