What is the Best Soil to Grow Marijuana in Pots?

Cannabis needs light, air, water and nutrients to grow and thrive. However, the type of substrate used can make a big difference to the health and vitality of your plants. If you plan to harvest top-notch buds, using good soil is crucial! Many factors affect its quality and how it interacts with marijuana.

When growing cannabis, it all comes down to genetics and the cultivation process. The first step in this process, after deciding on the seeds you will plant, is the medium in which the plants will grow. This step is one where many beginners make mistakes, and can cause crops to fail before they even get started.

While many growers choose soil as their medium, few can agree on the best mix for cannabis to develop properly, especially when planting indoors and using pots.

Finding the perfect balance between nutrients, aeration, and water retention can take some time, especially for novice growers. Then there are the numerous variables that can influence which soil is ideal, including irrigation and feeding patterns, the type of pot used, and even the origin of the variety being grown.

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A small but powerful plant whose crop will meet your expectations at the time of year you need it, thanks to its great development indoors with a good photoperiod. You’ll be conquered by the flavour of lemon and spices and a refreshing and revitalising effect when you get your hands on this sativa-dominant marijuana seed.

Factors affecting the choice of a good soil

Fortunately, there are now many preparations of high-quality cannabis substrates for growers with different cultivation styles. And, yes, your cannabis can grow in a wide range of substrates, but to truly flourish (and produce many trichomes, THC, and other cannabinoids) you need the right balance of these 5 variables:

1. Texture: It is necessary that the substrate be loose and light to facilitate the roots’ growth and ensure their oxygenation. The best soil for growing marijuana includes an optimal mix of silt (40%), sand (20%), and clayey soil (40%). In addition, supplements of other materials (perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber…) can be added to optimize its properties.
2. Drainage: when watered, the soil should not retain too much water and accumulate on top. If you have poor drainage, plants can be vulnerable to root rot and mold.
3. Water retention: While you want soil with adequate drainage, you don’t want the water to flow completely, without allowing the roots to absorb it. If there is not enough water retention, the roots can suffer from drying out too quickly.
4. Nutrients: soil for pots that you can buy on the market usually contains enough nutrients. However, it may be beneficial to add additional ones at different stages of the crop. It can be supplemented with liquid nutrients and organic substances, and microorganisms that turn it into food for plants can also be introduced. Use compost, bat guano, earthworm humus or other natural sources.
5. PH level: This is the acidity or basicity of the soil. Cannabis can only absorb nutrients in slightly acidic environments, so it should have a pH of 5.8-6.2. Organic growing conditions allow for greater variation, as microbial life cushions the root zone.

Types of substrate for marijuana cultivation

There are several different types of soil that are used to grow cannabis, but the most common are:

– Universal substrate. This mixture is a good choice for those who start growing cannabis in pots. It contains a mixture of peat, perlite and vermiculite, allowing for good drainage and aeration. In addition, it usually has an adequate amount of nutrients for the plant’s vegetative stage. However, additional nutrients may need to be added at the flowering stage.

– Mixture of organic soil. They contain a combination of organic matter, such as compost, manure and peat. These substrates provide the cannabis plant with nutrients, naturally, and are a good choice for those who want to grow in a more sustainable manner. However, it is important to make sure that the mixture is well balanced.

– You can also prepare your own soil. There are multiple combinations that have been tested with excellent results. However, one of the most common is:

• 40% high-quality black soil and/or compost as a substrate base, has the highest nutrient content and can be used together or separately.
• 25% peat, its function is to retain water and nutrients, aerate the substrate and reduce its compaction.
• 10% vermiculite, which retains nutrients and minerals within its internal cells and aerates the substrate.
• 10% pearlite, it also has a great water retention and oxygenation capacity.
• 15% humus, which is remarkable for its nutrient content, helps regulate pH and maintains soil micro-life.

And, remember that you can also adjust these proportions to adapt the mixture to meet your plants’ specific needs. Not all soils are the same when it comes to growing marijuana indoors!