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Stoner Quelle • 04.03.2025

Growing Cannabis in the Garden – The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Germany

Introduction

Growing your own cannabis in the garden is an exciting opportunity for many hobby gardeners to become self-sufficient with high-quality buds. Especially after the legalization of private cannabis cultivation in Germany, many beginners have important questions:

What legal regulations must I follow?
How do I choose the best location for my plants?
What soil, fertilizers, and nutrients are optimal?
How do I successfully germinate and grow my plants?
How do I care for my plants to achieve a successful harvest?

In this comprehensive guide, you will find answers to all these questions and many more tips to help you carry out your first successful outdoor cannabis grow. Let’s get started!

Legal Situation in Germany

Before you start growing, it is important to understand the legal framework. Since April 1, 2024, private cannabis cultivation has been legal under certain conditions in Germany.

Key Legal Regulations:

According to the CanG

Maximum of three plants per person: Every adult (18 years and older) is allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use.
Growing only at your primary residence: The plants must be cultivated at your main place of residence or usual place of stay.
Selling and sharing are prohibited: The harvested buds are strictly for personal consumption. Selling or sharing them with third parties is illegal and punishable.
Security measures: The cultivation must be carried out in a way that prevents access by children and minors. A fenced-off area or a locked greenhouse is recommended.
Avoid odor nuisance: There must be no unreasonable odor disturbances for neighbors. If complaints arise, authorities may take action to halt cultivation.
Possession limits: Up to 50 grams of self-grown cannabis can be stored at home. In public, up to 25 grams may be carried.

Tip:

Even though cultivation is legal, it is advisable to grow your plants discreetly. This not only minimizes the risk of theft but also helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts with neighbors.

Choosing the Right Location: Sunlight, Wind Protection, and Discretion

The location of your cannabis plants is one of the most critical factors for a successful harvest. Cannabis is a demanding plant that requires specific conditions to reach its full growth potential. A poor location choice can lead to weak plants, reduced yields, or even complete failure.

Therefore, it is essential to consider the following factors when selecting the right spot:

Sunlight – The Key to Strong Plants

Cannabis is one of the most light-hungry plants. The amount of sunlight your plants receive daily directly influences their growth, bud development, and ultimately, yield.

How much sun is ideal?

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably 8-12 hours.
South or southwest orientation in the garden is ideal for maximizing sun exposure.
East and west-facing locations can also work but are not optimal.
North-facing or shady spots are unsuitable as cannabis will not receive enough energy for vigorous growth.

Optimizing Light Conditions

If your property does not provide enough direct sunlight, you can use mobile plant containers. This allows you to move your plants to the best sun spot depending on the time of day.

Alternatively, you can remove obstacles that cast shadows, such as tall shrubs or small trees, or use reflective surfaces (e.g., white house walls or foil) to direct more light onto the plants.

Signs of Too Little Light

Leggy, thin growth (“stretching”)
Pale, light green leaves
Slow growth and low bud production

Wind Protection – Shielding Against Strong Gusts

A light breeze is actually beneficial for cannabis, as it strengthens the stems and improves water transport within the plant. It also helps prevent mold formation in dense buds. However, excessive wind can be problematic and damage the plants.

Why is Wind Protection Important?

Strong gusts can break branches or topple the plant.
Constant wind dries out the soil faster, requiring more frequent watering.
Prolonged wind exposure can stress the plant, slowing down growth.

How to Protect Cannabis Plants from Wind

Natural protection through hedges, walls, or shrubs near the growing area.
Artificial wind protection, such as reed mats, windbreak nets, or fences.
Supporting plants if they are wind-sensitive – e.g., with bamboo stakes or plant grids.
Ensure proper airflow! The location should be sheltered from strong winds but still allow sufficient air movement to prevent mold.

Discretion – Protection from Curious Eyes

Although private cannabis cultivation is legal under certain conditions, you may still want to keep your plants hidden from neighbors or passersby. Discretion is particularly important to prevent unwanted attention or theft.

Why is Discretion Important?

Avoiding complaints or conflicts with neighbors, especially due to the strong odor of flowering plants.
Protection against theft or vandalism – Cannabis has high value, which might tempt some to trespass on your property.
Compliance with legal requirements ensuring plants are inaccessible to minors.

How Can You Grow Cannabis in the Garden Unobtrusively?

Natural camouflage with companion plants: Tall crops like tomatoes, sunflowers, or corn provide natural cover.
Privacy screens through fences or hedges: A tall garden fence, reed mats, or dense shrubs help keep your plants out of sight.
Placing cannabis in containers in discreet areas: On a terrace or in a secluded corner of the garden where visibility is low.
Choosing low-growing or bushy strains to limit height and reduce visibility.