You may be wondering if you should feed your cannabis plant every time you water it. This is an important question, especially if you want to achieve optimal results from your plants.
Soil-based vs traditional methods
The two main methods of growing cannabis are soil-based and hydroponic. Both of these methods use the same basic principle of putting plants in a medium of their own choosing. However, they also differ in their level of complexity and profitability. Ultimately, you need to choose a method that suits your needs. For example, some growers prefer a no-till system that minimizes the need for off-site inputs.
Soil-based systems use the natural soil as a nutrient reservoir. They allow the grower to control the exact amount of nutrients, which is a key factor in achieving a healthy plant. While some growers use soil-based systems indoors, the majority of cannabis farmers use outdoor systems.
Another advantage of using soil-based systems is that it is easier to set up. Most new growers already have experience with soil, and can quickly set up a simple system. This can help them avoid the hassle of acquiring specialized equipment.
However, soil-based systems do have their downsides. Many growers use peat based mixes, which are not renewable. If you are not able to compost your own soil, you will need to amend the soil with the nutrients you used during the grow. These nutrients may be synthetic or organic. Some growers find that the extended-release versions of these nutrients burn the cannabis plant in flowering.
Hydroponic systems also provide the grower with a lot of control. They can manage nutrient intake to a part-per-million or higher, and they can easily redirect energy from the top to the roots. In addition, the grower is able to make larger plants, which can increase their yields.
Aside from these advantages, one of the biggest benefits of soil-based growing is that it allows for a more natural and environmentally friendly way to produce cannabis. The soil itself contains microorganisms, which feed the plants. When cultivated in the right way, these organisms can also help combat pests. Also, the presence of living organisms means that the soil is rich in microbes and other nutrients.
One of the biggest challenges with soil-based systems is weeds. If the grower is not careful, weeds can outcompete the plants. However, weeds can also be controlled with heavy mulching. Alternatively, a simple, easy-to-use system can be employed, such as a nutrient film technique, which uses oxygenated nutrient solution to cover the plants’ roots.
Another major benefit of no-till cultivation is the lower cost of production. Generally, no-till cultivation can save a grower thousands of dollars in fertilizer and equipment costs. It also conserves water. No-till systems are often designed with a focus on sequestering carbon into the soil.
If you are looking to start your own cannabis farm, it’s important to know what you are getting into. You’ll need to understand the basics of the industry first. Once you are able to understand what you are doing, you can better learn how to improve your grow.
Optimizing your feeding schedule
As a cannabis grower, you will need to use a feeding schedule in order to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive. By applying the right nutrient combinations at the right time, you will increase the potency of your buds and overall yields.
A cannabis feed chart is a handy tool for new and seasoned growers. This chart breaks down the various nutrient needs of cannabis plants according to their stage of growth. There are three stages of growth, including seedling, vegetative, and flowering. Each of these stages requires different nutrient mixtures, as do the corresponding growing mediums. You can find a reputable provider who offers different mixes for these stages, based on your preferences, availability, and budget.
One of the first things you will learn when it comes to fertilizing your marijuana plant is that a proper feeding schedule is crucial. If you fail to follow the instructions of a nutrient solution manufacturer or purchase the wrong product, you may find yourself with a nutrient deficiency. Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this problem. Some of the most effective methods are foliar sprays and routine top-dressing.
Cannabis feed charts typically have a three-part structure, which explains the various levels of nutrients needed by the plants at each stage of their growth. The first section lists the nutrients you need to feed your seedlings, while the second and third sections describe the nutrient needs of your vegetative and flowering plants. These sections are arranged in a grid.
The second axis outlines a week-by-week schedule of nutrient applications. Most feed charts contain a list of the different types of nutrients needed by the plant, as well as their amount per gallon. While this list may be overwhelming, the intersections of the columns show the amounts of each nutrient required for a specific stage of growth.
In the veg stage, cannabis seedlings need light nutrient application. For this reason, you can start out by using a 4:1:2:3 N-P-K ratio. This is ideal for strong initial growth, though you can always increase it after the first six weeks.
Flowering plants require a more balanced mixture of nutrients. The exact nutrient mix depends on the type of strain you are cultivating, as well as the growing medium you are using. When you are growing indoors, you should look for small white pistils to indicate that your plant is approaching the flowering stage.
While the seedling and vegetative stages are the most basic, the flowering stage is where you want to give your weed the extra boost it needs to achieve the maximum yield possible. Although you can start your flowering plants with a 2:1:2 N-P-K ratio, this ratio should be lowered to a 7:7:7 after the first six weeks.
You can also use a TDS meter to determine the exact amount of a particular nutrient that your plant needs. It is a good idea to take note of any changes in the amount of a nutrient throughout the growing process, as this will allow you to optimize the nutrient concentrations.
Avoiding hot hours of the day
When it comes to growing cannabis, heat stress is a real concern. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to avoid the scalding temperatures. One of the best options is to invest in air conditioning. This will help keep the heat at bay, allowing your plants to grow healthier and larger.
Another way to minimize your plants’ exposure to heat is to install a good quality exhaust system. In essence, this device works like a reverse fan that sucts hot air out of your grow room. Not only will this reduce the overall temperature, it can help prevent powder mildew. It also helps to keep the humidity up. If you are unable to get your hands on a quality exhaust system, a simple dehumidifier will do.
Although some consider the growing temperature of marijuana to be an irrelevant topic, it is an important consideration. For one, it will affect the rate at which your plants absorb water, which in turn affects the PH level of the growing medium. Additionally, it can affect how quickly your plants will reach full maturity, making the wait even longer.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to keep your room temperature as cool as possible. Cool rooms tend to yield higher quality buds. During the day, a little shade can go a long way. Keeping the room cool at night is also a good idea.
The right temperature can make all the difference between an epic crop and a disaster. There are also numerous facets to consider, from ventilation to lighting. But for the average grower, a few simple steps can help you keep your plants happy and healthy. By following these tips, you’ll be able to grow the most quality crop you can.
The best way to ensure a successful crop is to use the right combination of nutrients and moisture. You should also be aware of the fact that certain strains are prone to overheating. Besides, you’ll need to maintain a proper temperature to prevent the dreaded powder mildew from wreaking havoc on your harvest. So keep your grow room air conditioned, or at least ventilated well, to help avoid overheating. Also, it is a good idea to keep the lights turned off during the night. This is a no-brainer, but many growers still fail to do it.
Other items to consider include the proper spacing and height of your grow lights. These are crucial for the growth of your crop. A taller light will allow you to get more out of each bulb, and will also reduce canopy heat. On the other hand, a short light will result in less yield. Lastly, you’ll need to invest in a proper carbon filter for your deaerator, as this is a critical component of your overall grow plan. With the right planning, you can enjoy a successful, stress free cannabis grow!
