Organic Fertilizers for Cannabis

When it comes to nutrients and fertilizers, we try to keep it simple. Growers are faced with an overwhelming selection of commercially produced fertilizers that are over priced and more complicated than they should be. In this article, we will discuss some of the best organic fertilizers for cannabis. Choosing the right fertilizer will depend on how you grow and the stage of the plants life.

Growing Cannabis in Pots Outdoors

A 3 gallon pot filled with rich organic potting soil has enough food and nutrients to last about one month. Once the plant has absorbed all the available nutrients, more nutrients must be added to continue rapid plant growth. Growing large plants outside in small pots can be tiresome. Soil pots requires daily upkeep with watering, fertilizing and maintaining a pH range between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding too much fertilizer is an easy mistake that can have disastrous results. It is very important to follow the directions when applying fertilizer (read the bottle)! Always ease plants into a new feeding regiment, especially small plants. Start with the lowest dosage and work up. Flush your pots regularly with pure water so excess salts are removed.

Growing Cannabis Outdoors

When growing outdoors, I prefer growing in ground. Pots feel unnatural to me and require too much upkeep. My results with pots are never as good either! Growing cannabis in ground is easier to implement and maintain. Raised beds, sunken beds or container pots 50 gallon or bigger are preferred methods because they have a much larger supply of nutrients. I personally prefer growing in raised beds. Raised beds should be 1 to 2 feet high and filled with the best organic soil you can get your hands on. Check local nurseries for bulk topsoil. They usually have the best prices around town, but make sure to check soil for quality. Don’t go cheap; a better soil equals a better harvest! Make sure to replenish your soil with new organic nutrients after each growing season. A friend of mine held no expense when it came to filling his raised beds. He wanted the best and spent nearly a thousand dollars on bags of Fox Farm. He said it was a no brainer. A year later I asked if it was worth it, he smiled and replied “yes.”

Organic Fertilizers for Outdoor Gardens

Whether you are growing in pots or in ground, cannabis requires a healthy supply of nutrients for vigorous growth. Over the years, we have spent a great deal of time researching organic fertilizers for cannabis to enhance our soil food web. Our garden has matured nicely and improved every year. I wanted to provide a section on some of the fertilizers we use. Most can be purchased at either Home Depot, Dixieline, a local Hydro Store and online.

• Fish Emulsion is cheap and an easy way to green up your garden. Great fertilizer for vegging plants!
• Fish Hydrolysate is preferred over Fish Emulsion, but harder to find and more expensive. Available at most Hydro stores.
• Blood Meal is high in nitrogen. Apply as a top dress, but be careful not to over apply because this fertilizer can easily burn your plants!
• Bone Meal is a great source of phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen. It also increases microbial activity!
• Bat Guano is expensive but rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. This super bloom is great for flowering!
• Chicken Maure is awesome. Mix it into the soil as a top dress before planting.
• If you plan on using Manures, make sure they are dry and well composted before adding to your garden.
• Don’t forget about Earth Worm Castings! Start your own worm farm or purchase locally.

Always make sure your fertilizer is OMRI Listed. Follow the directions and do not over apply!