Why living soil for cannabis is perfect for organic growing

Living soil could be the game-changer your cannabis plants need. 

Providing a natural, nutrient-rich environment can lead to healthier growth, better yields, and higher-quality buds. 

If you don’t use living soil, your plants might miss out on the organic nutrients and microbial life that support their full potential.

This post explores why living soil could be the perfect choice for organic cannabis growing. 

We’ll cover what it is, why it works so well, and how you can make or choose the best mix.

Disclaimer: Any information given on this site is for educational purposes only. Please ensure if you’re growing cannabis, you’re doing so by the law and subject to appropriate permissions and licenses of the applicable country.  

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What is living soil?

Living soil is much more than dirt; it’s a thriving ecosystem of beneficial microbes, fungi, and organic matter. 

It mimics the natural processes found in healthy ecosystems, breaking down organic materials to provide your plants with a steady supply of nutrition. 

Unlike synthetic growing mediums, living soil works with the plant roots, enhancing the entire growth cycle.

By using living soil, you’re not just feeding your plants - you’re cultivating an environment where they can thrive naturally. 

Organic living soil supports beneficial microbes, which are essential for nutrient absorption and robust plant growth. 

This approach also allows your cannabis plants to express their full genetic potential, which can result in flowers that are richer in flavour, aroma, and potency. 

Living soil makes growing cannabis cost-effective and eco-friendly by eliminating the reliance on bottled nutrients and synthetic additives. 

This type of soil is ideal for growers who value sustainability because it reduces waste, prevents erosion, and supports long-term soil health. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, transitioning to organic living soil can elevate your growing process to new heights.

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The benefits of organic living soil for cannabis

Using living soil for cannabis brings a wealth of benefits:

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• Organic nutrients: Living soil provides a slow-release nutrient supply, meaning you won’t need to buy nutrient solutions. Ingredients like alfalfa meal, rock dusts, and blood meal break down over time to feed your plants. These organic dry amendments ensure consistent plant nutrition throughout the cannabis life cycle.
• Microbial life: Beneficial microbes and mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient absorption, supporting vigorous plant growth and helping plants access essential minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
• Sustainability: Organic living soil is eco-friendly, reducing waste and helping to prevent erosion by maintaining soil integrity and structure. By relying on organic matter, you’re protecting the environment and supporting sustainable growing practices.
• Better quality: Cannabis grown in living soil often produces higher-quality buds with superior flavour, aroma, and potency. This is because living soils allow the cannabis plant to express its full genetic potential, free from synthetic additives.

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Many experienced growers highly recommend living soil for its ability to simplify feeding, reduce costs, and generate abundant, high-quality yields. 

It’s a natural way to cultivate healthier plants while embracing organic living practices.

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How living soil supports your plant growth 

Living soil works harmoniously with your plant roots, creating a dynamic and symbiotic relationship that fosters natural plant growth. 

Microorganisms in living soils actively break down organic matter, such as compost and alfalfa meal, into essential nutrients.  

These nutrients, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, are then readily available for your cannabis plant to absorb.

Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi form intricate networks with plant roots, dramatically improving nutrient uptake and water absorption. 

This process ensures your plants receive balanced nutrition, supporting their health from vegetative growth through to flowering.

Unlike coco coir or synthetic growing mediums, living soils continually regenerate, reducing the need for additional nutrient supplementation. 

By working with the soil’s ecosystem, your plants thrive naturally, resulting in stronger, more resilient crops and higher-quality buds. 

This sustainable process helps protect the environment while producing cannabis of unmatched quality and potency.

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How to make living soil for cannabis

Making your own living soil is easier than you might think. 

Here’s a simple cannabis living soil recipe for cannabis to get you started: 

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Ingredients:

• Compost or organic potting mix 
• Worm castings
• Alfalfa meal
• Blood meal
• Bat guano
• Rock dusts

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Instructions:

1. Combine these organic materials in equal parts to create a balanced base.
2. Add mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial microbes to enhance microbial life.
3. Adjust the pH If necessary. (You can use dolomite lime to raise pH levels.)
4. Mix thoroughly and let the soil "cook" for a few weeks to allow the organic matter to break down.

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For even better results, consider adding coco coir or peat to improve the structure of your mix and help retain moisture. 

As the organic materials break down, they release essential compounds like phosphorus and potassium, supporting healthy plant growth throughout the vegetative and flowering phases.

Keep the soil moist by regularly adding water, ensuring the microbes remain active.

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Best living soil for cannabis: What to look for

If making your own isn’t an option, you’ll want to choose the best living soil for cannabis. Look for a mix that includes:

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• High-quality compost and worm castings
• Organic materials like peat and coco coir
• A good balance of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium

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These ingredients ensure the soil supports microbial life and beneficial bacteria and provides everything your plants need for strong, consistent growth.

Pre-charged living soils are also a great option as they come ready to use, saving you a few hours of preparation. 

Ensure the soil is free from synthetic additives and has a loose, airy structure to promote root development. 

A lot of growers recommend blends enriched with dry amendments to provide additional nutrients throughout the plant’s growing cycle.

Using a top-quality mix means your plants will thrive, producing abundant, flavourful flowers with minimal effort.  

Look for a trusted supplier to ensure you get a product packed with the nutrients your plants need.

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Practical tips for growing cannabis in living soil

Growing cannabis in living soil requires a slightly different approach than other methods, but it’s well worth the effort. 

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your living soil setup:

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1. Watering

Living soils thrive on consistent moisture, so watering is key. 

Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also steer clear of overwatering, as it can suffocate beneficial microbes. 

Add water gradually and evenly, ensuring it soaks into the soil without pooling. 

During vegetative growth and flowering, monitor moisture levels carefully to keep microbial life active and healthy.

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2. Feeding

Living soil already contains organic nutrients that are released slowly over time, so there’s no need for bottled nutrients. 

Instead, top-dress your soil with dry amendments like compost or worm castings to provide additional nutrients when needed.  

You can also use malted barley powder during key growth phases for a nutrient boost.

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3. Maintenance

Protect your soil's microbes and beneficial bacteria by avoiding harsh chemicals, synthetic fertilisers, or pesticides. 

Use natural pest management methods and cover the soil with organic mulch to maintain its structure, prevent evaporation, and protect bacterial life from heat.  

Experienced growers often suggest recharging soil with fresh compost between cycles to sustain its effectiveness.

By focusing on these key areas, you’ll create an environment where your cannabis plants can flourish naturally, producing abundant, high-quality flower with minimal effort.  

Let the living soil do the work for you while you enjoy healthier, more resilient plants. 

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Takeaways

Living soil for cannabis is an excellent option for organic growers looking to create a natural and self-sustaining growing environment. 

Its ability to support microbes, provide slow-release organic nutrients, and promote a balanced plant growing cycle makes it a fantastic choice for those aiming to grow healthier plants without relying on synthetic inputs.  

Whether you choose to make your own living soil or purchase a pre-mixed bag, it offers a practical and effective solution for cultivating cannabis organically. 

By working in harmony with the soil’s natural processes, you’ll nurture your plants from seed to harvest in a way that feels more connected to nature.

While living soil may not be the only approach to cannabis cultivation, it’s a solid choice for growers who value sustainability and want to explore a more organic method.

If you’re ready to try something different, give living soil a go - it could transform how you grow. And who knows? You might find it’s just the right fit for your growing style!

Happy growing!

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FAQs

How to water cannabis in living soil

Water lightly and consistently, ensuring the soil stays damp but not waterlogged. Always add water slowly to avoid nutrient runoff.

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Is living soil worth it?

Absolutely! It provides long-term benefits, including better nutrient cycling, improved plant growth, and healthier flowers. 

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What's the difference between super soil and living soil?

Super soil is pre-mixed and heavily amended, while living soil evolves as time passes with active microbes and organic matter.

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Can you germinate seedlings in living soil?

Yes, you can germinate seedlings in living soil, but using a lightly amended mix is best to avoid overwhelming young plants with nutrients. This ensures a gentle start for healthy growth.

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Is living soil better than hydro?

For organic growers, living soil is superior, offering natural nutrients and microbial life, whereas hydro relies on bottled nutrients.

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How to recharge living soil?

Top-dress with compost, worm castings, and organic dry amendments like malted barley powder, and keep it moist to revive microbial activity.

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What is the best compost for living soil?

High-quality, organic compost rich in microorganisms and free from synthetic additives is ideal for living soil.

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