Need soil help

[Kushhunter]

Hi icmag new here first post i need some help im starting a GG soon

Ok ive been learning and researching how to grow mj for years just one thing i cant get my head around SOIL

Before i go any further i want to grow following a feeding schedule using organic liquid nutrients ive read all about tlo just not bothered getting all ingredients and mixing up super soil andi definitely never will grow using chem ferts so to move on

The ideal soil substrate should be able to retain water and be aerated to all air to roots and drain well? Right?

But my question is what type is it compost peat loam etc

I dug out 20litre holes at my spot and im thinking of using 30%dirt thats there in ground 30% growwise farmyard manure20%john innes no. 2 and 20%perlite,
Will this be ok or will it be to hot John innes contains a few nutes and im sure so does the manure

If someone can tell me what and how to build a soil or will any compost work with out using any amendments because im going to hand feed liquid nutes when needed

 

[dank.frank]

Are you planting directly in ground or in containers?

If containers:

3 gal dirt / earth / topsoil / nursery soil (unfertilized)
1.5 gal coir
2.5 gal peat
3 gal aeration (chunky perlite, lava rock, permatil, etc.)
1 gal EWC


You can likely use your compost as the topsoil addition in this mix...it'll give it a good base nutrition to get younger plants started before you start your bottled feeding...or...

1/2 - bale Pro Mix Bx
1 - bag FFOF (or equivalent)
1/2 - 30# bag EWC
5 gal additional chunky perlite

And again, you could use your compost in place of the FFOF part. 1.5 cu ft is roughly 11 gallons.

If planting directly in the ground, I'd suggest something slightly different that utilizes more local soil.

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showpost.php?p=6245035&postcount=11



dank.Frank

 

[Kushhunter]

Thanks for the reply now im totally confused though im planting in ground

Im in Ireland and can't get most of that stuff you mentioned
What do you think of the mix i said is it to hot or out of ratio
Tbh im trying to keep the costs down but im just trying to understand about the subtrate it gets confusing when you see all types of mixes
Im just wondering is something like multi purpose compost ok as long as it is aerated and drainage and has water retention
Im sorry for coming a cross as an ass but i just need it to be explained in layman's terms

 

[dank.frank]

It'll work - sure - if you make sure it has proper drainage...

The benefit of compost is in nutrient availability and microbial life / activity.

As compost can be different in a thousand different ways...it's hard to say if what you are working with is of good quality or not - you have to be the judge of that.

My biggest suggestion to you - would be to add some sort of amendment to adjust the pH of your compost - so you don't have to worry about it through out the season.

The purpose of utilizing part local soil when planting directly in ground is to take advantage of local soil fauna which are conditioned to the specific environment in which you are growing. This can drastically benefit you in the long term when it comes to rooting health and the plant itself surviving through any environmental stress factors that may be present / unique to your particular region.

If you are planning to bottle feed - which I think is a bit backwards of an approach for an outdoor garden - ESPECIALLY if you are attempting a more guerrilla approach - then really, you are only using soil as a planting medium - not so much as a living, active, ecosystem. I personally, think this is a backwards approach - but you've stated your intentions and it's not really my purpose to try and convince you of otherwise - but merely to provide you with the information that will allow you to proceed with success. But since you are merely utilizing soil as a planting media - you really only need to worry about drainage / water retention based on your ability to care for the plants. Make sure the soil isn't too heavy. Cannabis prefers a lighter more airy soil that drains more rapidly...



dank.Frank

 

[Kushhunter]

cheers frank this will be my 3rd attempt at a GG due to security and location i had to chop them down start of flowering i have a very secluded spot this time around ,so i left my myself this year a bit late and on alow budget and just want to get a grow under my belt before i go tlo ,i am thinking of bio bizz all mix it contains worm humus and perlite and also has a ph buffer use this 40 % with 60%native soil ,The soil isnt to bad its not clay or sandy its actually like fluffy light soil i could just add some perlite to this but i would probably have to add a buffer ,do you think the bio bizz and native soil is ok as i am on a very low budget

 

[MJPassion]

Good info DF.

Kushhunter,
If your truely on the cheap this go round take a big jug of water to your spot, dig a hole as deep as your transplant will need & pour the water in it to see how fast it drains.
If drainage is fast you may be able to use only local soil.
Fill the hole back in and dig it up when ready to transplant.
Your description of the soil sounds like it could already be close to ideal, imo.

Are the local fauna thriving or something less?

One way to avoid confusion is to choose one persons advice.
I just stumbled on Dank Franks forum recently.
He has some excellent information in it.
Check it out...
https://www.icmag.com/ic/forumdisplay.php?f=65749

 

[hup234]

eat a couple pounds of corned beef and cabbage,wash it down w/a six pack of guinness next day dig your hole,take a righteous dump,cover it 3/4 of the way back up,plant starts,good to go...that's what I just did,works like a charm...a lucky charm