Growing organic cannabis can be a rewarding journey, but understanding the basics is essential for success. There are two primary approaches to organic cannabis cultivation:
• Building Your Soil with Carbon-Based Nutrients
• Using Water-Soluble Organic Nutrients
The Carbon-Based Soil Approach
This method involves creating a rich, nutrient-dense soil that supports a water-only growing process. By adding carbon-based nutrients to your soil and incorporating beneficial microbes, you create an environment where nutrients are broken down and cycled directly to the plant.
Key Points for Carbon-Based Growing:
• Water-Only Simplicity: In theory, you only need to water your plants, as the soil provides all the necessary nutrients.
• Microbial Support: Beneficial microbes are vital to breaking down nutrients for plant uptake.
• Top-Dressing: As plants consume nutrients, you’ll need to add more by top-dressing the soil. This involves scratching new nutrients into the top layer and watering them in.
However, this method requires experience. New growers must recognize when plants are “hungry” and apply top dressings before deficiencies appear. It takes time to learn the visual cues of nutrient needs, making it a more advanced approach for beginners.
The Water-Soluble Organic Nutrient Approach
For new growers, water-soluble organic nutrients offer a more controlled way to grow cannabis. These nutrients are mixed into the water and fed to the plants with every watering throughout the vegetative and flowering stages.
Advantages of Water-Soluble Nutrients:
• Consistent Feeding: Each watering delivers essential nutrients, ensuring plants never experience deficiencies.
• Greater Control: Growers can easily adjust nutrient levels based on plant growth stages.
• No Guesswork: There’s no need to anticipate when to add top dressings, as the focus is on routine feeding.
This method simplifies the process and reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies, making it ideal for beginners learning to grow organic cannabis.
Which Method Should You Choose?
• If you’re an experienced grower looking to experiment with living soils and microbial ecosystems, the carbon-based soil approach offers a more sustainable and natural option.
• If you’re new to growing, start with water-soluble organic nutrients for more control and predictable results.
By choosing the method that aligns with your experience level, you can set yourself up for a successful organic cannabis grow.
