Step #1: Pre-Soak
If you’re a beginner at growing cannabis seeds, it’s important to pre-soak them before attempting to germinate them, as this will ensure that you have a super bouncy harvest each and every time (https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Cannabis-Seeds-Indoors). It’s an easy step to forget, but the most important to not.
There are several ways to pre-soak your seedlings, each with a different set of benefits, but all of the methods should be followed closely and carefully to avoid damaging your seeds.
- First of all, a pre-soak will remove any excess dirt from your seeds before you try to germinate them which will make the process a lot easier and less time-consuming. You can pre-soak your seedlings using water, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or a special cannabis seed soak.
- Once the water has soaked into your seedlings, it’s a good idea to isolate them from any light sources, especially important during the winter when it can be difficult to find a neutral temperature spot where you can keep your seedlings in the safest condition.
Step #2: Plant in Soil
The soil you use to sow your marijuana seeds is one of the most important decisions you will make as the type of soil you choose depends on a variety of factors, including the climate and environment, water retention, and pH value.
You can prepare your own potting soil mixture or buy ready-made mixes from your grow shop; however, preparing a nutrient-rich soil mix takes time and expertise.
Good cannabis-growing soil mix is light and airy, allowing your plants to breathe freely and allowing for good drainage, but it also retains some moisture for the roots to absorb.
Soil with poor drainage will result in slow growth and a plant’s roots will struggle to penetrate deep enough into solid soil and won’t be able to absorb the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
The best soil mix for your cannabis plants will have a nutrient-rich blend of composted forest materials and organic fertilizers; therefore it should also contain a balance of perlite and coco fiber for better water retention.
Find a high-quality garden potting mix that’s ideal for cannabis plants that combines earthworm castings, sea-going fish and crab meals, bat guano, moss, and other natural ingredients that mimic the properties of the highest quality naturally occurring soils.
Step #3: Water the Plant
Water is essential for all stages of the cannabis plant’s life cycle, ensuring that it gets enough nutrients to grow healthy and strong and the exact water requirements of a cannabis plant depend on its stage of growth and environment.
Whether or not the water in which you’re growing your cannabis plants is of good quality will determine how quickly they grow, so a water source that’s free of contaminants like chlorine, nitrates, and metals will provide the best results. Many water sources, including streams, ponds, and lakes, contain dissolved solids that can be harmful to cannabis growth.
Another consideration is the type of soil you’re using for your cannabis plants in conjunction with what type of water because soil that isn’t able to properly drain can cause overwatering issues, which can lead to the development of rotting roots.
If you have a problem with your soil’s drainage, you can remedy it by adding perlite or something similar to the mix to improve its ability to drain, which can help prevent your cannabis plants from sitting in water that’s unable to be removed from the ground, causing symptoms of drought.
Overwatering is a common cause of rot and disease in marijuana plants, especially those grown outdoors, and it occurs when the roots become too saturated with water and cannot absorb the nutrients they need, causing a condition called stomatal stripping. To prevent this, check the moisture level of your cannabis roots and water them little by little if necessary.
Bonus (The Alternative Method): Paper Towel
There are many methods for germinating your new seeds, and some can be more successful than others. However, if you want to make the most of your seeds (which you can buy if you visit here at OG Seeds) and start a healthy seedling, you need to know how to germinate cannabis seeds correctly. You don’t want to waste a good plant!
A quick way to do this is by soaking them in paper towels, which are non-porous and therefore easy for the seeds to lie on without getting stuck:
- First, it’s important to choose high-quality seeds for germination, so avoid seeds that feel dry, are mishandled, or have been stored for too long as the color, shape, and texture of the seed are also important.
- Next, make sure to germinate your seeds in a warm place with a temperature of 70 to 90 degrees, which is ideal for germination.
- Using two pieces of damp paper towel, you can wrap your seeds between them and leave them in a warm, dark spot at the above temperature.
- Once the white roots start showing, it’s time to transplant them into a soil pot or other growing medium, using a Rapid Rooter or by hand; just remember to be careful when moving the sprouted seeds to ensure that they don’t snag or hurt their tap root, which grows out of the seed’s hard shell.
