Natural indicators of good soil, water level and suitability for cannabis

[punjab420]

I'm looking for a spot to plant em straight in the ground and keep the visiting to a minimum. What are some indicators in the natural vegetation of good soil and sufficient water?

The area I am looking at is fairly low lying and should have a high water table. I am hoping I can find a spot where the roots will dig deep enough to satisfy the plants needs and not require my attention. Would digging a very deep hole help the roots get down to the water in the heat of the summer?

Also the area was once dubbed the richest soils in the valley so I am wondering what natural flora would be indicators of rich soil which would not need much amendments. There is a range of small decidous and conifer stands, extensive blackberry and the rest is tall grass, which one of these has the most similar requirements to cannabis?

 

[gorilla ganja]

Also the area was once dubbed the richest soils in the valley

Well I think that says all you need to know.

Trees, bushes are not the best to tell about the soil as they can grow in sub par soil for a long time and still look nice.
Look for plants that start new every year. If they grow lush and green and vigorous they are probably in good enough soil for cannabis.
Also you have to research plants native to your area. Some prefer moist soil and will only grow in areas that can support the water they need. Also some plants will grow in different PH soils. It takes some time to learn. but I can get a pretty good idea on my local soil by what naturally grows there.

I would say the tall grass probaly is your best indicator that u mentioned.

Would not hurt to test soil and add a some balanced fertilizer if needed and adjust PH.

If in a hot dry area. Start plants indoors if possible and plant deep to keep root ball from the dry surface.
And mulch, mulch, mulch


Best of luck
Cheers GG

 

[dank.frank]

If you have blackberries present...you know the soil is good. They WILL NOT grow or produce berries in soil that is infertile. Based on what information you have given, I'd suggest that to be the best indicator.



dank.Frank

 

[hamstring]

dude your speaking my language. I'm from the midwest and I look for lowlands. These are areas that are not planted by farmers or used for subdivisions because of water runoff. They are easy to spot from your car or google earth. They are prone to flooding but usually more in the spring. If you choose you spot carefully you can find high spots or ones that drain off quickly.

I agree to look for tall grasses and things with tap roots like nettles and native flowers. You dont need to dig deep or do anything special with amendments just plant and use some slow release ferts. I would also look for what I call swamp willows. These small willows only like areas that are wet. You usually cant plant right in the same area because its too wet but it means you're in the right location.

Plants dont need as much water as you think. I have been growing in these types of areas for around 20 years. I stopped watering my plants 10 years ago and have never looked back.

 

[Limeygreen]

http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/weedstell.html

Good general indicator, if the plants grow larger than normal you know you have great water content. If you see huge nettles you have a bunch of phosphorus and a good water supply.

 

[St. Phatty]

If you have blackberries present...you know the soil is good.

I think it depends on the region.

My soil is natural clay with rocks and very little organic matter. Blackberries are all over. Corn grows slowly, with no ears of corn.

By itself, the soil kills Cannabis - or puts it in a state of suspended animation type growth.


One indicator crop I have seen used at industrial compost operations is red clover.

Neville used red peppers, I believe, to test grow mixes at his old Dutch seed bank.

 

[stoned-trout]

I used to plant by blackberries and always did good...yeehaw also by willows...

 

[The Revolution]

I always look for lowlands that border foresty areas. I guess these are called fens. Ive had the best luck in these spots. Dark moist soil. The looser the Better. I start everything in solo cups I will amend is a small amount of promix/EWC when sexed and planting just to give them a good start.