why use soil for your cannabis plants?
For beginner growers, soil is often the first choice to grow cannabis plants. It’s conventional, familiar (particularly if you already love gardening), fairly easy to create your own soil mix and it’s also cheaper than other options. Soil is a great natural and easy option for those starting out, but you do need to make sure you are using the right soil for your plant.
what is a good soil?
Soil is made up of minerals, organic matter, biological organisms, water and air. The air in soil is more like a gas and takes up around 25% of the soil. The organic matter, such as animal particles and microorganisms, only take up a small percent (about 5%) of the soil but can make a huge difference in the quality of it.
Soil for cannabis plants should be a nice dark colour, rich, loose in texture, it should have good moisture retention but also drain well (when water is poured on it, the soil should drain it our within a few seconds). Water retention is needed so the roots do not dry out but it needs to drain well, to prevent over-watering.

types of soil
The minerals in soil are made up of clay, sand, silt or loamy.
Clay is great for soil as it contains many nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Soil should not have too much clay however, as it can be heavy, making it difficult to break up and work with. It contains higher pH levels and has a smaller granule size.
Sand does not contain any nutrients and too much of it can be a problem. The grains are larger and contains fairly low pH levels. In small doses, it’s useful for drainage and turning up the soil.
Silt is a mixture of sand and minerals but does not really contain many nutrients. It can be easily compacted and therefore does not drain so well.
Loamy is a combination of clay, sand, and silt but with extra organic compounds. This is a good soil for cannabis but can be expensive. It has a neutral pH level, has lots of oxygen and nutrients and is good at both drainage and water retention.
organic matter
Organic matter is made from plants or animals that are either alive or have been decomposed. It will make quality soil, which in turn will create a quality plant. Examples of good organic matter for your soil are compost, manure, fish, kelp, coco coir, blood meal, bat guano and worm castings. Potting soil may be good for other plants, but not so much in cannabis, as it does not drain well and you will need to add extra nutrients. If you buy soil with nutrients already in it, then they will only last around 3 to 4 weeks, so you will have to change the soil before the flowing stage begins.
Remember, the type of soil you will need can differ with which cannabis type you are growing, the climate and whether you are growing indoor or outdoors. Auto flower types prefer a lighter soil with fewer nutrients. You should also consider the pH level (acidic or alkaline percentage) of your soil. A pH level of around 5.8 to 6.3 is good for growing cannabis.
how to improve your soil quality
If you want to make your own soil, rather than buying one with the nutrients already in, then there are a few things you can do to increase it’s quality. By adding various organic matter and nutrients you can create the perfect soil for your plant.
Perlite: This is one of the most popular ingredients for soil enhancement. It’s made from small, white rocks, and adds oxygen which helps to air out your soil, as well as improving drainage. Try adding around 10 to 15 % of perlite to your soil for the best outcome.
Vermiculite: This is similar to perlite; in that it will make your soil lighter if you have really heavy soil. Instead of helping with drainage like perlite, it will help your soil with water retention. Around 10% is a good amount to add to compliment the perlite.
Worm Castings: These can add a great nutritional enrichment to your soil, as they contain lots of microorganisms that will help your plant grow. Around 25 to 30% of the work castings will help with water retention and drainage, giving your soil a nice texture.
Coco coir: This is created from coconut husks. This will also lighten your soil and help with retaining water. These light fibres provide excellent water retention and can lighten compact soils.

best soil for outdoors
Potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) are the three main nutrients that cannabis plants need. Using a store bought fertiliser, you can manage the nutrient levels of your plants throughout the growing season.
To grow outdoors you need a good, healthy soil. It should form a nice ball in your hands when you squeeze it but then be able to break away in chunks, once you let go. If you are planting straight into the ground, then you will need to test the soil for it’s pH levels and quality. If putting your plant into an outdoor pot, you will need to be able to maintain it’s nutrients, as it cannot rely on any other soil around it. This does allow you to have better control over what nutrients the plant receives.
shop bought soils
Buying pre-made soil from the shop can be a great idea for those starting out on their cannabis growing journey. Keep in mind that you will need different soil types for indoor and outdoor growing. You should avoid buying soil that has extended release nutrients, which can ruin cannabis crops.
When buying soil for seedlings, look for simple potting soils have fewer nutrients, as the young seedling plants do not like a super rich soil. Once your plant starts the flowering stage, you can start adding more nutrients.
AK-47 Feminized
Ak-47 was orginally created by the Netherland’s Serious Seeds in 1992 and has won 16 awards including the High Times Cannabis Cup. People love this strain around the world for its high THC content, strong flavour and high energy effects.
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Amnesia Haze Feminized
10% Indica – 90% Sativa | THC 21-25% | This is THE legit Dutch classic Sativa dominent powerhouse that is the proud winner of multiple Cannabis cups. This uplifter has a lemony, incense and cederwood flavour. Amnesia has a slightly longer growth phase overall, but this translates into massive yields and is well worth your attention for a truly supreme quality end product that is sure to please those aiming for a happy and uplifting high.
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Gelato Feminized
70% Indica – 30% Sativa | THC 21-27% | This strain is an absoluate corker! One of the nicests strains going around in our opinion and very under rated. Super strong, Very crystally large(ish) buds with very big yields. It’s fairly straight forward to grow and super strong.
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Gorilla Glue Feminized
50% Indica – 50% Sativa | THC 20-26% | One of the strongest cannabis strains available this one is recommended for the serious marijuana consumer! This popular strain has also won several cannabis awards like the Michigan and Los Angeles Cannabis Cups in 2014, and the High Times Jamaican World Cup.
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Grapefruit Feminized
20% Indica – 80% Sativa | THC 16-20%
The Vancouver, Canada staple…. This 80% Sativa strain has a sweet and fruity aroma similar to the smell of ripe grapefruit It’s an 80’s old secret mix of Cinderalla 99 with a mystical grapefruit flavoured Sativa.
With the smell of pineapple and grapefuit this has an uplifting & stimulating high good for focus, creativity and pleasure.
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Northern Lights Feminized Seeds
90% Indica – 100% Sativa | THC 16-18% | Northern Lights is definately among the most popular strains worldwide for it’s stable phenotypes, fast flowering and easy to grow persona that works well indoors and outdoors. This strain is remarkably resiliant and well worth your attention as a beginner grower.
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OG Kush Feminized
75% Indica – 25% Sativa | THC 18-23% | The classic californian OG Kush is referred all over the world. This strain loves hot temperature and is the proud parent of many popular strains such as girl scout cookies. OG Kush has very high THC levels and is well known for it’s full body high and spicey aroma.
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Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
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Sour Diesel Feminized
40% Indica – 60% Sativa | THC 19-24% | Sour Diesel is a very strong well balanced sativa dominated straing with a unique diesel fuel odour when smoked. Around for over 2 decades, it’s a cross of Chemdawg and Super Skunk so it has an intense flavour and aroma with notes of exotic wood, lemon, spices and of course diesel fuel when smoked.
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