Choosing the Best Soil for Growing Marijuana

The way cannabis is viewed as a whole has changed in recent years and has transitioned from a taboo into a viable lifestyle. 

Although many people enjoy cannabis for its psychoactive effects, there are just as many people searching for marijuana that helps with ailments and mental health conditions.

Fortunately, there is a lot of choice regarding strains when growing at home, but yielding the best cannabis requires more than effective cannabis seeds alone. 

Searching for the best marijuana-growing soil may seem straightforward initially, but many factors need to be considered before investing in soil. 

There is just as much choice regarding soil when growing cannabis at home, and those determining what type of soil is best for growing marijuana can find it overwhelming.

Fortunately, some steps can be followed to ensure you find the best soil for growing marijuana, as well as an overview of the considerations that need to be made when you are choosing the right soil for you. 

Is Growing in Soil Easy?

Soil can be one of the simplest ways of growing cannabis, but it should not be approached without some research beforehand.

Like cannabis itself, the type of soil used depends on your preferences, and there is rarely a soil considered the best by every cannabis grower, so the best choice is often subjective. 

Becoming familiar with the traits of soil and the different types available ensures you can always find the best marijuana-growing soil and ensure it fits in with your cannabis growing methods.

Traits to Search for When Considering the Best Soil for Growing Marijuana

At first glance, all soil can seem the same, but many differences dictate whether the soil you are considering is the best choice for growing cannabis.

The following is an overview of the traits you should look for when choosing the best type of soil for growing marijuana.

Soil Texture

If you want to ensure your plants achieve a healthy yield, then you should choose light and loose soil, as this will help with root development.

Drainage

Although watering cannabis plants is important, if the water pools at the top, it is likely you are doing more harm than good, and can even lead to cannabis plants dying before you have the chance to yield your buds.

Choosing soil with good drainage ensures there are no ramifications when harvesting your cannabis.

Nutrients are Key

Given the many aspects of growing cannabis that needs to be considered, it is easy to overlook the small details, including the nutrients.

Like any other type of plant, cannabis plants need nutrients to thrive, especially if you want to enjoy generous yields when growing at home.

There are many types of soil available that contain nutrients, but these will run out by the time the plants begin to flower, which is when additional nutrients will be needed to ensure you maintain the integrity of the plant.

If you would rather grow cannabis without adding nutrients, then the best soil for growing marijuana will be one that contains organic substances.

The chemical structure of the soil means nutrients will be converted from microorganisms, allowing for a steady influx of the necessary nutrients.

Retention of Water

Growing cannabis at home often encompasses a sense of balance, and this is definitely the case with watering plants. Of course, drainage of water is important, but so too is retaining moisture. As such, you should ensure the soil you choose offers water retention as well as drainage.

pH Value

When considering the chemical elements of growing cannabis, it is easy to become confused. Knowing the pH value of the soil can make all the difference when attempting to grow the best cannabis plant possible.

When choosing the best soil for growing marijuana, you should choose a pH of around 6.0, which is the scale of cannabis prospers.

There is some flexibility, so if you are unable to locate a soil with an exact pH, you should search for a soil that contains between 5.8 and 6.3 pH.

The Types of Soil Available: What is the Best Type of Soil for Growing Marijuana?

Knowing what is required of the soil ensures you get the best from your cannabis growing, but becoming more knowledgeable about the different types of soil available ensures you find the right fit for your cannabis growing endeavors.

The following is an overview of the different soil types and the pros and cons of each regarding growing cannabis.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil has a coarse aesthetic and offers fantastic drainage. However, it has poor water retention. This is not always an issue, as it can be counteracted with more watering.

Using sandy soil can be the best type of soil for growing marijuana, as it has low pH, high oxygen levels, and fantastic drainage.

Another appealing aspect of sandy soil is that newcomers to cannabis growing find it easy to work with.

Clay Soil

Although clay soil retains water and offers plenty of nutrients, it can be extremely difficult to work with, meaning it should only be purchased by experienced growers.

There are plenty of benefits to using clay, as its high mineral and nutrient count make it ideal for organic growth. However, to get the most from clay soil, more work will be needed than using other soil.

Loamy Soil

Loamy Soil can be considered an amalgamation of sand, silt, and clay, which allow for plenty of nutrients, fantastic water retention, and high oxygen levels. However, those on a budget or are just starting out may find that loamy soil is expensive.

The loamy soil offers brilliant value for money, but its high cost could mean it is inaccessible to some.

Silty Soil

When researching what type of soil is best for growing marijuana, silty soil can often be a viable choice. Silty soil is renowned for its high mineral and nutrient content, as well as its ability to retain water with ease.

Some may find the drainage challenging, but when it comes to the best type of soil for growing marijuana, many cannabis growers will recommend silty soil.

Cannabis Strains Worth Considering When Planting in Soil 

When growing cannabis for the first time, there can be a lot to consider, and it is not uncommon for many to overthink the process and become confused. In short, growing cannabis at home is all about what works best for you.

For example, clay soil is extremely difficult to work with, but many cannabis growers enjoy the hands-on aspect, making it the best type of soil for them.

Cannabis strains work in much the same way. There are many choices available, and there are many strains that can be grown using soil, each offering its own unique effects and benefits.

If you are considering cannabis growing and require some inspiration regarding strains, then why not consider the following.

Gold Leaf Strain

Are you searching for a strain that is unique and has been created by one of the finest cannabis connoisseurs in the world? Then Gold Leaf is the strain for you, and the Gold Leaf cannabis seeds ensure you get the best from this iconic plant in every instance.

The strains had become popular among those searching for cannabis that can help with pain, nausea, anxiety, and depression. However, the strain has found just as much popularity from a social point of view, so the Gold Leaf strain has something for everyone.

Gold Leaf Seed Properties

Plant type	60% Indica 40% Sativa
THC	21%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Moderate
Climate	Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |& Continental
Plant size	Tall
Flowering Time	9 weeks
Yields	16-23 oz per 3x3ft

Bruce Banner Strain

When you think of the name Bruce Banner, you are often left with the vision of the popular Avengers team member, but the name of this strain is attributed to the quick change of mood it delivers. 

The strain is 40% Indica and 60% Sativa and yields excellent results regardless of whether you are using feminized, autoflower, or regular seeds.

Bruce Banner is also resistant to the common diseases that can arise when growing cannabis, making it the ideal choice for those growing cannabis for the first time.

If you decide to use Bruce Banner seeds, you can expect tall plants and plenty of yields, with THC levels of approximately 25%. The Bruce Banner Strain is the perfect combination for those wanting the best marijuana-growing soil and a high-yielding cannabis plant.

Bruce Banner Seed Properties

Plant type	40% Indica 60% Sativa
THC	25%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Moderate
Climate	Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant
Plant size	Tall
Flowering Time	8 weeks
Yields	14-19 oz per 3x3ft

Gorilla Glue Strain

The Gorilla Glue strain is a perfectly balanced blend of Indica and Sativa that can offer THC levels of 26%. Regardless of what you consider the best type of soil for growing cannabis, you will find the Gorilla Glue strain is perfect for growing indoors and yields just as many results when grown outdoors.

Gorilla Glue is the perfect strain for those who love classic iterations of cannabis, as it offers an earthy and pungent aroma that ties in with many soil types available.

Those needing further evidence that the Gorilla Glue strain is worth consideration can have confidence that the strain has found favor with the masses and has been the proud receiver of the Cannabis Cup and the Jamaican World Cup.

Gorilla Glue Seed Properties

Plant type	50% Indica 50% Sativa
THC	26%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Easy
Climate	Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size	Tall
Flowering Time	8 weeks
Yields	16-18 oz per 3x3ft

Sour Diesel Strain

It is not only the name of this energetic strain that is pungent. Sour Diesel delivers a cheerful and relaxed sensation paired with a fruity and earthy taste.

The Sour Diesel strain is perfect for those wanting a classic strain that evokes the days of old, but can also be cultivated within a quick time frame.

Sour Diesel is a Sativa dominant strain that delivers high THC. The strain can be more difficult to grow than others, and the process can be made harder depending on the type of soil you decide to use.

However, those who have grown cannabis in the past and are looking for a challenge will find that Sour Diesel easily fulfills this role.

Sour Diesel Seed Properties

Plant type	40% Indica 60% Sativa
THC	20%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Hard
Climate	Indoors | Continental | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size	Tall
Flowering Time	10 weeks
Yields	16 oz per 3x3ft

Zkittlez Strain

Although the Zkittlez strain can be considered a new addition, it should not be overlooked by those wanting an impressive strain to get started with when using the best soil for marijuana growing. This fruity strain delivers a familiar fruity flavor and delivers a euphoric and uplifting experience.

The Zkittlez strain is a combination of 70% Indica and 30% Sativa and is easy to grow, which is ideal for those working with the best soil for growing cannabis for the first time.

Although not a strain for those sensitive to Sativa, those wanting a fresh and fun strain that is the perfect fit when growing cannabis with soil, then look no further than the Zkittlez strain.

Zkittlez Seed Properties

Plant type	70% Indica 30% Sativa
THC	23%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Easy
Climate	Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean | Steppe | Continental | Mold Resistant
Plant size	Average
Flowering Time	8 weeks
Yields	16-21 oz per 3x3ft

NYC Diesel Strain

The NYC Diesel Strain is a pungent strain with chocolate overtures and delivers an energetic and blissful sensation perfect for depression, anxiety, and stress. Those wishing to pursue creative endeavors will also find the NYC Diesel strain perfect for this.

NYC Diesel is a hybrid strain that contains 40% Indicia and 60% Sativa, and THC levels of up to 21%. Although not the right fit for those growing cannabis for the first time, those who like the tactile nature of cannabis growing will love the challenge of growing the Sour Diesel strain.  

NYC Diesel Seed Properties

Plant type	40% Indica 60% Sativa
THC	21%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Hard
Climate	Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size	Tall
Flowering Time	10 weeks
Yields	14-17 oz per 3x3ft

Durban Poison Strain

Not many people may have heard of the Durban Poison strain when compared to strains like OG Kush and AK-47, but this does not mean it pales compared to other strains. It offers some unique features that make it the perfect fit for those wanting a shift in mood and improvement in concentration.

Durban Poison is a landrace strain, which means its name is connected to its heritage, which in this case is the South African city.

The impressive upbeat benefits of Durban Poison are due to it being 100% Sativa and can yield impressive THC levels of 20%.

The aroma of the strain is earthy and fruity and complements the sensation of the strain perfectly.

Durban Poison Seed Properties

Plant type	100% Sativa
THC	20%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Easy
Climate	Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size	Average
Flowering Time	8 weeks
Yields	18-21 oz per 3x3ft

White Widow Strain

Those searching for a strain that offers creative possibilities will find everything they are looking for with White Widow.  White Widow is a high-yielding plant when using the best type of soil for growing marijuana.

White Widow is a hybrid strain that offers 60% Indica and 40% Sativa, as well as 19% THC. Regardless of the type of seeds and soil used, White Widow is a strain that will always deliver results, especially those using the feminized and autoflower seeds.

The smell and aroma of the White Widow strain are a sweet pungent mix of sweet and woody notes and is just as beneficial for relaxation as it is for creativity.

White Widow is another strain that has found favor with pioneers in the industry and was the winner of the iconic Cannabis Cup in 1995.

White Widow Seed Properties

Plant type	60% Indica 40% Sativa
THC	19%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Easy
Climate	Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean | Steppe
Plant size	Average
Flowering Time	9 weeks
Yields	18oz per 3x3ft

Blue Haze Strain

Blue Haze is a Sativa-dominant strain that offers a clear-headed high, making it perfect for those searching for a strain that aids focus.

The THC levels of Blue Haze are approximately 20% and can be grown indoors and outdoors easily, although those just starting should consider indoor growing.

Blue Haze delivers a fruity aroma and euphoric experience that will help with all types of creative endeavors, be it art, music, or writing.

Another unique feature of this fascination strain is the beautiful blue flowers it produces, so it more than lives up to its namesake. 

Blue Haze Seed Properties

Plant type	20% Indica 80% Sativa
THC	20%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Moderate
Climate	Indoors | Mediterranean | Continental
Plant size	Average
Flowering Time	10 weeks
Yields	14-17 oz per 3x3ft

AK-47 Strain

AK-47 can be considered a classic in the cannabis community, as it has a rich heritage and is easy to grow. The name can sound sinister, but those who have consumed AK-47 find they are left with a mellow high ideal for dealing with depression and anxiety, and could even help ignite your creative side.

The AK-47 is a hybrid strain and contains 35% Indica and 65% Sativa, and those growing for the first time can take advantage of autoflower seeds.

Despite the rumors that autoflower seeds deliver less potent plants, this is no longer the case. The early days of autoflower seeds often yielded disappointing results compared to conventional cannabis seeds, but a lot has changed in recent years.

As such, even those using autoflower seeds can grow a potent plant that yields results as soon as eight weeks and can stand its ground against other cannabis seeds with pride.

AK 47 Seed Properties

Plant type	35% Indica 65% Sativa
THC	20%
CBD	Insignificant amounts
Grow Difficulty	Easy
Climate	Indoors | Mediterranean
Plant size	Can grow quite tall but stays compact when pruned
Flowering Time	8 weeks
Yields	14 oz per 3x3ft

Final Thoughts

The growing of cannabis has evolved in recent years, and regardless of the type of cannabis you want to grow and the method you want to use, there will always be a method available. 

Working with soil is simple and affordable, and once you become familiar with the different types, it can be a joy to work with.