As a cannabis grower, watering is a crucial step to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. But how to water your precious potted plants correctly? Don't worry, I'm here to guide you through this fundamental step of growing cannabis.
Finding the Perfect Balance: Watering cannabis may seem simple, but it is a delicate task that requires a balanced approach. Too much water can lead to root rot problems, while too little can stress your plants and compromise their yield. Here are some tips for finding the right balance :
The Right Volume of Water: When watering your plants, be sure to give a generous amount of water. A good starting point is to water with a volume equivalent to about a quarter of the pot.
Examples :
For a pot of1L, give 0.25L of water each time you water
For a pot of 4L, give 0.5 - 1L of water with each watering
For a pot of 12L, give 2 - 3L of water with each watering
For a pot of 30L, give 5 - 7.5L of water each time you water! etc...
Water in Two Steps: To avoid runoff and allow for better absorption, water your plants in two stages. Slowly add water until the substrate is well saturated, then wait a few moments before repeating the process.
Check Pot Weight: A handy tip for knowing when your plants need water is to monitor the weight of their pots. After watering, the pots will be heavy, but as the substrate dries, they will become lighter. As you get used to this method, you will be able to determine the ideal time to water again.
Choosing the Right Water: The quality of the water you use can have a significant impact on the health of your plants. Here are some options to consider :
Sink water: If you use tap water, make sure it is not too hard. If it is, dilute it with plain water to reduce its mineral content. Also let the water sit for at least 24 hours to allow any chlorine present to evaporate.
Osmotic water: Reverse osmosis water is a great option because of its purity. You can buy it in stores or produce it yourself with a reverse osmosis unit. However, remember to supplement with necessary minerals, as reverse osmosis water is devoid of these.
Rainwater: If you use rainwater, be sure to filter and sterilize it to remove potential contaminants.
Additional Tips for Successful Watering:
Adapt to the Age and Needs of Your Plants: As your plants grow, their water needs will change. Pay attention to these changes and adjust your watering regime accordingly.
Practice Rinsing: At the end of flowering, gradually reduce the water volume to encourage increased resin production. Additionally, rinsing with clean water before harvest will help remove any excess nutrients in the soil.
Break the Dry Crust: To avoid the formation of a dry crust on the surface of the substrate, break it regularly to promote better water penetration.
Additional Tips for Successful Watering:
Adapt the Watering Frequency: Cannabis roots prefer humidity over standing water. Consider watering lightly every day rather than waiting several days between waterings. However, note that some cannabis strains, specifically bred for desert climates, might tolerate less frequent watering.
Monitor the Color of the Earth: A simple indicator of soil moisture is the color of the soil. The lighter it is, the drier it is. To check the humidity of the substrate, stick your finger into the soil. If it's still damp in the first few centimeters, it's good. If you experience dryness from 2 to 3 centimeters deep, it's time to water.
Favor Morning Watering: Watering your plants in the morning rather than later in the day has several advantages. This helps avoid an already warm floor, reducing the risk of excessive water evaporation. Additionally, this gives plants time to absorb water before temperatures rise, promoting optimal growth.
Example of thirsty plants:
By following these tips and adjusting your approach based on your plants' specific needs, you can ensure they get the water they need to thrive. With a little practice and observation, you will become a master of the art of hand watering and be rewarded with bountiful harvests of top quality cannabis.
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