When it comes to growing marijuana, one of the most important aspects to consider is the growing medium. The growing medium is the type of soil you choose to plant your cannabis in. This soil needs to meet several requirements to create the best environment for your marijuana.
One of the most frequently asked questions about home cannabis cultivation is what soil is best. However, there is no one answer to that question. There are many factors to consider, including growing location, budget, experience, and, most importantly, marijuana strain selection. Regardless of what soil you choose, a few factors apply to every marijuana strain. Today, we’ll cover the factors to look for in the best marijuana soil overall.
Proper Drainage
The first, most crucial aspect a quality marijuana soil should have is proper drainage. Your cannabis soil should have good drainage as your plants won’t grow well if the roots are constantly wet and soggy. Not to mention, if the soil doesn’t allow water to drain correctly, you may drown your plants and end up losing your entire crop.
Low Density
Cannabis plants produce robust, hardy roots. However, their roots don’t like to struggle to expand. So, soil that’s too dense doesn’t make for the best soil for marijuana as it can’t create a proper root system to sustain the plant.
To test the density of your potential soil type, you should be able to push your finger into the soil with little resistance. If the soil you’re considering is in a sealed package, such as a bag of potting soil, there’s another quick test you can do in the store. Look for soil bags from different suppliers of the same volume and lift them. The bags that feel heavier, despite having the same amount of soil, are denser.
Healthy pH Level
When it comes to soil pH levels, marijuana thrives in soil that’s a touch on the acidic side. However, most plant nutrients usually lower soil pH levels, so it’s not typically a problem depending on your water’s pH level. Overall, pH levels shouldn’t be a primary concern for growers unless they plan to mix their own organic soil.
If you want to mix your own organic soil, investing in a soil pH meter is best to ensure your soil’s pH level is correct. Otherwise, choose pre-mixed soil to ensure you’re working with a healthy pH level.
The Top Choices for Marijuana Soil
Unfertilized potting soil is one of the best choices for first-time growers. This soil isn’t overly dense, has no additional nutrients, and is remarkably forgiving. Not to mention, potting soil is the most affordable option too. However, potting soil should only be used if you plan to grow out of a container, such as pots or bags.
Coco coir is also one of the most popular growing mediums for marijuana cultivation. This popularity is because coco coir offers the best drainage of any pre-mixed growing medium. It’s made from the husks of coconut shells and is an excellent choice for anyone growing indoors. Thanks to its exceptional drainage, it’s virtually impossible to overwater any plant in coco coir. The only drawback of this growing medium is that it’s on the expensive side.
Finally, If you plan to grow outdoors, such as in a garden, you may want to consider mixing your own organic soil. Many experienced growers will only work with organic soil. Typically, you’ll start with a neutral medium like quality topsoil and add different nutrient supplements like compost or lime to get the pH level to the correct ratio. This process can be complicated for beginners and takes time. Therefore, this growing medium isn’t recommended for first-time growers.
Find the Soil that Works for You
No matter what growing medium you choose, just make sure it works for you. Remember to keep drainage, density, and pH levels in mind. Use these tips to find the best soil for you and get growing!
