One of the most important decisions a home gardener or a Pro grower makes is to get the best growing medium for healthy cannabis and better yields. Well, growers are fortunate as there are many growing mediums to choose from in cannabis cultivation. The best soil for growing cannabis should have good water retention and yet drain easily, preventing root rot.
Either you grow plants in soil or can opt for soil-less options like hydroponics, aeroponics, or coco coir. Whatever option you pick, remember every medium has its pros and cons. But the best way cannabis growers prefer is plain soil. We are discussing soil today because not all soil is great. Let us learn which is the best soil for growing cannabis and how you can make weed-friendly soil.
Why does Soil Quality matter?
When we talk about the Cannabis Sativa L. family, certainly, many climates do not suit this plant, especially tropical and cold harsh regions. When selecting the best soil for growing cannabis, consider factors such as nutrient content, texture, and organic composition. Our meticulously chosen soil options provide the perfect combination of these elements, ensuring optimum conditions for your plants. Whether you’re a novice grower or an experienced cultivator, our range of premium soils will contribute to a successful and rewarding growing experience.
Using nutrient-rich and weed-friendly soil allows your weeds to withstand harsh conditions and produce better yields and buds. High-quality soil helps in optimum growth, root development, and nutrient uptake and benefits overall plant health.
Here is what happens if your soil is inept:
- Too thick soil chokes plants’ roots, resulting in slow and stunted growth.
- Too loose soil leads to water drainage issues before plants can absorb nutrients, causing under-watering symptoms and nutrient deficiencies in plants.
- The same problem arises when soil is too acidic or alkaline. Or under-fertilized or over-fertilized plants absorb inadequate nutrients.
To help plants, use a substrate with the correct pH and make necessary amendments like water, nutrients, and other requirements. It is good to start with a high-quality nourished medium.
Also Read: How to Fix Cannabis Curled Leaves?
What Sort of Soil should I use to Grow Cannabis?
Before selecting the best soil for growing cannabis, note that every cannabis strain is different and requires different soil. Selecting the right soil depends on the climate, strain type, and where you are growing, i.e., at home or wild.
The best soil for growing cannabis is dark, nutrient-rich, has good texture and drains well without looking muddy. You can buy quality soils from reputed cannabis seeds suppliers who deal in soils or substrates especially made for cannabis seeds.
Also, Refer to Harvesting and Processing of Cannabis Seeds
Types of Natural Soils
Natural soils come in four categories:
1. Sandy soil
Sandy soil is gritty and coarse. It is light and easy to work with. It drains well but does not retain moisture, resulting in dry soil whose nutrients wash out quickly. It is why for cactus or succulents and not for weeds.
2. Clay soil
Clay soil is heavier and denser than sandy soil. It feels sticky and clumpy when wet making it tough to work with. However, it retains moisture but causes poor drainage. They are one of the most fertile soils.
3. Silt soil
Silty soil is smooth and floury with good water drainage and retention ability. It offers minerals and other nourishing substances to plants. The only drawback is they are denser which leads to compactness hindering airflow, water, and nutrients.
4. Loamy soil
Loamy soil is a mixture of all the above soils mentioned, i.e., silt, clay, and sandy. It is balanced soil that contains each soil in proportionate quantity, making it airy, easy to work, good drainage, and better water retention so that plants get enough minerals.
What are the Important Soil traits to Consider while growing Cannabis Seeds?
Cannabis thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH (between 6.0 and 7.0). Here are the common attributes of soil that you should consider:
- Texture:Â Cannabis flourishes in well-aerated soil with good drainage. It allows proper oxygen flow to the roots vital for healthy development. Sandy loam is a good example, offering balanced sand and finer particles (silt and clay). Avoid soils too sandy or clayey.
- Water Drainage: Excellent drainage is a necessity for the cannabis plant as it does not like wet roots. Cannabis plants are susceptible to root rot if waterlogged. The soil should allow excess water to drain freely while still retaining some moisture. Loamy soil with good-sized pores facilitates this balance.
- Water Retention: While drainage is crucial, cannabis also demands moisture retention. Loamy soil again comes in handy, holding onto enough water for the plant to access it between waterings.
- pH Value: Cannabis plants prefer slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. This pH range allows the plant to absorb nutrients most effectively. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, nutrient uptake hampers. Some growers may need to adjust their soil pH by adding amendments like lime (raises pH) or sulfur (lowers pH).
- Nutrients: Marijuana requires a good balance of nutrients for optimal growth and bud production. A quality potting mix should contain a base level of nutrients, but many growers supplement with additional fertilizers during different growth stages (vegetative and flowering). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) are the primary nutrients, but other micronutrients are also important. Purchase or create a nutrient-rich soil with the right amount of NPK for healthy cannabis growth.
Related: Nitrogen: The Silent Hero For Healthy Cannabis Plants
How to Improve Soil Quality for Growing Cannabis?
If you are an outdoor cannabis grower, then it is obvious that you cannot change the soil, but there are a few ways to improve the natural soil quality. For example, if you have drainage issues or pH imbalances, you can mix substrates available in online or offline shops. Here are the things to add to the soil to make it more fertile:
1. Coco Coir
Made from the husks of coconuts coco coir provides excellent drainage and aeration due to its large pores. It also holds a good amount of moisture and is naturally resistant to pathogens. However, coco coir has a low nutrient content and a slightly higher pH (around 6.0-6.8), so may require additional nutrients and potential pH adjustments. Add coco coir up to 30% in the existing soil with necessary soil amendments.
2. Perlite
This volcanic rock is heat-treated to create lightweight, white-bright sterile particles. Perlite improves drainage and aeration significantly. It’s a great choice for loosening up dense soil mixes as it has great water retention capacity. Use 10- 15% perlite with existing soil to improve the soil’s airiness. You can also get market perlite premixes too. However, similar to coco coir, perlite offers minimal nutrients.
3. Vermiculite
Similar to perlite, vermiculite is a micaceous mineral heated to create a lightweight, exfoliated material. Vermiculite offers good water retention while also holding onto moisture and nutrients. It’s a good choice for improving drainage and water retention in a soil mix. You can use perlite and vermiculite together, but the quantity of vermiculite should not exceed 10%.
4. Clay Pebbles
Growers prefer baked clay balls primarily in hydroponic systems, but clay pebbles can also be used as an amendment. Adding them in the bottom of the containers provides excellent drainage and aeration and can be reused in future grows. You can also add clay pebbles at the top as mulch to trap the moisture, reduce excess evaporation, and keep the microbes at bay. However, like the others, they offer minimal nutrients.
5. Worm Castings
Rich in organic matter, micronutrients, and beneficial microbes, worm castings are a fantastic amendment to boost soil fertility and improve overall plant health. They contribute to good drainage and aeration while also enhancing water retention. Amending 30% is enough for your soil.
6. Nutrients
Various types of nutrients are available for cannabis cultivation, including organic and synthetic options. A good quality potting mix should provide a base level of nutrients, but most growers need to supplement with additional fertilizers throughout the grow cycle. These fertilizers typically come in a three-part formula focusing on Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are essential for plant growth and bud development. Micronutrients are also important and may be included in some fertilizers or added separately.
Chemicals or nutrients- what shall I add to the soil? It is safer to focus on nutrients than chemicals. However, always start with quality potting mix and improve it by ensuring proper drainage, nutrient content, and micro-nutrients.
Choosing the right amendments depends on your existing soil and the specific needs of your cannabis strain. It’s important to find a balance between drainage, aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability. Many growers experiment with different combinations of amendments to create an optimal soil mix for their cannabis plants.
Soil for Photoperiod and Autoflowering Cannabis Strains
One factor that you need to consider is which cannabis strain you are growing- autoflowering or photoperiod. For autoflowering cannabis plants, use a lighter substrate with few nutrients. For that, mix an equal quantity of coco coir and light soil with perlite for drainage. Do not use heavy soils like Silty soil or heavy fertilizers like bat guano. It will overload your plants and will not be helpful. Plant the final auto-flowering seedling in a container with a big hole at the center of the pot to breathe.
Plants with a photoperiod should be grown in small pots with little nutrients, then replanted when matured with higher levels of nutrients.
Can we prepare the Soil at home, or need to purchase it from the store?
Why not make your cannabis soil instead of ready-made soil from a grow shop? You have to ensure that the best soil for growing cannabis contains all the nutrients in the right ratios helpful for plant growth and pick soil based on atmospheric conditions. To improve later, get some shop-bought soil and mix it with the homemade soil with some perlite to increase drainage.
Best soil recipe for growing cannabis at home:
If you are wondering how to make the best soil for growing cannabis at home, here is the basic one that is affordable and even better than many store-bought soils:
Mix 1 part of vermiculite, 1 part coco coir, 2 part compost, and 1 cup worm castings or aged manure. Sift the compost and soak the coco coir in warm water. Take a container, add coco coir and vermiculite. Mix all in the compost, you are ready with the perfect soil mix. Ensure the pH (5.5 – 6.0) before planting the seed.
This compost is great for outdoor or indoor growing. But if the soil is not that good, you can add organic fertilizers for further enhancement.
Related: Where to grow Cannabis- Indoor or Outdoor?
What is the Best pro-mix Soil for Cannabis?
There is no one best pro-mix soil when it comes to cannabis cultivation. It depends on the climate and surroundings of your little ones, but always consider a bulk substrate with 50% coco-peat and 50% vermiculite with additives like Dolomite lime, Gypsum pellets, etc., in minimal quantity to provide calcium and essential minerals to the plant. Always pick organic pro mixes for your soil, and if you want, make a DIY nutrient-rich soil for weeds.
How do you grow Cannabis Seeds using the direct soil method?
The direct soil method is popular among beginners growing cannabis seeds because it’s relatively simple. However, it’s important to note that this method carries slightly more risk than starting seeds in a separate germination medium like rock wool or a paper towel. Here’s a step-by-step guide for growing cannabis seeds using the direct soil method:
Materials Required: Cannabis seeds, potting mix, pots with drainage, water spray bottle, plastic wrap for a small greenhouse effect
How to do it?
Fill your pot with the potting mix, create a level surface, and moisten the soil. You want it damp but not soggy. Make a small hole (about ½ inch deep) in the center of the pot using your finger or dibber. Carefully place a single cannabis seed into the hole. Cover the seed with soil, gently pressing it down. Lightly mist the soil surface again to settle the soil around the seed. Avoid overwatering.
Place a clear plastic dome or wrap it over the pot to create a humid environment. Ensure there’s some ventilation by poking a few small holes in the top. Put the pot in a warm location (ideally 70-80°F) with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight at this stage, which can dry the soil too quickly. You can gently lift the dome/wrap periodically to allow for some fresh air exchange and prevent mold growth. Be patient! Germination can take 3-10 days, depending on the strain and temperature.
Look for a sprout to emerge. Once the seedling has sprouted and developed its first set of true leaves, remove the dome or plastic wrap to allow for proper airflow. Gradually introduce the seedling to more intense light. You can use a grow light or a sunny windowsill (indirect sunlight initially). Continue watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. You can also start introducing a low-dose nutrient solution as the plant matures.
While the direct soil method can be successful, be aware that there’s a slight chance the seed may not germinate, or the young seedling could be susceptible to damping-off disease in overly moist conditions. If you’re a novice, consider starting with the paper towel or rock wool germination method, which might offer a slightly higher success rate.
Also Read: Why My Cannabis Seedlings Are Growing Slowly?
FAQs
1. What is the best soil for growing Cannabis cuttings?
There isn’t a single best soil for growing cannabis cuttings, but some options work well, like soil-less media with Rockwool cubes or rapid rooters, Well-draining potting mix, and Coco coir.
2. What soil nutrient levels are for cannabis?
Cannabis nutrient needs vary depending on the growing stage (vegetative vs flowering) and the specific strain. However, a general guideline includes the optimal combination of macronutrients and micronutrients. Some growers prefer premixed potting soil and nutrient supplements to enhance soil quality. The best soil for growing cannabis is crucial in ensuring the thriving success of your plants.
3. How to identify quality soil?
Signs of the best soil for growing cannabis include:
- Texture: Light and crumbly, with a good balance of sand, silt, and clay particles.
- Drainage: Drains well when watered, but doesn’t become bone dry too quickly.
- Color: Darker color often indicates richer organic matter content.
- Odor: Fresh, earthy smell. Avoid musty or chemical odors.
- Source: Reputable cannabis garden store or supplier. Look for brands formulated for cannabis cultivation.
Conclusion
Ensuring a good quality growing medium will provide a solid foundation for your cannabis plants and help in a better harvest. Whatever you choose, either premix soil or nutrient amendments, ensure the soil is pH balanced as it will give cannabis lightness and better absorption with balanced drainage and water retention. When it comes to cultivating cannabis, selecting the best soil for growing cannabis is paramount. A high-quality growing medium serves as the foundation for your plants, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest.
