How to Grow BIG Plants growing media like coco coir or clay pebbles , where the gardener would be the one responsible for feeding nutrients to the plant during watering .
However , not all soil is created equal , which may not be common knowledge if you ’ re not from an agricultural background or heavy into outdoor gardening . Here are a few of the primary considerations when evaluating or building a soil :
Consistency
Soil is typically categorized based on the size of its particles . From largest to smallest , these are sand , silt , and clay . Most soil contains a combination of these particles , the proportions of which determine its capacity for holding nutrients and water and allowing for drainage and airflow . For example , the sandier the soil , the less capacity it has to retain water , the faster it drains , and the greater the ability for oxygen to reach the roots . The more clay in the soil , the greater the capacity to retain water , the slower it drains , and the lower the ability for oxygen to reach the roots . You don ’ t often see these terms on pre-bagged soil for growing cannabis , but the principles are at play , nonetheless . Gardeners typically desire a “ loam ” soil , which is around 40 % sand , 40 % silt , and 20 % clay . There are variations of loam , leaning one direction or the other like “ sandy loam ” or “ silty loam ,” but these compositions all allow for a nice blend of water retention , drainage , organic matter , and oxygen flow to plant roots .
Nutrition
Held within the soil are nutrients resulting from the naturally occurring breakdown of organic matter and minerals over time . Decaying plant tissue and animal waste often become the source of this natural fertilizer . Of course , depending on a soil ’ s particular history , it may not have everything your plants need to thrive . A well-balanced compost , dry amendments or liquid fertilizers can be applied to help replenish depleted or insufficient nutrients .
pH and Interactions
The pH ( Potential of Hydrogen ) of your soil and differing levels of nutrients within the soil can impact the ability for your plant to absorb them . The ideal pH range for growing cannabis in soil is typically 6.0 to 7.0 . Any higher or lower certain nutrients become
“ locked-out ” and unavailable to the plant . Additionally , when levels of certain nutrients become too extreme in comparison with others , they can cause havoc on a garden .
Soil Food Web
If you ’ re growing in the ground outdoors , your plants are most likely reaping the rewards of the “ soil food web .” Other living organisms like earthworms , microbes , and fungi assist in the conversion of carbon-based material into plant-available nutrition and form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots , increasing the efficiency of nutrient uptake .
Container Gardening
Fortunately , all these soil concepts are not only relevant to growing in the ground , but also in pots and containers .
Pre-Bagged Mixes
There ’ s probably room for an argument around terminology when it comes to bagged soil — what ’ s “ living soil ” versus “ super soil ” versus “ potting soil ?” Let ’ s just talk about you making your own decision based on the ingredients in the bag . For the most part , pre-bagged soil will be 70-90 % filler like sphagnum peat moss , coco coir , and perlite — that ’ s what creates the desirable “ loam ” consistency .
The remaining portion is where all the fertilizer lies . That ’ s the “ nutrition ,” comprised of compost , worm castings , dry amendments , or synthetic plant food , which can vary in quantity dramatically from one brand to another . How natural or organic you get is up to you .
In most cases , if mixed consistently , the pH of your bagged soil should be constant , and watering with a 6.0-7.0 pH solution would be ideal . There are exceptions to that rule , but those are almost always printed on the label . When in doubt , don ’ t hesitate to ask the store you bought it from or the company who produced it !
To really become a “ living soil ,” there must be something alive in the soil . That is where all those beneficial micro-organisms come into play . You are looking for names of bacteria or the addition of Mycorrhizal fungi on the ingredient listing . These can also be added after the fact with products like Rhiza Nova ( locally produced in Kansas City ), Real Grower ’ s Recharge , or Xtreme Gardening ’ s MYKOS .
Build Your Own Soil
If you want to build your own basic potting soil , here ’ s a quick recipe that you can use as a starting point . To become a super soil or living soil , it will take some modification , but at least you ’ ll have a baseline :
• 2 parts sphagnum peat moss * or coco coir
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part vermiculite
• 1 / 2 part compost
• 1 / 4 cup all-purpose fertilizer
* For peat-based mixes , use 1 / 4 cup of powdered dolomitic lime for every six gallons of peat to neutralize the pH .
Soil Science
There ’ s so much more to soil science than can possibly be covered in a single article , but my hope is twofold : 1 ) if you thought high-grade cannabis was reserved only for hydroponic growers , you ’ re open to the idea that soil can produce equal , if not better , results , and 2 ) growing in soil can be a great option for both the novice and expert grower . My goal isn ’ t to tell you exactly how to grow in soil ; it ’ s to inspire you to dig a bit deeper , learn more , experiment , and grow your knowledge along with growing your plants .
For more information about YRG , visit
www . year-roundgarden . com or call 816.216.6917 and be sure to tell them The EVOLUTION Magazine sent you .
Scan QR ► to see video about “ Types of Horticultural Lighting .”