marijuana growing
Boost Your Autoflowers with the Best Organic Fertilizers
Published
8 months agoon
By
admin
If you are considering increasing your yield with fertilizers, you have many decisions to make. It starts with selecting one of the two principal types of cannabis fertilizers –synthetic or organic. You also need to understand the nutrients needed at different stages of cannabis growth. With this information, you can easily select the best fertilizer that fits your growing operation.
Fertilizer application for autoflowers
Auto-flowering strains are developed from the Cannabis ruderalis genetics. Cannabis strains with the auto-flowering trait depend on time and age to transition into the flowering stage. This means these plants automatically transition from the germination stage to flowering without the need for light cycle modifications. Since flowering is automatic, you would expect that these cannabis plants complete their growth cycle within a short window. However, within this period, they also rapidly absorb nutrients from the soil. These nutrients are needed for rapid cellular rearrangement, root system development, bud formations, and stem growth.
The nutrient absorption rate is high, and the plant can quickly exhaust the soil’s deposit of nutrients. This frequently happens in regions where the soil is practically poor in Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Autoflowering cannabis seeds, in many cases, need fertilizers to complete their growth cycle. Experienced cannabis farmers always have their preferred fertilizers handy as the plants start growing. In this review, we have compiled a list of the best organic fertilizers you should consider.
Why should you use organic fertilizers for autoflowers?
Both synthetic (commercially available) and organic (homemade) fertilizers are suitable for autoflowers. However, there are many reasons why you would want to consider using an organic fertilizer. Though not exclusive, here are some of the reasons to consider organic fertilizers;
1. Organic fertilizers are cheap on sale
If you are just starting on planting your first few stands of auto-flowers, you don’t want to overstretch your budget. Using organic fertilizers might help you spend less. Compared to synthetic fertilizers, the production cost for organic fertilizers is lower. The raw materials needed can be easily sourced from the environment. If you have the necessary skills, you can make these fertilizers right at home and apply them at no cost whatsoever.
2. Easily customizable
You can easily customize the nutrient content of your organic fertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers are sold in a fixed NPK ratio. Once produced, these fertilizers can only supply the component nutrients in a fixed ratio. For organic fertilizers, if you know which component supplies which nutrient, you can easily prepare fertilizer with different nutrient ratios.
3. No environmental and health hazards
Perhaps this is one of the biggest reasons many cannabis farmers prefer organic fertilizers for auto-flowers. The raw material is biodegradable, constituting no huge hazard to the environment. Since they also contain no synthetic chemicals, organic fertilizers constitute no serious health hazard. You can safely apply them without worries about getting a chemical reaction.
4. No adverse effect on harvest
You can be sure that your harvest is safe with organic fertilizers. Some synthetic fertilizers can interfere with the taste, flavor, and odor of cannabis plants. This is because residual chemicals present in these formulations can be absorbed directly into the plant’s system. With organic fertilizers, the formulation contains no residual chemicals as they are made from natural components. Your cannabis harvest is safe with its desirable features carefully preserved.
Our selection of the best organic fertilizers for auto-flowers
1. Organic superSoil
Getting it right with organic fertilizers all starts with the soil. The organic soil recipe –commonly described as ‘Supersoil’ –is one of the widely used organic growth mediums for auto-flowers. The soil is enriched with organic raw materials that are gradually decomposed over the years. The nutrients are decomposed over time into a form that the plant can easily absorb. There are various recipes and steps for mixing a SuperSoil. However, the components are always almost the same. You can modify the quantity of each component depending on the nutrient profile you need from the soil. One of the widely adopted mix ratios for autoflowers is the Ballpark recipe. Check the recipe below;
50% peat- or sphagnum-based soilless mix (provides the bulk of the medium)
10-20% mature compost (some organic nutrients + lots of microbes)
10% earthworm castings, or vermicompost (the same)
10% perlite (helps saturate the medium with O2, which is necessary for roots)
fungi/mycorrhizae/bacteria (turn raw organics into available plant food)
The fungi/mycorrhizae/bacteria component is very important. This organism plays two principal roles in Supersoils –they help decompose other components and also help the auto-flowers absorb these nutrients by binding to the plant root.
2. Bat guano
Bat poo, commonly called ‘Bat Guano,’ is a conventional organic fertilizer used in many planting operations. For thousands of years, local farmers with no access to synthetic fertilizers reportedly used bat guano. Since it works, this organic fertilizer option has survived many years of history. Today, rural farmers still use it as organically sourced fertilizer. Cannabis farmers also use Bat Guano as an organic source of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and potassium. You can prepare bat guano in powder form or as a pre-made extract in the form of aerated tea.
Depending on the diet of the bat and its location, Bat Guano preparation can have a rich supply of both macro-and micronutrients needed by autoflowers.On harvesting the dried guano, you mix it into compost or apply it directly to the growth medium. Its rich deposit of phosphorus particularly makes it a preferred booster during the blooming period. Depending on the lay of your farm and the prevailing weather conditions, you can be creative with how you use Bat guano.
3. Manure
Manure can also serve as the right organic fertilizer for your autoflower. Primary manures are decomposed animal waste gathered from farms. Farmers who cultivate their cannabis in regions where livestock farming is a big deal prefer manual as an organic fertilizer. Since it can be readily sourced, the cost of production is very cheap. Manure offers a balanced nutrient profile for autoflowers. It also conditions the soil, making it a natural depot of plant nutrients. This deposit of nutrients makes it possible to grow autoflowers multiple times within the same cannabis planting season. For locally collected manures, composting is very important to make sure the manure does not damage the plant. Some of the most commonly prepared manure for autoflowers include;
- Chicken Manure: Manure sourced from chicken waste is high in Nitrogen. This makes a perfect option for autoflowers during the vegetative stage. Chicken manure also provides a lasting nutrient supply beyond the vegetative stage. Proper composting is needed.
- Sheep and Rabit manure: This manure is especially good for cannabis plants in the flowering stage. Although not often found in abundance, cheap rabbit manure comes naturally in an easy-to-apply pellet form.
- Composted Horses or Steers Manure: Unlike others, horses’ compost manure is produced as a cool material. This makes it easier to apply without burning the plant. They also produce a rich nutrient profile and contain beneficial organisms that can help autoflowers grow rapidly.
4. Compost tea
Though not very common, compost tea is another organic fertilizer you can consider for your autoflowers. This liquid concentrate contains soluble nutrients and microorganisms from compost materials. The key ingredients needed to make a compost team include compost. Worm casting, fish hydrolases, kelp, and molasses. The compost should have a large population of beneficial microorganisms. The worm castings are byproducts expelled from worms after digestion is completed. Kelp and molasses serve as food for fungi and bacteria that grow while the tea is brewing.
Once ready, the tea can be diluted and applied directly to the roots or sprayed on the autoflower leaves. Do not apply compost tea over an irrigation line to avoid clogging. It is also important that you apply a potent dose to a few autoflowers first and check for any adverse effects on the leaves after a few hours.
Bottom line
Growing your autoflowers with organic fertilizers is a good method of improving plant yield. The raw material needed for most organic fertilizers is locally available. You save time, energy, and resources if you choose organic fertilizers. You might also require the help of a botanist or agrochemical expert to help with any additional materials you might need. Buy autoflowering weed seeds here, great quality straight from Amsterdam
Cannabis
Cannabis And Co2 – How To Increase Your Yield
Published
3 weeks agoon
December 27, 2024By
admin
Discover Cannabis and CO2
Did you know that your plants can be harmed if they don’t get an adequate supply of CO2? Or that an excessive supply of carbon dioxide can potentially be harmful to your marijuana plants? Carbon dioxide is a crucial aspect of marijuana cultivation that can hinder or permanently halt the progress of plant growth. When it comes to supplying your plants with additional carbon dioxide, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind. In this piece “Cannabis and CO2” we will share ways to optimize CO2 levels for cannabis growth.
Why is carbon dioxide essential for cannabis cultivation?
It is essential to ensure that your plants receive a carbon dioxide level above 250 parts per million (ppm). Any CO2 level below this measure can pose immense risk to them. On the other hand, exposing your plants to dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide can be lethal. But why is carbon dioxide essential for cannabis cultivation? It enables plants to complete the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the conversion of carbon dioxide into energy in plants. As the name and formula imply, CO2 consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. This is significant because plants require 17 essential elements to grow and reproduce, and hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen make up 95% of a plant’s dry weight.
Many farmers suggest that adding CO2 to the cultivation room could improve yields by up to 20%. However, this guide will show you how to optimize carbon dioxide levels for better weed growth and excellent results.
How to introduce additional CO2 to your garden
There are several methods to add carbon dioxide to your garden. However, many of these methods do not guarantee controlled delivery of the desired PPM. Therefore, we recommend investing in reliable equipment to ensure proper CO2 supplementation.
CO2 generators
CO2 generators offer an effective way to improve the carbon dioxide levels in your plants. These products, resembling outdoor heaters, burn propane or natural gas to produce carbon dioxide. They also emit heat, making them suitable for larger spaces and climate-controlled enclosures.
Compressed CO2
Compressed CO2, stored in metal tanks like propane cylinders or scuba tanks, can be delivered to your plants through emitters. Unlike generating carbon dioxide on your own, compressed carbon dioxide is produced at a factory, eliminating concerns about heat generation. This makes compressed CO2 an excellent choice for small-scale growers.
What does carbon dioxide do for your cannabis plants?
Optimizing carbon dioxide levels for your plants will result in increased growth speed and higher yields. With accelerated growth, you can enjoy bountiful harvests every year, resulting in bigger and better yields without experiencing dry periods. When carbon dioxide is used properly, it increases the moisture content in your plants and enhances their resilience. This enables plants to withstand higher temperatures than they normally would without drying out quickly. As a result, your plants will thrive in hotter conditions, leading to improved growth.
Why use CO2 in cannabis cultivation?
There are two primary benefits of using CO2 in your marijuana plants: faster growth and greater yield. Additionally, plants store a certain amount of moisture and energy in their leaves, and carbon dioxide helps release that energy, allowing plants to blossom. Most cultivators agree that unlocking this stored energy can lead to a 20-30% increase in yield, along with a relative growth speed increase of at least 15%.
What do you need to know before adding CO2 to your cannabis plants?
Adding CO2 will increase the humidity of your cannabis garden, creating a more moist environment. However, higher moisture levels can also increase the risk of fungus and rot. Moreover, uncontrolled release of carbon dioxide can create a toxic environment for both your cannabis plants and yourself. A CO2 level of about 2000 ppm can harm your plants, and levels higher than that can be unsafe for animals and humans to breathe. It’s important to remember that a quantity below 250 ppm will harm your plants.
Since carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, it needs to rain down on your plants. Therefore, it’s necessary to regulate carbon dioxide levels to maximize its benefits without sacrificing the oxygen your plants require, and vice versa. In a nutshell, carbon dioxide supplementation will lead to bigger, improved, and higher annual yields.
Cannabis Seeds
Compare Indica Vs Sativa: Differences And Benefits Explained
Published
1 month agoon
December 11, 2024By
admin
Indica vs Sativa
Who would have thought that in marijuana there are different types of plants with completely different effects and benefits? The origin, the climate, the effects, and the physical characteristics are crucial in order, to differentiate the type of plant that you are going to use either in the clinical, pharmaceutical, or recreational field, as well as to know between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica in order, to be able to make the best selection of seeds according to your needs.
Marijuana is a well-known plant for its mind and body effects and it’s split into two main types: Sativa and Indica. Even though they come from the same family and have similar ingredients, they’re different in how they look and what they do when you use them. Let’s break it down simply:
What the plants look like:
Indica: This plant is short and looks like a bush with wide leaves. It grows well in cooler and mountainous areas.
Sativa: This one is tall and thin, with skinny, pointed leaves, kind of like a young pine tree. It likes hot and humid places.
How they make you feel:
Indica: It chills you out and can make you sleepy, like when you’re getting cozy in bed after a long day.
Sativa: It energizes you and wakes up your mind, great for when you need to do things that require imagination or when you’re hanging out with friends.
To put it simply: if you want to relax, go for Indica. If you want to be more alert and active, go for sativa. We’ll explain more about this soon so you can better understand how each one affects people differently.
The two subspecies of marijuana represent different adaptations to different climates. Sativa originates from the jungles of equatorial regions such as Thailand, Cambodia, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico, places that enjoy long hours of sunshine and constant light throughout the year. The Indica variety, on the other hand, comes from the Hindu Kush region, a vast mountain range of more than 800 kilometers that stretches from Afghanistan to China and is characterized by a very cold climate.
Climatic and physical characteristics
Cannabis Sativa is known for its ability to adapt to the heat of tropical climates, being resistant to low temperatures and showing an effective ability to prevent the growth of fungi commonly associated with humidity. Indicas, on the other hand, originate from mountainous climates, which enables them to withstand climatic challenges such as wind, rain, and frost.
Morphology and appearance:
Morphology of Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa plants, are distinguished by their unique morphology and appearance, which tend to be taller and more slender, with long, thin leaves, differentiating them from other marijuana species such as Indica and Ruderalis. The following points highlight the main morphological and appearance characteristics of Sativa:
- Height and Structure: Cannabis sativa plants are typically tall and slender, with some varieties reaching heights of up to 20 feet (about 6 meters) under optimal conditions. They have a more open structure compared to the bushier Cannabis indica, allowing for greater light penetration throughout the plant.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cannabis sativa are characteristically long and narrow with a light green color. They possess serrated edges and are composed of slender leaflets that are spread far apart. The number of leaflets can vary, usually between 5 to 13 per leaf.
- Branching: Sativa plants have less dense branching compared to their indica counterparts, with branches extending outward and upward, giving the plant an airy appearance. This less compact structure is beneficial for air circulation and can help in reducing the risk of mold and fungal diseases in humid environments.
- Flowers (Buds): The flowers of Cannabis sativa are elongated and less dense than those of indica plants. They tend to be more “fluffy” or airy and can appear on the plant as spaced, apart clusters. The flowering period for sativa strains is generally longer, often taking between 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature.
- Trichomes: While both sativa and indica plants produce trichomes (the resinous glands containing cannabinoids), the concentration and distribution can vary. Sativa plants typically have a high concentration of trichomes on the flowers and surrounding foliage, contributing to their potent therapeutic and psychoactive properties.
- Root System: Cannabis sativa plants develop a deep taproot system, which enables them to access water from deeper soil layers. This characteristic is beneficial for plants growing in arid conditions, allowing them to thrive where other plants might not.
- Growth Pattern and Maturation: Sativa strains usually have a longer vegetative growth phase, which contributes to their tall stature. Their extended flowering time requires patience but can result in high yields of marijuana flowers.
Cannabis sativa strains are often associated with a cerebral, uplifting high, attributed to their higher concentration of THC in comparison to CBD. This makes them particularly popular for daytime use. The distinct morphology and appearance of sativa not only contribute to its cultivation requirements but also influence its effects and applications, making it a fav
Morphology of Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Indica plants have distinctive morphological traits, shorter and more compact appearance, with wider and denser leaves, traits that differentiate from Sativa and Ruderalis. The main characteristics of Indica are described below:
- Height and Structure: Cannabis indica plants are generally shorter and bushier than their sativa counterparts, typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (about 0.6 to 1.2 meters). They have a compact, dense structure, which makes them well-suited for indoor cultivation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cannabis indica are broad and dark green, with fewer but wider leaflets compared to sativa plants. Indica leaves often have between 7 to 9 leaflets, which are closer together, giving the leaf a fuller appearance.
- Branching: Indica plants have dense branching, with closer internodal spaces. This compact growth habit results in a bushy appearance and contributes to their ability to produce more buds in a smaller space.
- Flowers (Buds): The buds of Cannabis indica plants are typically dense, thick, and bulky, clustering around the plant’s nodes. Due to the plant’s compact nature, these buds are often heavier and more resinous than those of sativa strains, leading to higher yields per square foot in controlled environments.
- Trichomes: Cannabis indica plants are known for their abundant trichome production, which covers the buds and surrounding foliage in a thick layer of crystalline resin. This resin is rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD, making indica strains highly potent.
- Root System: Indica plants have a more spread-out root system compared to the deep taproot of sativa plants. This characteristic makes them more adaptable to various growing mediums and efficient in nutrient uptake from the soil.
- Growth Pattern and Maturation: Cannabis indica strains have a shorter vegetative growth phase and a faster flowering cycle than sativa strains, often maturing in 6 to 8 weeks. This quick turnaround makes them attractive to cultivators looking for a fast crop.
- Effects: Indica strains are traditionally associated with a sedative, body-centric effect, often referred to as a “body high.” This makes them popular for evening use, providing relaxation and aiding in sleep.
The morphology and appearance of Cannabis indica are not just significant for identification; they also have practical implications for cultivation and use. The compact, dense growth of indica plants makes them particularly suited for indoor or space-constrained environments. Their potent, resinous buds are favored for their strong therapeutic effects, offering relief from pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
Chemical and Psychoactive Composition
Both subspecies contain a variety of chemical compounds, but the proportions of these compounds can vary.
Cannabis Sativa: Sativas tend to have higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. They may also contain significant amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), which has health properties, but in lower proportions than THC.
Cannabis Indica: Indicas generally have slightly lower THC levels than Sativas, but can still be potent. They tend to have a more balanced ratio of THC and CBD, which can result in a more relaxing and sedative effect.
When it comes to psychoactive effects, it is important to remember that although both Sativa and Indica contain THC, the effects and reactions vary greatly depending on the type of plant.
So which strain is right for me? Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds can tell you:
Sativa is known for its properties that induce a state of euphoria and greater sociability compared to the Indica variety. This sub-species enhances perception, intensifying the appreciation of colors and sounds while stimulating creativity and thinking. Sativa is used to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, migraines, and as an appetite stimulant, among other wellness benefits.
On the other hand, Indica, known for its relaxing and sedative properties, is highly effective in the treatment of insomnia and a variety of conditions. It is widely used to alleviate neuromuscular disorders such as tremors and, spasms, and to combat chronic pain. It is also a valuable option for reducing anxiety and stress and stimulating appetite in patients who need it.
Alternative uses
Cannabis Sativa: Sativas are often used to treat depression, anxiety and to improve mood. They can also be useful in treating attention deficit disorder and stimulating appetite.
Cannabis Indica: Indicas are preferred for the treatment of chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and to relax tense muscles. They are also commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
It is important to note that due to hybridisation and genetic variability of marijuana strains, classification as sativa or indica is not always accurate. In addition, individual experience with these subspecies may vary between individuals and specific strains.
Sativa and Indica are two subspecies with marked differences in morphology, chemical composition, psychoactive effects, and alternative uses. The choice between one or the other depends on the personal preferences and therapeutic needs of each individual.
Cannabis Seeds
Marijuana Seed Varieties For Cultivation
Published
1 month agoon
December 8, 2024By
admin
CBD Seeds
CBD marijuana seeds share characteristics with feminized, regular, or autoflowering varieties, but are distinguished by their higher CBD content compared to conventional varieties. Additionally, in many cases, the aim is to minimize the THC level so that they can be used for medicinal purposes.
However, these seeds never contain the adequate concentration of THC for use in legal CBD product production, which currently must be below 0.2%. For this purpose, hemp seeds are used. Despite this, CBD marijuana seed varieties still offer more relaxing and stress-relieving effects than other varieties.
Hemp Seeds
Unlike CBD seeds, hemp seeds always contain THC levels below 0.2%, ensuring a predominance of CBD. Also known as industrial hemp, this variety is used for CBD extraction and the production of therapeutic products. However, the CBD levels obtained from hemp never reach those achieved with CBD seeds.
Hemp seeds are not only used for obtaining cannabidiol but also for extracting strong fibers used in various industries, such as textile, paper, insulation, rope manufacturing, fuel, paints, cosmetics, among others. Additionally, hemp seeds are edible and can be consumed as oil, whole, raw, toasted, or ground into flour.
Fast Version Seeds
Like CBD marijuana seeds, Fast Version seeds have similar characteristics to regular or feminized varieties, but their life cycle is shorter than usual, allowing for harvesting before the first October frosts.
Indeed, many of these types of seeds can be combined. Sativa, indica, hybrid, or ruderalis varieties can be presented in feminized, regular, autoflowering, or Fast Version forms. Hemp seeds, on the other hand, belong to the sativa group.
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