How to Choose the Right Soil for Healthy Cannabis Growth

🌱 What Good Cannabis Soil Looks Like

• Light and airy: allows roots to breathe; resists compaction.
• Well-drained: holds moisture but never stays soggy.
• Gently nutritious: enough food for seedlings/veg without burning.
• Correct pH: 6.0–7.0 for best nutrient uptake.
• Biologically active: beneficial microbes help unlock nutrients.

🧪 pH & Water Basics

Keep feed water and occasional runoff between pH 6.0–7.0 for soil. If growth stalls despite feeding, check pH first — it often explains yellowing or slow growth.

🧺 Ready-Made vs DIY Soil Mixes

Option A: Ready-Made “Light” Soil

Choose a bagged potting soil labeled “light” or “seedling” with perlite added. It’s gentle for young plants and easy for beginners.

Option B: DIY Beginner Mix (Easy & Reliable)

• 50% quality potting soil
• 25% perlite (air/ drainage)
• 20% coco coir (water retention + air)
• 5% worm castings (gentle nutrients + microbes)

Moisten evenly before use. This mix is forgiving and supports fast vegetative growth.

Option C: Living “Super Soil” (Minimal Bottled Nutrients)

Blend a quality base soil with composts and organic amendments, then let it “cook” for 3–4 weeks. Feed mostly plain, pH’d water after transplant. Advanced but very rewarding.

🪴 Pot Types & Drainage Tips

• Fabric pots: excellent airflow; help prevent overwatering; great for beginners.
• Plastic pots: retain moisture longer; be extra careful with drainage holes and watering volume.
• Sizing: Photo cultivars often thrive in 5–7 gal for indoor; autos in 3–5 gal depending on veg time/size.

🌿 Feeding in Soil (Simple Plan)

• Seedlings: plain pH’d water; avoid strong nutrients.
• Vegetative: introduce a gentle, N-forward feed at ~50% of label strength; observe 7–10 days.
• Flower: reduce N; increase P/K; continue light feeding and watch tips to avoid burn.

Signs you’re overfeeding: dark green, rigid leaves and burnt tips. Dial back strength or frequency.

🚫 Common Soil Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

• Compacted soil: add more perlite (10–30%) and avoid pressing soil down.
• Staying soggy: ensure drainage holes; use fabric pots; let top 2–3 cm dry before watering.
• High pH drift: check runoff; flush with pH-balanced water; resume light feeding in range.
• Too “hot” soil for seedlings: transplant into a lighter mix or cut with coco/perlite.

📊 Quick Comparison: Soil vs Coco vs Hydro

🧰 Two Easy Recipes You Can Trust

Light Mix (Seedling → Early Veg)

• 60% light potting soil
• 25% perlite
• 10% coco coir
• 5% worm castings

Airy Veg Mix (Faster Growth)

• 50% quality potting soil
• 30% perlite
• 15% coco coir
• 5% compost or castings

Transplant to final pots before flower to reduce stress.