Regardless of being a growth medium, the soil is one of the crucial constituents for growing cannabis. There are several aspects you’d want to look upon to find the best soil, but still getting it right is arguably the distinction between a complete failure and a bountiful harvest. Newcomers tend to make frequent mistakes while picking up the right soil, which in turn, costs them their produce. There are a lot of validations you might have to make, such as differentiating indoor soils with outdoor soils.
Other essential components while growing cannabis are to keep a check on the soil’s drainage and pH. These components make sure that the soil in which you are planning to grow cannabis is of high-quality. So, pick the soil from the right vendor. To understand it further, let’s shed some light on the essential things you need to know before finding the best soil for growing cannabis.
Size of the container matters
The size of the container that you choose for the plant will determine its root system. With more space, they will grow faster than the usual rate. If you happen to select small vessels, the roots will run out of space and outgrow the container, resulting in further complications and added steps and hassles. While they’re still seedlings, you can go for a 10x10x10 centimeter vessel.
When the plant reaches around 25cm of height, transplant the plant into a container that is double the size of the first one, and when it reaches more than 80cm of height, it’s advisable to take a 12l box. This cycle of transplanting continues until the process of harvest. So, select wisely.
Soil watering
Growing environments and soil types play a significant role in the way you would water your soil. While colder climates demand less water, hot ones would require more watering. Adequate water supply is especially important for certain strains. Do remember the haze strains should not be over-watered if you want to get the best growth out of them.
During such a process, when you put water into the soil, essential nutrients move towards the roots. This makes the nutrients travel through the entire plant. Even though water is a crucial ingredient in the process of photosynthesis, it tends to cool down the plant, which is overheating. While you are watering the soil, make sure that the soil doesn’t get wet but just moist. Watering over a certain point will lead to harmful fungi growing in the soil, affecting the roots. Overwatering can also cause root diseases, so it’s recommended that you proceed with caution.
If you think that soil only has one single type, then that’s not true. There are four varieties of natural soils – clay, loam, silt, and sandy. With different kinds of soil, come further combinations. Each type has a possible combination of at least two like silty/sandy, clay/loamy, and it goes on. Moreover, while choosing a soil type in a mix, every soil has a different ratio as well.
1. Clay Soils
Clay soil is one of the best organic soils for cannabis. It comprises particles of fine crystalline that are created by chemical reactions between natural resources and minerals.
This soil has a higher pH and a smaller granular size. Since it can stabilize your plants, working around such a type of soil might require a lot of overall efforts.
2. Loam Soils
This type of soil is a combination of silt, sand, and clay, commonly in a ratio of 40/40/20. Loam consists of at least 20% of organic compounds, and it can be too complicated or too easy to work with it. To identify the soil, all you have to do is squeeze it. When you press the soil, it will take the shape of a loose ball.
Known as a typical potting soil for cannabis, it has a neutral pH and offers excellent water retention, drainage and is also naturally fertile. Loam soil also holds a higher percentage of oxygen levels. But, if you are taking a step ahead to buy it, know that it’s the most expensive soil out there.
3. Silt Soils
Silt soils contain minerals like fine organic particles and quartz. When wet, such a type of soil is quite comfortable to work with and also has good drainage. If you want a reasonable-sized harvest, silt soils are known to be the most fertile ones and can even hold moisture.
In order to increase the duration of the growing season, you can perform frequent irrigation. Silt soils are considered the best type for seedlings.
Silt soils contain minerals like fine organic particles and quartz. When wet, such a type of soil is quite comfortable to work with and also has good drainage. If you want a reasonable-sized harvest, silt soils are known to be the most fertile ones and can even hold moisture.
In order to increase the duration of the growing season, you can perform frequent irrigation. Silt soils are considered the best type for seedlings.
4. Sandy Soils
Such a soil type is majorly known for a low pH and larger granular size. The problem people face with sandy soil is that it meets complexity in the absorption of moisture and dries quicker than the rest. In this process, sandy soil loses nitrogen and nutrients rapidly.
On the positive side, this type of soil holds good drainage, a high percentage of oxygen levels, and can easily be prepared for cultivation. However, if you are planning to grow cannabis indoors, sandy soils are a perfect option.
When you plan to buy soil for the cannabis plant, it’s essential to understand the basics of high-quality soil. These basics are the pH, nutrients, drainage, retention of water, and texture.
Drainage, water retention, and texture
The ability to hold water, drainage, and texture are three critical aspects of cannabis soil. If the roots do not have an accurate amount of oxygen and water flowing through, the plant will not result in a decent yield. Leaving too much water around the roots will make it impossible for the oxygen to enter, which in turn would damage the roots and make the plant dry down.
Looking for quality cannabis soil? These are the things you must look in the soil before planning to make a purchase:
- Water retention without making the soil muddy
- Loose texture
- The drainage should be excellent
- Dark and rich color
Conclusion
It is quite hard for any soil to have the ideal texture, water retention, and drainage system. However, you can make the amendments through the coco coir, perlite, worm castings, nutrient-rich potting soil, and pH to omit the soil’s capacity. So, make the right choice so that your plant produces high-quality yields.
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