Backyard Autoflowers
by Bob Walloch
Home-growing cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or some big science experiment. Growing your own here in Minnesota’s never been easier—or more fun. With the new state laws, we can legally grow eight plants indoors or outdoors at home (only four are allowed to be in the flowering phase of growth at once). And if you ask me, the easiest way to do that is with backyard plants started with autoflower seed stock.
Autoflowers grow quickly, flowering about three to four weeks after germination. You don’t need lights, high-tech gear, or too big of a green thumb. You just need a sunny spot, some decent soil, and a little love. Last year, first-time growers were thrilled with their harvests and beyond excited to see the process of growing.
Most autoflowers go from seed to harvest in about 70 to 90 days. They stay short and stealthy—perfect for tucking into a corner of your yard or raised bed—and tough enough to handle less-than-perfect conditions. They are the “set it and forget it” cannabis plants, which makes them a dream for backyard growers who want good results without a ton of work.
Peak planting time for autoflowers in Minnesota is June 1st – 14th.
That way, you can harvest in late August or early September before the weather gets chilly. Plant too early; your seedlings might shiver through cold nights in May.
Getting started is simple. Grab some good-quality autoflower seeds and pick a strain that suits your experience—whether you want something calming, energizing, or simply smells amazing. You can plant straight in the ground, in a raised bed, or, my preferred approach, in a five-gallon fabric pot. Just ensure your soil drains well and has some organic richness—worm castings or compost work wonders.
Give your plants as much sunlight as possible. A south-facing yard location with a little wind protection is ideal.
Water them regularly, but don’t drown them. In the early weeks, they don’t drink much—but once flowering kicks in, they’ll start chugging water and nutrients like champs. I like to use a little nitrogen-rich fertilizer early on, then switch to a bloom formula with more phosphorus once they flower and calcium and magnesium supplements throughout the growth cycle. Keep it simple. Less is usually more with autoflowers.
A few tips from experience: Germinate your seeds inside using the damp paper towel method first. Once you see a little root tail, plant them where they’ll live—no transplanting later. Don’t overwater (seriously, don’t), and let the soil dry out a bit between drinks. Use tomato cages for support, especially when those summer storms roll through. Toss a few companion plants like marigolds, garlic, or onions nearby—they help with pest control and look good too.
When harvest time rolls around, you’ll know. The pistils darken, the trichomes get cloudy, and the buds get fat and sticky. Cut them down, hang them in a cool, dark space with airflow, and let them dry for about a week. Then, trim them up, pop them in jars, and “burp” those jars, opening and closing the lids for air exchange daily for a few weeks to finish curing. After a few weeks, you’ll have some beautiful, smooth flower you grew. There’s nothing like it.
So go for it! Grow one plant or eight. Do it with intention. Let it bring you joy. Respect your neighbors, respect the plant, and have fun with it. Backyard autoflowers make growing cannabis simple, soulful, and downright satisfying.
