What’s the Best Growing Medium for cannabis? 420 Guide for Beginners

Growing cannabis or weed at home by using indoor grow tent is picking up in many countries and many people are using different kinds of growing methods that are different from the traditional methods. Many of the farmers are also choosing to grow their weed indoors rather than outdoors. Some use methods like hydroponics while others use soil. Weed needs nutrients and water in order to grow into healthy high yielding plants.

Majority of the plants need soil to grow and top soil is mostly the one that has all the nutrients that feed the plants. Other elements found in top soil are clay, organic remains and rock particles. However when it comes to growing weed, there is a lot more to consider than just the nutrients found on top soil. Some of the things that make the soil are its texture, nutrient makeup, pH level and drainage capabilities. These traits work well with almost every other plant but weed growth needs much more than these traits.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANNABIS GROW MEDIUMS?

There are a few different weed growing mediums to choose from, so it’s important to enter into cannabis cultivation fully prepared. All of the techniques discussed below have the potential to bring forth wonderful results if you do it right.

It’s hard to say what the best growing medium for cannabis is because all of them have their strong and weak sides. But there is certainly a growing medium that is best for you, that will suit your needs perfectly.

The variety of mediums for cannabis ranges from soil to complex air structures, so read on to learn more about each one.

Oftentimes, a grow medium isn’t the main factor, whereas getting seeds of high yield cannabis strains can be the key to success (heavy harvests).

Pros & Cons of Growing Cannabis in Soil

Ultimately, you can choose between soil or a hydroponic system if you wish to grow weed at home. A hydroponic system can be extremely effective, but it is also expensive. Generally speaking, those growing their cannabis for the first time should choose soil.

The roots of your plants will extend deep into the soil as it looks for nutrients and water. That’s why indoor systems, which have a lack of space, need to create smaller root systems for marijuana. Regardless of the root system you choose, make sure the temperature in the growing area stays around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. And of course, ample water and oxygen in the soil is a must.

Irrigation in soil is easier than with hydroponic systems, as is fertilization. With so much information gathered from thousands of years of growing, you can quickly become a soil expert as long as you read the right articles!

On the downside, soil requires a ton of space, and it is very heavy. You’re also more likely to have issues with pests than with a hydroponic system.

Coconut Fiber/Coir

Often referred to simply as “coco,” coconut fiber can come in a variety of forms including shredded fibers, small cubes or a finer, more granular medium. Coco is often mixed into soilless mixtures with peat and vermiculite, but it can also be used as a stand-alone medium for potted plants. Derived from coconut husks, coco is sterile and has good water-retention and buffering properties.

Obviously, choosing one of the above mediums hinges a lot on the type of grow system being used in the garden. In terms of the question posed, I would concur that for a first-time grower, using a soilless mix (such as Sunshine #4 or Pro-Mix) and utilizing a daily hand-watering regiment is the best option.

Hydroponics

Lots of bubbles make cannabis roots happy in hydroponicsWhen people are talking about hydroponics, they’re usually referring to growing your cannabis with the roots sitting directly in water. The most popular style of hydroponics for cannabis plants is known as Deep Water Culture (a.k.a. DWC), and it has a very popular variant known as “bubbleponics” or a top-fed Deep Water Culture (DWC) system.

Deep Water Culture is one of the few types of hydroponics that can support larger plants. Other types of hydroponics (for example NFT or Aeroponics) have a difficult time growing plants as big and nutrient-hungry as cannabis.

What else do you have to take into account?

An autoflower seedling needs no nutrients in its first two weeks. It’s therefore important not to add any. This way you prevent damage to your seedling. After 2 weeks you can gently enrich your soil with nutrients, but keep the dosage low. Even in the flowering period, the autoflower needs few nutrients.

Like photoperiod types, autoflowering species prefer a slightly acidic medium. That means a PH value of 6.2 to 6.5.

Add mycorrhiza fungi for an extension of the root system. Your plant will then be better able to reach more distant nutrients. In addition, mycorrhiza fungi helps to catch and kill vermin such as parasitic nematodes.