Soil structure may surprise you. What we think of as soil is actually about 50% empty space. Forty five percent is weathered rock. Organics, dead and alive, make up the rest, about 5%.
What the garden soil is made of is the soil composition. Some soils are clay-based, others are sandy, loamy or silty. These different components determine what the composition of the soil is and what it's properties are.
If you understand structure and composition you can create a soil that will preform really well and be suited to what you want to grow. Doubling the amount of organic matter is simple, as we're only moving from 5% to 10%. At the same time can understand that we need to maintain lots of empty space for roots, and the passage of air and water.
Plants like a wide range of environments and do better in some than in others. The things that change are how wet the soil is or how alkaline or acidic it is. Light well drained soil with a PH around 6 is best for marijuana.
So, a well drained soil with a ph of around 6 is your target. Digging soil up out of your backyard might work, but it probably won't have everything you need. Buying commercial potting soil will get you closer, but it's still not perfect. The best option is to make your own. You may as well do just that.
This is not very difficult. We want good composition and good structure. There are lots of recipes on the internet that will help you achieve this.
A commercial potting soil is a good base to start from. Perlite is a good addition for improving drainage. Peat moss is a another good addition, as it helps to hold water.
Adding organic materials can improve the soil as well. Mixing in manure (chicken, steer or horse) helps, as does compost or worm castings. Composted manure is required, as fresh manure is too rich and can burn plants. Check the ph of the soil before you plant.
What the garden soil is made of is the soil composition. Some soils are clay-based, others are sandy, loamy or silty. These different components determine what the composition of the soil is and what it's properties are.
If you understand structure and composition you can create a soil that will preform really well and be suited to what you want to grow. Doubling the amount of organic matter is simple, as we're only moving from 5% to 10%. At the same time can understand that we need to maintain lots of empty space for roots, and the passage of air and water.
Plants like a wide range of environments and do better in some than in others. The things that change are how wet the soil is or how alkaline or acidic it is. Light well drained soil with a PH around 6 is best for marijuana.
So, a well drained soil with a ph of around 6 is your target. Digging soil up out of your backyard might work, but it probably won't have everything you need. Buying commercial potting soil will get you closer, but it's still not perfect. The best option is to make your own. You may as well do just that.
This is not very difficult. We want good composition and good structure. There are lots of recipes on the internet that will help you achieve this.
A commercial potting soil is a good base to start from. Perlite is a good addition for improving drainage. Peat moss is a another good addition, as it helps to hold water.
Adding organic materials can improve the soil as well. Mixing in manure (chicken, steer or horse) helps, as does compost or worm castings. Composted manure is required, as fresh manure is too rich and can burn plants. Check the ph of the soil before you plant.
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