Growing organic cannabis involves cultivating the plant without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers. Here’s a basic guide to help you grow organic cannabis:
Planning:
Research: Familiarize yourself with the cannabis strain you intend to grow. Consider factors such as size, flowering time, and preferred climate.
Choose organic seeds: Because even plants deserve a healthy, non-GMO start in life.
Selecting the Right Soil:
Use organic soil: Choose a high-quality organic soil mix that includes nutrients like worm castings, bat guano, and mycorrhizal fungi.
pH level: Ensure the pH of your soil is in the range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal nutrient absorption.
Containers:
Use large, breathable containers to allow for proper root development.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.
Composting:
Create or purchase organic compost to add nutrients to the soil.
Compost teas can be used to provide additional organic nutrients during the growth cycle.
Watering:
Use clean, pH-balanced water.
Water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Nutrients:
Organic fertilizers: Choose natural fertilizers like fish emulsion, kelp meal, bone meal, and compost.
Follow recommended dosages to prevent nutrient burn.
INGREDIENTS | INSTRUCTIONS |
1. Compost Tea: Well-aged compost Worm castings (optional) Bat guano (high phosphorus) (optional) Molasses Water | 1. Fill a burlap sack or old pillowcase with well-aged compost (and worm castings if available). 2. Add bat guano if you want to boost phosphorus levels for flowering. 3. Place the sack in a large bucket or barrel filled with water. 4. Add a tablespoon of molasses to feed beneficial microbes. 5. Let it steep for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally. 6. Dilute the resulting liquid with water (1:5 ratio) before applying it to your cannabis plants. |
2. Banana Peel Fertilizer: Banana peels Eggshells Water | 1. Cut banana peels into small pieces. 2. Crush eggshells. 3. Place the peels and eggshells in a container and cover with water. 4. Let it sit for a week, stirring occasionally. 5. Dilute the liquid with water (1:2 ratio) and use it as a liquid fertilizer. |
3. Fish Emulsion: Fish scraps (bones, scales, etc.) Kelp or seaweed (for extra nutrients) Water | 1. Combine fish scraps and kelp/seaweed with water in a 1:2 ratio in a sealable container. 2. Allow it to ferment for 2-4 weeks, stirring occasionally. 3. Strain the liquid and dilute it (1:3 ratio) before using it as a fertilizer. |
4. Epsom Salt Solution: Epsom salt Water | 1. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water. 2. Use it as a foliar spray or add it to the soil to provide magnesium and sulfur. |
5. Alfalfa Meal Tea: Alfalfa meal Water | 1. Steep a cup of alfalfa meal in a gallon of water for 24-48 hours. 2. Strain the liquid and use it as a soil drench or foliar spray. |
Important Tips:
- Be mindful of the nutrient requirements during different stages of cannabis growth (vegetative vs. flowering).
- Adjust nutrient levels based on the strain’s specific needs.
- Keep an eye on plant reactions to ensure you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding.
- Rotate different organic fertilizers to provide a variety of nutrients.
Remember to tailor these suggestions to the specific needs and conditions of your cannabis plants, and always start with lower concentrations, gradually increasing as needed. Regular monitoring and observation of your plants will help you adjust your nutrient regimen accordingly.
Pest Control:
Beneficial insects: Introduce predators like ladybugs and predatory mites to control pests.
Neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used for organic pest control.
Training and Pruning:
LST (Low-Stress Training): Gently bend and tie down branches to promote an even canopy.
Prune the lower foliage to improve air circulation and focus energy on top bud development.
Lighting:
Use natural sunlight when possible.
If growing indoors, choose full-spectrum LED or HPS lights.
Harvesting:
Harvest at the right time: Check the trichomes to determine the best time for harvesting.
Dry and cure buds in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space.
Environmental Considerations:
Temperature and humidity: Maintain optimal conditions for the vegetative and flowering stages.
Air circulation: Ensure good airflow to prevent mold and mildew.
Record Keeping:
Keep a grow journal to track plant development, nutrient use, and any issues encountered.
Testing:
Test your soil and water periodically for nutrient levels and pH.
Stay Organic:
Avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Embrace natural solutions to common issues.
Remember, growing cannabis requires careful attention to detail, and each strain may have specific requirements. Regular monitoring and adjustment of environmental conditions will contribute to a successful organic cannabis cultivation.
Growing organic cannabis should be enjoyable, so keep it light-hearted, stay green, and happy growing!