{"id":87381,"date":"2022-05-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/"},"modified":"2023-04-14T10:39:52","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T08:39:52","slug":"best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Growing Medium for Cannabis Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> One of the most common mistakes among rookie growers is not investing in a good quality growing medium for their marijuana plants, when it\u2019s an essential element for them to develop properly. However, before deciding on the best growing medium for cannabis plants, you should first know the characteristics of the most common options and <strong>choose the one that adapts best to the needs of your cannabis plants<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aaf480e6b6f3\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aaf480e6b6f3\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#What_is_a_growing_medium_for_cannabis\" >What is a growing medium for cannabis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Components_of_a_good_growing_medium_for_cannabis_plants\" >Components of a good growing medium for cannabis plants<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Coco_coir\" >Coco coir<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Perlite\" >Perlite<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Vermiculite\" >Vermiculite<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Worm_humus\" >Worm humus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Rockwool\" >Rockwool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Bat_guano\" >Bat guano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Arlite_or_expanded_clay\" >Arlite or expanded clay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Mycorrhizae\" >Mycorrhizae<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#Humic_and_fulvic_acids\" >Humic and fulvic acids<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/#How_to_choose_the_best_growing_medium_for_cannabis_plants\" >How to choose the best growing medium for cannabis plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_growing_medium_for_cannabis\"><\/span>What is a growing medium for cannabis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> In general terms, a growing medium is the <strong>surface where a plant lives<\/strong>. Its quality varies according to the components that form it. There are as many possible combinations as vegetables on the planet. It is not uncommon for growers to make their own substrate, making sure it meets the nutritional needs of their crop. This is the reason why it is not possible to decide which growing medium is best to grow cannabis. It all depends on the requirements of the plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cannabis-en-crecimiento.jpg.webp\" alt=\"cannabis growing medium\" title=\"cannabis growing medium\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p> Outdoor marijuana crops are usually performed on direct soil with added specific additives, to make sure plants receive the nutrients that the ground might be lacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> The easiest option is to buy a ready made growing medium in a trustworthy grow shop. However, it is still important to choose the one that adapts best to your crop, taking into account growing area, climate and strain.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Components_of_a_good_growing_medium_for_cannabis_plants\"><\/span>Components of a good growing medium for cannabis plants  <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The common characteristics that all substrates must share are <strong>correct texture, good draining capacity, proper water retention,<\/strong> <strong>pH values close to 6<\/strong> (anything between 5.8 and 6.3 works well for cannabis) and a <strong>good amount of nutrients<\/strong> to cover the needs of marijuana plants during the germination process. However, the best growing mediums have enough nutrients to feed the plant up to the flowering phase, or nearly.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good quality growing medium is made from a combination of various components in order to provide it with the described characteristics. Usually, a substrate base includes <strong>black and blonde peat <\/strong>with different additions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coco_coir\"><\/span>Coco coir<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/fibra-de-coco-para-el-sustrato.jpg.webp\" alt=\"coco coir\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Coco coir can be used on its own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/grow-cannabis-hydroponics\/\">in marijuana hydroponic grows<\/a> or to improve a soil substrate. It is inert, which means it doesn\u2019t have any nutrients, but it\u2019s an <strong>excellent aid to oxygenate the roots<\/strong> and give soil a spongy texture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all coco coir types are suitable for marijuana cultivation due to its composition. To revert this situation, it needs to be rinsed with fresh water and treated with a buffering agent. This way, coco coir will remain at the suitable pH level to improve a growing medium for cannabis plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perlite\"><\/span>Perlite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that improves cannabis growing mediums by i<strong>ncreasing water retention and oxygenation<\/strong>, which results in greater plant growth. An excess of this component can damage the plants by causing too much water retention. Therefore, the composition of the growing medium should never include more than 20% of perlite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vermiculite\"><\/span>Vermiculite <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/growing-media-substrates\/1890-vermiculite-nr2-7l-and-100l.html\">Vermiculite\u2019s<\/a> function is very similar to perlite: to keep the <strong>substrate humid <\/strong>and properly aired. It is also a good pH stabilizer and a good thermal insulator, perfect for outdoor summer crops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Worm_humus\"><\/span>Worm humus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/humus-de-lombriz-en-mano.jpg.webp\" alt=\"worm humus\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Humus provides the growing medium with various features. On one hand, it<strong> increases drainage and water retention<\/strong>, but it\u2019s also rich in micro-nutrients, which improves soil fertility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rockwool\"><\/span>Rockwool <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This growing medium is often used to germinate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/224-cannabis-seeds\">marijuana seeds <\/a>or to grow cuttings for <strong>hydroponics<\/strong>. It is also suitable to improve water retention in any growing medium, but because it\u2019s an inert substance, the plant will require other nutrient sources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bat_guano\"><\/span>Bat guano <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bat guano is a well-known fertilizer that provides all the necessary nutrients cannabis plants need. However, it also has <strong>natural fungicide<\/strong> properties, boosts the decomposition process and improves substrate\u2019s texture and drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arlite_or_expanded_clay\"><\/span>Arlite or expanded clay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> Expanded clay is made of volcanic rock covered with clay. When plants have been watered excessively, expanded clay lets water flow through the pebbles while <strong>airing the substrate<\/strong>. It is often placed on the base of the pot, although its use in hydroponic grows is also quite extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/arcillla-expandida.jpg.webp\" alt=\"expanded clay\" title=\"expanded clay\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mycorrhizae\"><\/span>Mycorrhizae<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mycorrhizae play a very important role in <strong>nutrient absorption<\/strong> by creating a symbiotic relationship with the root system while protecting it against soil pathogens.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Humic_and_fulvic_acids\"><\/span>Humic and fulvic acids <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The combination of both elements improves cannabis growing mediums by <strong>increasing its performance and stress resistance<\/strong>, thus, promoting bigger plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_choose_the_best_growing_medium_for_cannabis_plants\"><\/span>How to choose the best growing medium for cannabis plants <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right growing medium for cannabis depends on the type of grow and where it takes place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When <strong>growing outdoors<\/strong>, the main thing to take into account is the climate of the chosen area. In <strong>warm areas<\/strong>, perlite mixed with coco coir can be very useful to guarantee a good balance between water retention and substrate aeration. This way, plants always have the right amount of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the contrary, <strong>cold areas<\/strong> require a growing medium for cannabis plants that doesn\u2019t retain as much water; they won\u2019t need as much hydration as if they were in warm areas. The best components to insulate roots from the cold are perlite or vermiculite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing to take into consideration is the type of grow. <strong>A 100 % organic grow <\/strong>needs large amounts of <strong>blonde peat <\/strong>to provide the growing medium with enough material to breakdown and obtain nutrients. In this case, the substrate can be improved by adding elements that speed up the decomposition process, such as mycorrhizae or warm humus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cultivo-exterior-de-cannabis.jpg.webp\" alt=\"outdoor cannabis crop\" title=\"outdoor cannabis crop\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Guerrilla grow<\/strong>s will benefit from cannabis growing mediums with slow-releasing components capable of retaining enough humidity to withstand a few days without water. Large amounts of black peat are an excellent option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guerrilla and organic grows can both benefit greatly from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/super-soil-technique\/\">Super Soil<\/a>; although this technique does require certain knowledge in the matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hydroponic cannabis grows <\/strong>need a growing medium made of inert medium improvers, such as expanded clay, coco coir or rockwool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, there is a great variety of fertilizers from which to choose. However, the best growing medium for cannabis is not the one with more ingredients; but the one that takes care of the requirements of the grow according to the type of crop, area and strain.&nbsp; <\/p>\n<div style='text-align:center' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most common mistakes among rookie growers is not investing in a good quality growing medium for their marijuana plants, when it\u2019s an essential element for them to develop properly. However, before deciding on the best growing medium for cannabis plants, you should first know the characteristics of the most common options and\u2026 <span class=\"leermas\" onclick=\"window.location.href='https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/best-growing-medium-for-cannabis-plants\/'\">Continue reading<\/span ><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":107867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[285],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-87381","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tips"},"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":2,"sum_votes":10},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87381"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119482,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87381\/revisions\/119482"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/107867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}