Cannabis growers have to consider multiple factors before they begin to place the seeds. The environment should be adequate for weed plants to produce the best buds possible. A crucial part of the process is the pH. You should not overlook the role pH has on a plant's health. Here is what you need to know about the perfect pH for weed and how to achieve it.
What Is pH and Do Cannabis Plants Need It?
People usually use a pH scale to determine how acidic something is. The scale goes from one to 14. Seven is when a substance is neutral, and numbers less than that are acidic. Numbers higher than seven are basic. What does pH have to do with growing cannabis?
Well, weed plants require a decent growing medium with the proper nutrients. The soil, however, must have the right pH level to avoid hurting the young plant. You also must monitor the acidity of the water you provide. It can prevent healthy growth.
How pH Affects Cannabis Plants
Whether the pH is high or low, it can cause issues. How it affects cannabis plants is that it can cause a nutrient lockout. A nutrient lockout is when the plant cannot take in nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Absorption does not happen even if there are plenty of nutrients available. Deficiencies occur as a result.
Another issue the wrong pH level causes is stunted growth. Plants cannot reach their full height if they cannot get the nutrients they need. This can lead to a lower yield size when it is time to harvest. Cannabis growers should watch the growing medium's pH level to ensure their weed reaches its full potential.
The Perfect pH for Growing Cannabis
The pH window in which weed plants can thrive is small. Cannabis in the wild can survive in a slightly acidic environment. Therefore, the ideal range during the vegetative stage is between 6 and 7. Your plants can get all it needs.
Growers, however, should remember that the range changes a bit during the flowering phase. The level should be between 6.5 and 7.5 during this time. Moreover, some strains can handle slightly higher or lower pH levels than others. Be sure to look into what your specific plant needs for strong growth.
Why It Is Necessary to Check the pH
The main benefit of maintaining the right pH is getting lush, healthy plants. Cannabis needs an abundance of nitrogen during the early stages. Then, it should have plenty of phosphorus when it begins flowering. Having the correct pH means fewer nutrient problems.
Your weed plants can get well-fed and grow tall. You will see more branches. Not to mention, you can enjoy a large number of potent buds.
Another benefit of checking the pH is that you can save money. High acidity or basicity means the plant cannot take in nutrients. The cannabis might look underfed. You might purchase more high-quality fertilizers to increase the amount of nutrients available.
Quality fertilizer can cost money. It can go to waste due to the nutrient lockout. Make sure to investigate what may be causing your plants to appear underfed. You may find that you have to fix the pH level. Getting it to the right level can stop you from spending more money than necessary.
How to Test the pH
Measuring pH can be easy and inexpensive. Methods you can use are:
- Digital meter- Many people use a digital meter to monitor things. All you need to do is calibrate the meter. To do this, use water that has a value of 7. Then, you can place the device into the soil or growing medium.
- Drops- You also can buy measurement kits that contain drops. Add some fertilizer into a vial then place a few drops of solution inside. Next, shake the tube. The solution changes the color in the vial to show the pH.
- Strips- Strips work similarly to drops. They use color to show the pH of the soil. Place some soil and water in a cup. Then, dip the strip in for a while to get the result.
How to Get the Right pH
Preparing the Soil
You may discover that the pH is too high or low and need to fix it. Before planting, add organic materials if you find the soil acidic. Pulverized or granulated limestone and wood ash are known to raise the pH. If you need to lower the pH, add sulfur. Results can take a while to appear, so prepare the soil at least two months in advance.
While Your Cannabis Is Growing
Water and other factors may affect the soil after you plant the seeds. While the plant is growing, you can add products to adjust the levels. You can find pH-down products that lower pH. Add a small amount to your growing medium to reach the ideal range.
If the soil is acidic, you should use a pH-up product. Add a little bit until you get to the number you need. You also can use organic items to adjust the pH.
Compost, wood shavings, and pine needles slightly reduce the pH over time. Meanwhile, lime and wood ash can raise the level.
Adjusting the Water
You may need to adjust the pH of your water as well. Similar to the soil, wood ash and lime make water less acidic. Baking soda is also helpful. If you need to lower the pH, try peat moss or phosphoric acid. Water also can help correct the pH of the soil, so make sure to monitor it regularly.
Conclusion
Several elements have an impact on how well cannabis grows over the weeks. Growers have to make sure the lighting is suitable and watch for pests. A plant's pH level plays a crucial role in its overall health. Cannabis can end up weak and short with a low yield size.
Slightly acidic to neutral is the optimal range. Testing the pH is easy to do. It is not too late if the pH is too high or low. You can add products or natural items to the soil or water to fix the issue. A quality strain that is tolerant to slightly acidic or basic conditions also helps.
Kind Seed Co has an assortment of cannabis seeds for you to buy. Our selection includes strains that are best for beginners and experts. Feel free to browse our shop to begin the first step toward growing cannabis.
