by Nebula Haze
Is it a good idea to give nutrients to your cannabis plants every watering? Is it better to give nutrients every other watering?
There are many different schools of thought on the “best” way to grow cannabis. In fact, there are almost as many ways to grow weed as there are growers. In my opinion, the best way to grow is the way that you enjoy and get the results you want. And that’s going to be true when it comes to cannabis watering practices, too.
But what is the “best” way to water? There are tons of different ways to accomplish your growing goals, but after experimenting with many different nutrients and watering schedules, I’ve come to realize that there are some “standards” of growing weed that just don’t live up to the scrutiny.
What do I mean? When I started growing marijuana, I was always taught that the best way to water plants is to give nutrients every other watering, with plain water in between to help ensure nutrients don’t build up in the grow medium. Does this work well? Yes! But is it the most productive option? As I’ve experimented with many different plants, I don’t think it is.
Nutrients Every Other Watering
- Half the work (mix up nutrient water half as often)
- Prevent nutrient buildup in the soil
Always Give Nutrients
- Less likely to see yellowing (especially in inert mediums like coco)
- Plants seem to grow a bit faster
- Easier to get nutrient burn
I’ve noticed plants tend to grow faster when given nutrients every watering. Just watch out for nutrient burn
Ultimately, both options work great. If you are pressed for time then mixing up nutrients less often can make growing easier. If you’re growing in soil, which naturally contains some nutrients, you may not notice much difference in growth rates either way.
However, if growing in an inert medium like coco, which does not naturally contain any nutrients, giving nutrients every watering can help plants grow a bit faster while helping prevent the appearance of nutrient deficiencies. Just don’t go overboard with nutrients or your plants will get nutrient burn (leaf tips appear burnt or brown).
Keep in mind that you will need stronger nutrient water if you’re giving nutrients every other watering vs if giving nutrient every watering.
- If giving nutrients every watering, start at half the recommended dose as the bottle or nutrient schedule
- If giving nutrients everyotherwatering, you may be able to give the full recommended dose.
Always watch plants for signs of…
- Nutrient burn – leaves will display burnt tips if you give too high levels of nutrients (how to identify nutrient burn)
- Nitrogen deficiency – yellow lower leaves is the most common symptom of too-low nutrients overall
- Other nutrient deficiencies – most other nutrient deficiencies are caused by too-low pH at the roots
Nutrient burn – too much nutrients (if you see this you should lower the amount of nutrients)
Nitrogen deficiency – if plants appear pale or lime green all over, it means they need higher levels of nitrogen. Since all base nutrient systems for cannabis contain nitrogen, if you see this yellowing it’s likely a sign you should increase nutrients overall
Again, there is no right or wrong way to grow weed, but I hope this article helps you decide what’s the best choice for you when it comes to using nutrients.
What are the best nutrients for growing weed?
FAQs
If using nutrients on a regular basis by adding them to your water, it's generally a good idea to give your cannabis plants nutrients every watering. This ensures the amount of nutrients in the plant root zone is kept relatively stable.
Should I use nutrients every time I water in soil? ›
Nutrients or plain water: For coco and Rockwool, use nutrients at each watering. For soils with high capacity to retain nutrients (high CEC), it may be beneficial to use nutrients at just each alternate watering. This will help minimize salt build-up and the need for frequent flushing.
Should I use nutrients every time I water in coco? ›
The number one rule for watering coco is that you should always provide enough nutrient solution to each plant to produce 10-20% run-off.
What nutrients are good for bigger buds? ›
The bigger the leaf area, the bigger your buds will be. Nitrogen is the nutrient needed most for this green growth. When plants reach their mature size and begin flowering, they need more phosphorus, the nutrient most essential for budding.
Should I use plant food every time I water? ›
Fertilizer for Indoor Plants
When they're more actively growing in the spring and summer, they benefit from a little liquid fertilizer mixed into their water about once a month. If you're not one to remember to do that, go for slow-release granules or a nutrient tab you can push into the soil every few months or so.
Can you put too much nutrients in soil? ›
Assess the nutrients in your soil
Too much of any nutrient can inhibit the uptake of other nutrients, resulting in deficiencies.
What does nutrient deficiency look like in weed plants? ›
Early Magnesium Deficiencies in Cannabis Plants
The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are evident on the leaves as interveinal yellowing, as opposed to the overall yellowing observed in nitrogen deficiencies. Small, rusty brown spots and/or cloudy yellow flecks appear in the middle-aged leaves.
Can you over nutrient weed plants? ›
Although nutrients keep the plant healthy, too many nutrients can result in a problem called nutrient lockout. A nutrient lockout is a state where your plants are unable to access nutrients from the soil. This problem can be caused by improper pH levels and salt buildup.
How many times a week should I smoke weed? ›
Limit your cannabis use. Limiting your use to occasional use, such as once a week, can reduce health risks. Choose low-strength products. If you use, choose products with a lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC.
Should I add Cal Mag to every watering in Coco? ›
It's recommended that you use cal-mag every time you water your plants, and this will ensure that they're getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. If you're using a coco coir specific cal-mag supplement, it's generally recommended to apply it at 2-4ml per litre of water.
Constantly watering coco results in over-watering. When using coco, there is a need to water at a minimum of 50% dry. Sometimes 70% dry might be better especially during the first weeks, when most roots are formed. After all, the roots also need oxygen and where there is water there is no air.
Should you let coco coir dry out? ›
Feel the material with your fingers to see how dry it has become since the last time you watered it to determine if it's time to water again. Don't allow the coir to dry out completely, as this can leave your delicate plants without necessary hydration.
Do I use Big Bud every feeding? ›
Upload complete! A: Use it 8 to 16 ml per gallon in weeks 2 up till the last 2 weeks of flowering. Then use Overdrive the last 2 weeks of flowering. Ramp up from 8 ml to 16 ml over that time and use it every feeding.
How to get rock hard buds? ›
During the flowering stage, cannabis plants require more phosphorus and potassium to produce denser buds. Look for a high-quality bloom fertilizer that contains these nutrients. Implement pruning and training techniques: Pruning and training techniques can help increase the yield and density of your buds.
How often should I water my plants with big buds? ›
Expect to water every 2-3 days, but monitor closely. Overwatering can be detrimental, especially when buds are developing. Adequate hydration supports robust bud growth without risking mold or rot.
Should I feed nutes every watering? ›
Just don't go overboard with nutrients or your plants will get nutrient burn (leaf tips appear burnt or brown). Keep in mind that you will need stronger nutrient water if you're giving nutrients every other watering vs if giving nutrient every watering.
How often should I give my plants nutrients in soil? ›
Plan to feed every 7 to 14 days. Choose continuous-release plant granules, like Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, for less frequent feeding.
How long can you leave nutrients mixed in water? ›
Once mixed, unused nutrient solution should be discarded after 7-10 days. Check the pH of the nutrient solution each time before watering to ensure the pH has not fluctuated out of the ideal range.
Does water wash away nutrients in soil? ›
With frequent rain vital nutrients are washed away and the once rich soil soon becomes infertile and no good for growing plants. Without the tree roots to hold the soil together flooding moves this precious growing resource off the land and causes flooding.
