Cultivating cannabis is a skill that few have perfected. However, as legalization traverses the U.S., more amateur growers are popping seeds and buying clones. The prospect of growing weed at home is attractive for many reasons. Hobbyists love the challenge of learning new skills, while some stoners may want to have complete control over what additives and grow methods are used on their flower.
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No matter the reason for starting a weed cultivation journey, a home grower must eventually settle on a method. These choices begin with a cannabis growing medium. From soil to hydroponics, there is a litany of places cannabis can grow. Each of these growing mediums has its draws and setbacks. Everyone has to choose their own adventure.
From coconut coir to pure air, growing mediums are vital to plant health. First, they provide a safe place for the valuable cannabis root system to live. Keeping an appropriate amount of moisture to avoid mold or drying out and reduce the presence of bugs or pests is vital. Grow mediums also help plants receive nutrients. Some might absorb mixes of phosphorus, calcium, and other minerals from the soil. Others could be fed in a series of mists, or maybe take a big dunk.
Weed cultivation allows every grower to choose their own adventure, but everyone should learn before making the big decision.
Super soil
Cannabis plants can thrive in loose soil mixes that are jam-packed with nutrients. Super soil, or living soil, combines soil, compost, and other organic materials. It is more than just dirt. These mixtures are composed to optimize the nutrients and perfect the soil density. Some might use vermiculite or perlite for aeration and potential water retention. These are the little white pieces in the soil at the weed grow.
Master growers often have a tried-and-true soil mix that they have used for years. These recipes are built after testing and measuring levels cycle after cycle, balancing nutrients and recording to perfect it on the next one.
Each strain or season may differ, but many long-time cultivators have a wicked-awesome soil recipe.
Coco coir
Coco peat, also known as coco coir, is a byproduct of the coconut growing industry used as a grow medium for plants like cannabis. It behaves much like soil and promotes healthy root systems. Coco can also be reused after each grow cycle instead of thrown away, provided no pests or mold issues arise.
Unlike living soil, coco has no nutritional value. They come in dry bricks that need to be rehydrated and stacked with nutrients. Nutrients, pH, and calcium levels must be diligently measured the entire cycle to ensure the plants have every vitamin and mineral they need to thrive. Some growers like to mix coco into a super soil mix for the best of both worlds. It is really up to each individual to decide what works best in their grow space.
Aeroponics
Aeroponics is considered a more advanced method, which uses air as the grow medium. Roots hang in the air beneath the plant, waiting to be misted with a nutrient mixture. The white, fibrous roots grow into the space provided the grower works with the proper equipment.
There are three types of aeroponics setups: low-pressure aeroponics (LPA), high-pressure aeroponics (HPA), and fogponics. Each requires specific setups, tools, and skill levels to pull off. LPA is the most beginner-friendly method, as the equipment is easy to find. HPA is mid-level and fogponics uses the most advanced technology. They all involve misting floating roots with nutritious water.
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This growing category evolved from the hydroponic method. It is believed to reduce the risk of contaminating the root system, which inevitably would lead to healthier plants and tastier nugs. However, an issue with temperature or humidity in aeroponics could be more devastating than a hydroponic setup. This leads many to recommend hydro over aeroponics for beginners.
Hydroponics
The hydroponic cultivation method submerges root systems in nutrient-filled water at feeding times. This is not constant, since wet roots often rot. This is not to be confused with hydroponic nutrients, a term that refers to any water-based plant food delivery system.
Plants can receive hydroponic nutrients in multiple grow mediums including coco and living soil, but growing hydroponically technically refers to a soilless system. Instead, these growers opt for rock wool, peat, clay pellets, and perlite.
There are a few different ways to run a hydroponic system split into two categories. Active systems include a pump that pushes water into the reservoir during feeding. Passive systems use a reservoir and wick method so the plants can feed as they get hungry. The correct system depends on a cultivator, their needs, and the growing space.
Choosing cannabis growing medium
Bringing the process of growing weed in-house can be empowering for many weed consumers. Those just starting out may still be seeking their preferred cannabis growing medium, but after a few cycles, most everyone finds their way.
Cultivation is not easy, but it can be intuitive. Those who pay attention to their plants may find a new passion in the garden–and develop their perfect soil mix. Only time will tell.
