29th Cannabis Growing for Beginners: Nutrients

There are several complex aspects of growing plants, one of which is nutrient control. Depending on the stage of growth, the style of growing and the type of plant, nutrients will change. If we do not feed our plants correctly, they might become sickly or even die. We will cover feed charts, nutrient types, different growing mediums and all the basics needed to keep our plants healthy.

Basic nutrients are crucial during the initial stages of growth. During the vegetative stage, nitrogen helps the plant photosynthesise by aiding in the creation of chlorophyll. It also provides plants with amino acids that keep them strong and healthy. This nutrient is a bit of an all-rounder, ensuring support throughout the flowering cycle. It helps plants balance their water and salt content effectively.

Plants need plenty of phosphorus to absorb other nutrients. Without enough phosphorus, roots will not develop properly, and the plant will not be able to feed. If leaves turn purple early, the plant may lack phosphorus.

Calcium supports the cell structure of plants and strengthens cell walls. Without enough calcium, leaves will curl and yellow. The plant will struggle to support itself and store nutrients efficiently.

Magnesium is another photosynthesis helper. Without it, plants cannot produce glucose, resulting in a lack of energy for growth.

A feed chart tells growers which products to use, timings, and other nutrient details. Feed charts are vital for hydroponic growers who must adjust nutrients more than soil growers. Feed charts are perfect for beginners who are still uncertain about how everything works.

Many growers use a week-by-week format to keep things simple. This format is easier to read than complex or expert charts. Most charts register nutrients in a per gallon format. Beginners should stick to the feed chart, but as they gain experience, they can edit charts to their preferred results, much like recipes.

Following the feed chart week by week shows growers clearly how much of which nutrients the plants need and when. It also informs growers about the order to add the nutrients.

Charts usually differ from the bottles of premade nutrient solutions. Feed charts look at combinations of nutrients, whereas bottled nutrients consider them individually. Following the bottle too strictly without comparing to the chart may result in a nutrient overdose, stopping the plants from absorbing any nutrients.At RARE SEEDS Australia we place great importance on giving you the best start to your cannabis cultivation journey. Today, we take a closer look at why organic cannabis seeds are a must for environmentally conscious growers and how they offer a more sustainable, healthier, and tastier alternative for anyone who prefers to keep it natural.

In soil growing, most growers use nutrient-rich potting soil with a decent level of support nutrients. Soil growing requires a different balance compared to hydroponic growing. Soil growers would only need to add nutrients if there is an environmental issue or irregular watering habits.

The NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) are the three primaries to monitor when soil growing. During the vegetative stage, plants need more of these nutrients. Keep an eye out for any signs of nutrient deficiency, but if plants appear healthy, they should be fine. During flowering, plants need less nitrogen but still a good amount of potassium and phosphorus. Additional nutrients can be purchased in liquid form or in natural products such as sea kelp and homemade fertilisers.

Hydroponic plants are different from soil-grown plants because they require a nutrient solution. Hydroponic growing requires precision and care with nutrient balance. Too much or too little of anything can cause trouble for the plants. Beyond the nutrients listed earlier, consider sulfur. Sulfur improves plants' resistance to disease by enhancing their vitamin and amino acid levels.

Nutrient solutions can be bought or made at home. Purchase individual nutrients and dissolve them in water to get the perfect balance. Avoid nutrients designed for soil use or any solid matter.

Balance the nutrients to suit the stage of growth. During the vegetative stage, pack the solution with nutrients to create strong, healthy plants. As with soil growing, maintain high levels of nutrients, with phosphorus being medium to high. For flowering, reduce nitrogen but keep the others high. In hydroponic growing, consider micronutrients like copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, boron, and cobalt for healthy cannabis growth.

Ensure the PH level of the solution is not too high or low. If the PH is wrong, roots cannot absorb nutrients, risking plant death. The PH level needs to be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimum nutrition absorption. Some companies claim their solutions automatically balance the PH level, but they should not be trusted. Stay in charge of the PH manually to ensure happy plants.

As long as we carefully manage nutrient levels, we should have happy and healthy plants. For beginners, small helpers like feed charts and premade nutrient solutions are ideal. Advanced growers can get more creative with their nutrients, designing charts specifically for their plants.

• Basic nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium.
• Feed charts guide growers on nutrient use and timing.
• Soil growing requires NPK monitoring for healthy plants.
• Hydroponic growing needs precise nutrient balance.
• PH levels between 5.5 and 6.5 ensure nutrient absorption.
• Micronutrients enhance plant health in hydroponics.
• Transitioning from beginners to advanced involves customising feed charts.
• Sulfur helps plants resist disease in hydroponics.
• Ensure proper nutrient levels for healthy plant growth.
• Be cautious with premade solutions and PH balance claims.