Soil quite literally provides the foundation for a good weed harvest. That’s why finding the right type of soil is important for growing cannabis plants. For good growth and flowering, plants need soil that meets certain conditions. Texture is an important factor, as are drainage capacity and pH values. Finding out what soil types are the best match for your weed plants is definitely worth your while. In the end, that knowledge will reward you with strong and healthy cannabis that yields the biggest and most fragrant flower buds.
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Finding The Best Soil For Cannabis Plants
So why would you bother with finding good soil? You just want to grow cannabis, right? Isn’t that just a matter of putting seeds in the ground and off you go? If only it were that simple. Without care for the right soil, you could get a meagre harvest, or your plants could even wither and die. With just a tiny bit of information on the best soil for cannabis plants, you’ll significantly increase your chances of healthy and bountiful weed plants.
Your plants take root in your soil in order to draw strength from the earth. Cannabis plants need nutrition, air, and water to grow. The wrong type of soil could cut off their supply of these essentials. In addition, it could increase the risk of contracting fungi or pests.
Which Soil Should You Choose For Your Weed Plants?
The soil in which you plant your seeds makes up the upper layer of the ground. In natural conditions, this is a mixture of organic remains, clay, sand, and tiny rock particles. If this is your first time growing cannabis, then you should invest in buying high quality soil. The soil ought to be sufficient to provide your plants with nutrients all throughout the growth cycle. That way, you won’t need to add any additional nutrition or growth boosters.
Look for the following factors when buying soil for cannabis plants:
pH Value
The acidity of your soil is indicated by its pH value. Soil has a pH value, just like a jar of pickles or battery acid. pH values can be high (alkaline) or low (acidic). For weed plants, pH values ranging between 6 and 6.8 are ideal. Slightly lower values will still allow the plants to grow. Most commercial potting soil has a pH value somewhere between 6 and 7, so these are well-suited for cannabis plants.
Keeping check of pH values is wise. If pH values deviate from your intended level, they may prevent your plants from absorbing water from the soil.
Water Retention
Your soil should be able to retain water. If the soil doesn’t trap water, it will simply drain away too quickly and the soil will dry out. This will cause nutrient shortages in your plant.
Texture
The right soil texture helps your plants grow by allowing the roots to develop freely. Roots are vital in providing water and nutrients to your plants. Good soil texture ensures enough air and nutrients for the roots. It also regulates the balance between drainage and water retention. Texture simply means the firmness or looseness of your soil. Soil that is too firm will be too hard and form lumps that prevent the roots from penetrating the soil. Soil that is too loose will not retain enough water.
Cannabis loves soil that is light and crumbly. This type of soil promotes healthy root growth, while still getting your plants all the nutrients they need. There’s an easy way to test your soil for this. Just grab a handful of moist soil and squeeze it. When you open your hand, the soil shouldn’t stick, but just fall back to the floor as loose bits of soil.
Rich In Nutrients
The nutrients present in the soil power the growth of your plants. The potting soil you buy usually contains enough nutrients. It might be wise to add some extra nutrients once your weed plants start to flower, since your soil could be depleted at that point. You can increase nutrient levels by adding compost, humus, or worm manure, for example.
Drainage
Your soil should be able to drain water as well as retaining it. Drainage means water slowly dropping down to deeper layers of soil. Without drainage, the soil gets too moist, drowning the roots of your plants. Overexposure of roots to water can cause them to die off. You also increase the risk of fungi and rot. Keep in mind that cannabis plants generally like their soil to dry up somewhat before they receive new water.
Choosing Your Soil Type
You have a number of options at your disposal when choosing the best soil for your cannabis plants. You can also mix several types for your perfect personal blend. Sandy soil will not retain enough water. Silty soil drains a bit too fast, while clay soil will retain too much water. The best soil is a blend of these three: loam. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silty soil, and clay, with some added organic compounds. Loam has the optimal balance between retaining water and drainage, while also being rich in nutrients. The only downside to loam is its relatively high price. Still, you are bound to get a return on that investment. It will pay off in the form of big, strong, and healthy plants.
So there you have it. Now you know what the best soil for cannabis plants is. Did you already purchase your cannabis seeds? Be sure to germinate them and then plant them in your nutrient-rich soil. You’ll be watching the miracle of growing your own weed plants from up close and personal before you know it!
Find out how to germinate cannabis seeds in your soil!