You may have heard that cannabis can grow in almost all types of soil. But have you wondered if growing cannabis in the sand is a good idea? The answer is NO. You cannot grow cannabis in sandy soil or sand as this is not a good type of soil for cannabis plants.
Just like all plants, marijuana plants require different nutrients to grow healthy and produce good yields. Sandy soil is unable to hold nutrients that plants need and therefore, cannabis plants will never survive in sandy soil or sand.
Reasons Why Growing Cannabis In Sand is a Bad Idea
If you’re still not convinced that sand is bad for cannabis, consider the following reasons
Sand cannot hold nutrients that cannabis plants need
Sand will not hold the nutrients that your weed plants require. Marijuana plants need the three major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; these plants also need calcium, magnesium, boron, iron, and so many more. Without these nutrients or unbalanced nutrient levels will affect the growth and development of plants and will also affect its yield.
Sand will not hold water that plants need
Sand is unable to hold water and thus, your plants will only suffer from dehydration. Water is needed by plants to move nutrients from the soil to the plant parts.
Sand won’t hold plant roots
Plant roots move downward and in all directions in the search for nutrients and air. As the roots do this, it helps plants anchor themselves on the ground. A well-established plant can grow more yields as the roots, branches, and stems are strong enough to hold large buds. Also, established plants are steady and strong even in severe weather.
What is Sand Good For?
Sand may not be the best soil for growing cannabis but it still has some uses. First, sand is mostly mixed with other types of soil to improve their ability to drain excess water and fertilizer from the roots. If excess water is not drained properly away from the roots, this can flood the roots causing mold to form. This form of mold is dangerous to plants and can even kill your plants. Worst of all, it is difficult to diagnose this type of mold at an early stage as the roots are completely hidden from view.
Sand is also mixed with other types of soil to improve aeration. Roots require oxygen to grow larger and stronger and the only way for air to move through the ground is when the soil is well-aerated. Most growers use sand to improve aeration; some may even use larger bits of sand and small stones.
How to Mix Sand With Regular Soil
Now, the key to using sand is to properly mix it with regular soil. This begins with a careful study of the type of soil your garden has. If the soil you have can hold water well then combine one part sand with three parts of regular soil. This will be enough to improve your soil aerating and water draining capabilities. If your soil is very packed and dry, you may need to add two parts of sand to three parts of the soil.
Mixing Sand is Easy. You Need the Following:
- Sand – you can use garden sand or commercial sand
- Topsoil or growing soil – you may use soil from your yard or commercially-prepared soil
- Small spade
- Large tarp
- Measuring container
Instructions
1. Measure the right amount of sand and soil
Take note that the ratio of sand and soil depends on the quality of the growing soil. If you have very dry, compact soil then use two parts sand with thee parts of soil. You can tell that the soil is compact and dry when you hold it. The soil will easily crack and feels very dry when touched.
Use a dipper or a small bucket to measure the amount of sand and soil you will need.
2. Mix the sand and soil on a large tarp
Find a flat surface to place your tarp. Dump the sand and soil on top of the tarp and use a small spade to evenly mix them. Take your time and make sure that soil is not clumped and sand is well-distributed.
3. Use the soil
Once you’re satisfied with the way you mixed sand with soil, it’s time to fill your growing container. You may use this as a germination medium or as soil when your seedlings are ready for transfer.
How to Care for Cannabis Plants Grown in Sandy-Clayey Soil?
The most common type of soil is a combination of sandy and clay soil. When growing cannabis in this kind of soil, remember the following care tips.
1. Ready your container
Use the ideal container with enough holes at the bottom. Indeed, sandy-clayey soil will drain excess water and fertilizer but it still needs a container with good drainage. Choose a container with holes at the bottom or the sides. If you’re recycling old containers, add enough holes.
2. Prep up soil
Prepare your soil before adding your plants. To do this, place the soil in the pot and water it. Let water drain out of the holes and then afterward, let the soil dry until it’s moist. When the soil is moist, this is the best time to add your plants.
3. Add your plants
Create a hole in the middle of the soil and put your plants in. Cover the roots with more soil but never compress the soil.
4. Place under good lighting
Use good lighting to grow your plants. Never overlook good lighting as light = life to plants. We recommend using LED lamps or CFL lamps. LED lamps will provide good coverage and won’t make the growing area too hot. CFL may still dissipate heat but will provide great lighting coverage.
Growing cannabis in sand is not a good idea as sand is not equipped to support plants with nutrients and will never hold water. To get the benefits of sand and grow healthy, productive plants, mix sand with regular growing soil.
