ediums
If you are a beginner , soil is probably
SOIL
your best choice . It is by far the most forgiving medium and acts as a buffer to your plants ’ roots . If your nutrient levels are off , or you didn ’ t water on time , you ’ ll have a better chance of not killing your plants . Soils that are rich in organic matter release nutrients slowly over time and retain moisture , which helps to protect your garden from common newbie mistakes . If you ’ re a beginner , there ’ s a lot you don ’ t know about growing in general , let alone all the different types of equipment required for various hydroponic systems . There is a learning curve to growing , and many mistakes are made along the way . Soil is the easiest place to learn . Once you master the basics , you can move on and learn about other grow systems and all their moving parts . Soil is the most affordable option for your growroom . Hydroponic systems can be very expensive . Not only do you need to buy the system , but you ’ ll need pumps , air stones , tubing , controllers , and meters . The costs add up quickly . With soil , you need pots , saucers , and soil , which is much less expensive . If growing organically is important to you , you ’ ll want to grow with soil . You can build your soil with organic amendments and inoculate it with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizal fungi . This makes nutrients more readily available and protects against diseases . High-quality soil creates a much better flavor than plants grown in soilless mediums have . Cannabis grown in rich soil will have a superior terpene content as well , which means beautiful buds coated in sparkling crystals . Although growing in soil has all these benefits , it does come with some drawbacks . Soil is an ideal environment for pests and diseases to flourish , especially indoors . One bad bag of soil can introduce fungus gnats , thrips , or the dreaded spider mite to your growroom . Inspect new soil carefully before bringing it in . Check your plants regularly for pests and diseases so you can treat problems quickly and have a better chance at eradicating them . Another drawback is plants grow slower in soil because the roots have to push through a more dense environment compared to hydroponics , so that is something to keep in mind as well .
COCO COIR
Although it feels a lot like soil gardening , growing in coco coir is considered a hydroponic method because it is a soilless medium and you ’ ll be feeding your plants with a nutrient solution . It is a great way to learn more about how to run a hydroponic grow without having to use automated equipment . You can also use coco coir in hydroponic systems . For example , you can use a coco coir mat or coco-filled pots with an ebb and flow system and get great results . Coco also tends to be more forgiving than other hydroponic setups . Coco coir makes a great substitute for peat moss when mixing your own soil . Most potting soils contain peat , however , we are currently harvesting peat moss at an unsustainable rate . Coco coir , on the other hand , is a byproduct of the coconut industry and needs to be used so it doesn ’ t end up in a landfill . Its role in the agriculture industry means it is a widely available and a renewable resource , making it an even more sustainable option . Researchers at Auburn University and the University of Arkansas found coco coir performs on par with peat . It aerates the soil and improves its moisture holding capacity with less water than peat needs . Coco coir retains water well while also having excellent drainage . Coco is resistant to pests and has natural antifungal properties , so it ’ s unlikely fungal diseases and root rot will develop . Having said that , coco coir can be problematic for some growers . The quality of coco products tends to be inconsistent , sometimes even from the same company . If the product wasn ’ t processed properly , your garden can have nutrient issues , such as nutrient lockout . Coco is naturally high in sodium and potassium , so most manufacturers soak their coco in a buffering solution to leach the salts . However , some growers may still experience calcium and magnesium deficiencies as a result . If growing organically is a priority for you , coco coir may not be the way to go . Organic fertilizers don ’ t usually yield good results in this medium . Coco needs nutrients made specifically for coco , but most of the fertilizers available are salt-based and not organic .
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Coco is resistant to pests and has natural antifungal properties , so it ’ s unlikely fungal diseases and root rot will develop .”
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