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Guerrilla Growing Cannabis Outdoors

Updated: May 24

Guerrilla Growing Outdoor Cannabis: Top Tips for a Stealthy and Successful Harvest


Guerrilla growing is the art of cultivating cannabis in secluded outdoor locations — usually away from your home — with minimal detection and interference.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you guerrilla grow cannabis successfully.


What is Guerrilla Growing?

Guerrilla growing refers to planting cannabis in hidden or remote outdoor areas like:

  • Forest clearings

  • Hillsides

  • Along rivers or streams

  • Abandoned lots

  • Fallow agricultural land



    Guerrilla Growing Outdoor Cannabis
    Guerrilla Growing Outdoor Cannabis

    The goal? Let nature do the heavy lifting — while avoiding detection from people, and animals.


Animal Deterrent - Cannabis plant Chicken wire fencing
Animal Deterrent - Chicken wire fencing

Fencing - Animal Deterent

Animal Deterrent - Chilli Flakes
Animal Deterrent - Chilli Flakes

Chili flakes and hot pepper seeds, particularly cayenne pepper, can be effective natural pest deterrents for cannabis plants. The capsaicin in hot peppers irritates pests and discourages them from feeding on the plants or digging up the soil. You can sprinkle the flakes on top of the soil around the plant. You can make a liquid deterrent, using strong hot sauce and water.



Rain Water Collection Tarp
Rain Water Collection Tarp

Outdoor - LST - Low-Stress Training, Keep your plants hidden, especially tall Sativas
Outdoor - LST - Low-Stress Training, Keep your plants hidden, especially tall Sativas


1. Choosing the Right Location

This is the most critical decision of your guerrilla grow. Look for:

Seclusion

  • Far from trails, roads, foot traffic

  • Ideally not on someone else’s private property (to avoid legal or ethical issues)

Sunlight

  • At least 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily

  • Southern exposure is ideal

Water Access

  • Close to a water source (stream, creek, rain collection)

  • Consider stealthy irrigation options like drip lines or water gels

Camouflage

  • Surrounding vegetation should provide natural concealment

  • Choose places that blend well with the local flora

Soil Quality

  • Test the native soil or bring in your own grow mix

  • Avoid areas prone to flooding or heavy erosion

  • Look for soil that is dark and soft, if it's easy to dig it will be easy on the roots, you don't want to waste time with very compressed soil because your plants won't grow very big. If the soil has worms, that is a good sign as long as it's not too wet or has lots of clay or stones.


    Where to Find Good Soil in a Forest for Cannabis Cultivation


  • 1. Forest Edges and Clearings

    • Why: These areas get more sunlight and often have rich, loamy soil from years of organic material decomposing.

    • Look for:

      • Soft, dark, crumbly soil

      • Worms or insect activity

      • A healthy layer of leaf litter (forest duff)

    • Avoid: Dense root systems from nearby trees that can compete for nutrients and water.


  • 2. Under Deciduous Trees (Not Pines)

    • Why: Trees like oak, maple, or birch drop nutrient-rich leaves that decompose into quality topsoil.

    • Look for:

      • Dark brown to black soil

      • Fungi or mushroom presence (shows microbial life)

      • No standing water

    • Avoid: Areas under conifers (pine, fir) — their needles make the soil acidic and less fertile.


  • 3. South-Facing Hillsides

    • Why: These areas get better sun exposure, have good drainage, and tend to warm up earlier in the season.

    • Look for:

      • Loose, rich, well-drained soil

      • Grassy or weedy vegetation (signs of healthy soil)

    • Avoid: Rocky or overly compacted soil patches.


  • 4. Old Animal Trails or Natural Clearings

    • Why: These areas often have broken-up soil, higher organic content from animal droppings, and less canopy coverage.

    • Look for:

      • High grass or wildflowers growing naturally

      • Minimal large tree root interference

    • Avoid: Areas with heavy game traffic that could trample your plants.


  • 🌱 Signs of Good Soil

    • Color: Dark brown or black = high organic matter

    • Texture: Crumbly, moist but not muddy (loamy)

    • Smell: Earthy, not sour or rotten

    • Vegetation: Diverse, healthy native plants = fertile soil

    • Drainage: Dig a small hole and fill with water – it should drain within an hour


  • 🧪 Pro Tip: Do a Quick Soil Test

    Bring a pH meter or soil test kit. Ideal soil:

    • pH: 6.0–6.8

    • Texture: Balanced mix of clay, sand, and silt (loam)

    • No anaerobic smell (a sign of poor drainage or rot)


  • 👎 Areas to Avoid

    • Low-lying bogs or swampy patches

    • Forests with heavy pine or spruce needle drop

    • Soil with lots of clay or rock

    • Paths with high human or animal traffic




Secluded areas with good sunlight
Secluded areas with good sunlight

Secluded areas with good sunlight and sources of water
Secluded areas with good sunlight and sources of water

You can use maps like Google Earth to find locations




annabis Outdoors - Rivers, Water Sources
Cannabis Outdoors - Rivers, Water Sources

Small rivers and ditches with water
Small rivers and ditches with water

Cannabis Outdoors - Small Rivers, Water Erosion
Cannabis Outdoors - Small Rivers, Water Erosion



Cannabis Guerilla Growing Adventures


Cannabis Guerilla Growing - Canoeing Adventures
Cannabis Guerilla Growing - Canoeing Adventures


Cannabis Guerilla Growing - Canoeing
Cannabis Guerilla Growing - Canoeing

Growing Cannabis Near Rivers
Growing Cannabis Near Rivers


Cannabis Growing - Canoeing Adventures
Cannabis Growing - Canoeing Adventures

Cannabis Growing - Dirt Bike Adventures
Cannabis Growing - Dirt Bike Adventures

Cannabis Growing - ATV Adventures
Cannabis Growing - ATV Adventures

ATV - Guerilla Growing Adventures
ATV - Guerilla Growing Adventures

2. Choosing the Right Strains

Not all cannabis plants are suited for stealthy outdoor growing. Look for strains that are:

  • Autoflowering: Shorter life cycles, less maintenance, and compact size

  • Indica-dominant: Usually shorter and bushier (less visible)

  • Mold-resistant: Outdoor grows are vulnerable to humidity

  • Hardy: Able to thrive in rougher outdoor conditions

Examples:

  • Durban Poison (stealthy and resilient)

  • Runtz Auto (compact and fast)

  • Super Lemon Haze (mildew-resistant)


🧤 3. Preparing the Site

a. Soil Prep

Dig a hole 1–3 feet deep and mix native soil with:

  • Organic compost or worm castings

  • Perlite for aeration

  • Coco coir or peat moss for water retention

  • Vermiculite retains moisture in the soil

b. Camouflage Techniques

  • Plant near shrubs or behind tall grass

  • Use companion plants like ferns, nettles, or thorny bushes to deter intruders

  • Never leave visible tools or trails

c. Security Measures

  • Don’t leave scent trails (avoid frequent visits)

  • Wear gloves

  • Visit at odd hours and vary your route


Yardworks Tempered-Steel Round-Point Short-Handle D-Grip Shovel, 27-in Wooden Shaft
Yardworks Tempered-Steel Round-Point Short-Handle D-Grip Shovel, 27-in Wooden Shaft

Pin Lock For Shovel
Pin Lock For Shovel




Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel with Hardwood Handle
Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel with Hardwood Handle



Collapsible Bucket
Collapsible Bucket


 TONMA JP Pruning Shears                                                                                                                             Shears are always useful, trim surrounding foliage to give your plants more light
TONMA JP Pruning Shears Shears are always useful, trim surrounding foliage to give your plants more light



Tactical Shovel
Tactical Shovel

Zune Lotoo Survival Shovel Multitool 28 in 1 Luxury Kit, Tactical Camping Folding Shovel
Zune Lotoo Survival Shovel Multitool 28 in-1 Luxury Kit, Tactical Camping Folding Shovel

🌱 4. Planting and Watering

Timing:

  • Spring (April–May): Ideal for photoperiod strains, you will also avoid mosquitos, you can also use bug repellent, especially around your boots

  • Late Spring to Early Summer: Best for autoflowers to avoid frost

Germination:

  • Germinate seeds at home

  • Transplant seedlings after the risk of frost has passed

Watering:

  • Visit once a week or less

  • Use:

    • Water-retaining crystals or hydrogels

    • Mulch to reduce evaporation

    • Stealth drip systems from concealed water barrels


☀️ 5. Maintaining the Grow

Guerrilla growing is about minimal intervention. A few key check-ins are enough if you plan well.


Key Maintenance Tips:

  • Check for pests and mold discreetly

  • Use organic pest deterrents like neem oil or companion planting

  • Trim selectively to improve airflow (don’t over-prune and expose the plant)

  • Don’t fertilize heavily — it can attract animals


✂️ 6. Harvest Time

Harvest stealthily:

  • Visit at dawn or dusk

  • Bring bags or bins to conceal buds

  • Trim off-site to reduce risk

Autoflowers may be ready in 8–10 weeks, while photoperiod plants will be ready in late September to early October depending on climate.


🕵️ Bonus Tips for Guerrilla Growing

  • 🌧️ Rain Check: Choose slightly elevated ground to avoid flooding

  • 🔒 Don’t Tell Anyone — seriously, not even your closest friend

  • 🧩 Plant Multiple Sites: In case one is discovered or fails

  • 🧺 Use Natural Paths: Avoid breaking brush that leads others to your site

  • 📷 Use a Trail Cam (optional): If security is a concern


  • Mosquito Repellent

  • You can use a regular repellent or Organic, Mix of Olive Oil and Oregano Extract/Oil - 20% Oregano extract, and 80% Olive Oil in a fine mist spray bottle, you can make the repellent stronger by changing the Oregano ratio. Tea Tree Oil, Citronella, Lavender Oil, and Lemon Eucalyptus oil work also.


    Basil & Mint Plants

    • Why it works: Aromatic herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes and can be companion planted with cannabis.

    • How to use: Plant around your grow site, greenhouse, or patio.

    • ✅ Helps deter multiple pests organically


  • Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

    • Why it works: Strong smell deters insects.

    • How to use: Mix 1:1 ACV and water with a few drops of essential oil (peppermint, eucalyptus). Spray around the area.

    • ✅ Cheap and multipurpose


  • Garlic Spray

    • Why it works: Mosquitoes hate garlic.

    • How to use: Blend garlic cloves with water, let sit overnight, strain, and spray the perimeter of your grow or campsite.

    • ✅ Long-lasting residual effect


  • 🚫 What to Avoid:

    • Synthetic repellents like DEET near your cannabis plants (especially during flowering)

    • Strong alcohol-based sprays that can harm plant leaves

    • Overuse of essential oils directly on foliage





🌿 Conclusion

Guerrilla growing cannabis outdoors is a blend of bushcraft, botany, and patience. By choosing a smart location, planting the right strains, and maintaining a low profile, you can enjoy a rewarding harvest — all under nature’s radar.

Grow smart. Stay stealthy. And may your buds be bountiful 🌞🌱



Hand Held GPS

Investing in a GPS will help you find your grow locations, especially when vegetation becomes unrecognizable when returning to collect your harvest.


GARMIN - MONTANA - GPS
GARMIN - MONTANA - GPS

 
 
 

Opmerkingen


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