Organic Cannabis: The Natural Way to Cultivate and Enjoy

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Alex Roig

Organic cannabis represents a natural and sustainable approach to cannabis cultivation, emphasizing the use of all-natural methods and materials to produce a purer and potentially healthier high-quality product.

By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic marijuana growers ensure a clean, environmentally friendly growth process.

In this article, we’ll delve deeply into the intricacies of how to properly grow organic marijuana, covering everything from soil preparation to harvesting techniques.

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Be aware that handling, using, and/or distributing marijuana is federally illegal. This content does not encourage illegal activities or provide legal or tax advice. Ensure compliance with your local, state, and federal laws.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Natural Methods: Focus on all-natural methods for healthier, sustainable cannabis.
2. Soil Health: Use organic matter and natural fertilizers for nutrient-rich soil.
3. Organic Pest Control: Implement natural pest management to maintain healthy plants.
4. Efficient Watering: Practice sustainable watering tailored to plant growth stages.
5. Organic Materials: Utilize organic seeds and eco-friendly cannabis cultivation methods.
6. Overall Benefits: Organic cultivation reduces chemical exposure and supports environmental health.

What’s Needed to Make Cannabis Organic

• Natural soil or growing medium
• Organic seeds or clones
• Compost and organic matter
• Natural fertilizers (e.g., fish emulsion, bone meal)
• Biological pest control methods
• Beneficial insects for pest management
• Organic pesticides and fungicides
• Rainwater or naturally sourced water
• Natural lighting or energy-efficient grow lights
• Non-synthetic, biodegradable pots or containers

How-To Grow Cannabis Organically

Growing organically is a sustainable choice that not only benefits the environment by reducing chemical runoff and soil degradation, but also yields a cleaner and potentially healthier cannabis products.

By embracing organic marijuana cultivation, many growers ensure that their cannabis is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, thus providing a purer experience for consumers.

Follow these 9 steps to grow your marijuana healthier.

1. Selecting Organic Seeds or Clones

Begin with organic, non-Gmo seeds or clones. These are crucial for a truly organic grow. Ensure the genetics you select are suitable for organic cultivation and resilient to pests and diseases.

Opting for strains that are known for their hardiness and adaptability to organic growing conditions can significantly enhance the success rate of your cultivation.

Sourcing seeds or clones from reputable, certified organic suppliers is key to maintaining the integrity and quality of your organic marijuana garden.

2. Preparing the Organic Soil

Organic growing thrives in rich, living soil. Mix your own organic soil with compost, worm castings, and other organic matter to create a nutrient-rich medium.

Ensure good drainage and aeration to support root health. For enhanced soil fertility, consider incorporating green manures and cover crops, which can be tilled back into the soil to improve its organic content and structure.

Regularly testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels is also crucial, allowing you to make adjustments as needed to maintain an optimal growing environment for your cannabis plants.

I like the No-Till approach. twice a year I put about 2 inches of compost on top of my beds. Once in the spring and once in the fall to feed the biological life in those garden beds.

Related Article: The best soil for growing your marijuana plants.

3. Natural Fertilization

Feed your plants with organic nutrients. Utilize compost teas, fish emulsion, bone meal, and bat guano. Balance the nutrient supply according to the growth stage of the plant, focusing on nitrogen in the vegetative stage and phosphorus and potassium during flowering.

This approach not only ensures that your plants receive all the essential nutrients in a natural form but also helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the soil.

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply and reducing the risk of nutrient burn, which is crucial for the sustained health of your cannabis plants.

Related Article: Your guide to learning everything about marijuana nutrients.

4. Implementing Effective Watering Practices

Use natural or filtered water for your plants. The key is to maintain consistent moisture while avoiding overwatering.

The frequency and amount of watering will depend on the growth stage, size of the plant, and environmental conditions.

It’s also beneficial to implement a watering schedule that mimics natural rainfall patterns, as this can promote healthier root development and plant growth.

Consider using rainwater harvesting systems or drip irrigation to optimize water usage and ensure that your plants receive water in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.

Related Article: How to properly water your cannabis plants.

5. Utilizing Natural Pest Control Methods

For pest management, rely on organic solutions like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory mites.

Regularly inspect plants for early signs of pest infestations. Implement companion planting by growing certain herbs or flowers that naturally repel pests, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports pest control.

An organic flower like marigolds can be a great addition to your garden for pest control. They are particularly effective in deterring nematodes, so consider planting them around your cannabis plants for natural protection.

Practicing crop rotation and maintaining a clean growing area can prevent the build-up of pest populations, reducing the need for interventions and keeping healthy plants in an environmentally friendly way.

To learn about cannabis pest and how to control them read this article.

“So what if I’m smoking weed onstage and doing what I gotta do? It’s not me shooting nobody, stabbing nobody, killing nobody. It’s a peaceful gesture and they have to respect that and appreciate that.”

Snoop Dogg

6. Managing Plant Growth Organically

Use natural methods to train and prune your plants. Techniques like topping, low-stress training (LST), and the Screen of Green (SCROG) method can be employed without synthetic inputs to manage plant size and shape.

These methods not only help in creating an even canopy for better light distribution but also enhance air circulation within the plant foliage, crucial for reducing the risk of mold and mildew.

Regular pruning of lower, unproductive branches can direct the plant’s energy towards the development of top colas, leading to a more efficient and fruitful organic marijuana grow.

Related Article: How to properly prune your cannabis plants.

7. Monitoring Soil Health

Regularly check the soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Organic growing often involves a closer relationship with the living soil, ensuring it remains healthy and balanced throughout the growing cycle.

Employ soil testing kits periodically to assess the need for amendments and maintain an optimal growing environment.

Integrating organic matter such as compost or mulch can continuously rejuvenate the soil, promoting beneficial microbial activity and enhancing its fertility over time, which is essential for sustaining a successful organic garden.

Related Article: Your guide on learning proper pH for cannabis growing.

8. Implementing Companion Planting

Grow other plants alongside your cannabis to enhance the living soils health, deter pests, and improve overall growth conditions.

Companion plants can offer natural pest control and even improve the soil’s nutrient content. For example, planting marigolds can help repel harmful nematodes, while legumes can fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for your cannabis plants.

This method not only creates a biodiverse ecosystem but also contributes to the holistic health of your garden by encouraging beneficial insects and promoting a balanced environment.

Strategic companion planting for the most part, can aid in shading or supporting your cannabis plants, helping to create optimal microclimates within your garden space.

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9. Creating a Sustainable Growing Environment

Focus on creating a growing environment that mimics natural conditions as closely as possible. This includes optimizing light, temperature, and humidity in a way that aligns with sustainable practices.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your approach to growing cannabis organically remains strictly organic, respecting the principles of natural cultivation and sustainability.

Remember, organic growing is as much about the process as it is about the end product, emphasizing the health of both the plant and its growing environment.

Enhancing Organic Cannabis with Mycorrhizal Fungi

To really boost the health and nutrient uptake of your organic cannabis, delve into the world of mycorrhizal fungi. 

Khalifa Genetics article, “Mycorrhizal Fungi and Cannabis: A Useful Symbiosis,” sheds light on these beneficial fungi and their significant impact.

Integrating them into your organic cultivation methods not only enhances plant growth but also embodies sustainable and efficient gardening.

It’s key to choose the right type of mycorrhizal fungi for the best results, ensuring a healthier, more robust cannabis crop that’s in harmony with nature.

What to Avoid

• Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Be cautious of overwatering.
• Practice careful soil management to prevent nutrient imbalances.
• Regularly monitor soil pH and composition.
• Use only organic seeds or clones.
• Maintain a diverse ecosystem in and around the living soil.

How to Prevent Common Problems

Organic gardening, while beneficial, can present challenges such as pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and soil imbalances.

To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive approach. Regularly inspect plants for pests and diseases and use natural predators or organic pesticides as early interventions.

Address nutrient deficiencies by incorporating a balanced mix of organic fertilizers and compost into the living soil.

Maintaining proper soil pH and moisture levels is also essential to prevent fungal diseases and root problems.

Implement crop rotation and diverse planting to discourage pest buildup and promote soil health. By staying vigilant and responsive to the needs of your garden, you can effectively mitigate the common problems associated with organic gardening.

Follow this link to learn more about cannabis diseases.

Benefits of Organic Cannabis

• Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides.
• Enhanced flavor and aroma from naturally grown plants.
• Potentially higher cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
• Environmentally sustainable, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
• Healthier consumption option for cannabis users.
• Lower water and carbon footprint compared to conventional farming.
• Encourages beneficial microbial activity in the living soil.
• Provides a sense of personal achievement in the growing process.

Environmental Sustainability

Organic farming practices in cannabis cultivation greatly benefit the environment by enhancing soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving water.

They promote biodiversity, prevent chemical runoff into water bodies, and support pollinators by avoiding harmful pesticides, all contributing to sustainable and balanced agricultural ecosystems.

Making Your Own Compost

Composting offers significant benefits for marijuana cultivation by providing a cost-effective, nutrient-rich soil amendment.

It enriches the living soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enhancing plant growth, health, and resistance to pests and diseases.

This natural process improves the living soil structure and microbial activity, leading to robust marijuana plants with higher yields and improved bud quality.

Composting turns everyday waste into valuable plant food, making it an eco-friendly and efficient solution for cannabis growers.

A lot of people think composting is hard to do. Don’t be overwhelmed. If you don’t want to have a compost bin or have to constantly turn your compost. Just dig a hole in your garden.

Fill it full of kitchen scraps. When its full, cover it up and do the same thing in another part of your garden.

Here are some basic instructions on how to make your own compost:

1. Choose a suitable location for your compost bin or pile.
2. Start with a layer of coarse material like straw or twigs for drainage.
3. Add organic waste in layers, alternating between moist (food scraps, coffee grounds) and dry materials (leaves, shredded paper).
4. Ensure a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.
5. Regularly turn and mix the compost to aerate and speed up decomposition.
6. Keep the compost moist, but not too wet, to facilitate the breakdown process.
7. Chop or shred larger items to quicken the composting process.
8. Optionally, add compost activators or worms to enhance decomposition.
9. Cover the compost to maintain moisture, heat, and deter pests.
10. The compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.

Related Article: Your guide to urban composting.

Organic Options for Nurturing Your Plants

• Natural Soil Amendments: Compost, worm castings, and manure to enrich soil fertility.
• Organic Fertilizers: Fish emulsion, bone meal, blood meal, and bat guano for nutrient supplementation.
• Biological Pest Control: Neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory mites.
• Mycorrhizae and Beneficial Bacteria: Enhance nutrient absorption and protect against root diseases.
• Compost Teas: Provide a broad spectrum of nutrients and beneficial microbes.
• Mulching: Organic mulch like straw or wood chips to retain soil moisture and control weeds.
• Green Manures: Cover crops like clover or alfalfa to improve the living soil structure and nitrogen content.
• pH Adjusters: Naturally sourced lime or sulfur to balance soil pH.
• Organic Pesticides: Herbal and plant-based sprays for pest management.
• Water Sources: Rainwater harvesting or filtered water for irrigation.

Pros Vs. Cons

Factor	Organic Fertilizers	Synthetic Fertilizers
Nutrient Release	Slow and steady, offering long-term benefits.	Fast, providing quick growth boosts.
Soil Health	Improve the living soil structure and increase microbial activity.	Can lead to soil degradation and disrupt microbial balance.
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, reducing pollution and conserving biodiversity.	Potential for water pollution and environmental harm.
Cost	Generally more expensive initially but cost-effective in the long run.	Less expensive upfront but may require more frequent application.
Ease of Use	Requires understanding of composting and soil health.	Easy to apply and readily available.
Plant Health	Promotes overall plant health and disease resistance.	Excessive use can lead to nutrient imbalances and plant damage.
Long-Term Sustainability	Sustainable and beneficial for long-term cultivation.	Can lead to long-term environmental and soil health issues.
Nutrient Composition	Varied and dependent on the compost materials used.	Precise and controlled nutrient composition.

Conclusion

Embracing organic marijuana cultivation is more than just a growing method. It’s a commitment to sustainability, health, and environmental responsibility.

This approach not only ensures the production of cleaner and potentially more beneficial cannabis but also contributes significantly to the preservation and enrichment of our natural ecosystems.

By prioritizing organic practices, from soil preparation to pest control, cultivators can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their product is as pure and natural as possible.

Engage With Us

Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you tried growing cannabis organically, or are you considering it? What are your thoughts or experiences with organic cultivation?

Share your stories or questions in the comments below to join the conversation and learn from our growing community!