How to water living soil

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Otaku_grower

Otaku_grower

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Hello fellow growers,

I have been doing lots of research on growing in living soil. Two things I cannot find much about on the internet is inoculating living soil before use and how to water afterwards. Is it always good to keep your living soil moist and covered, letting it break down and colonize before use? And how can you tell if it’s beneficial bacteria colonizing or something not so beneficial? And I understand having to keep living soil moist for the microbes but how do you avoid overwatering while continuously keeping the soil moist? These might be some noob questions but I wanna get the discussion going online.
 
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Triniyrdgrowr

Triniyrdgrowr

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Turning the soil by hand so as not to accidentally kill worms and other beneficial microbial life would be my way of making sure it's not too moist. I also plant cover crops in my organic mix before I transplant my cannabis into the mix.
 
Otaku_grower

Otaku_grower

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Turning the soil by hand so as not to accidentally kill worms and other beneficial microbial life would be my way of making sure it's not too moist. I also plant cover crops in my organic mix before I transplant my cannabis into the mix.
When should I turn the soil? When inoculating or when the plant is in there turning the topsoil? I have clover seeds that will be sprouting around my transplanted plant.
 
MilkyTrichomes

MilkyTrichomes

168
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I “build” my soil 6-8 weeks before I plant a seed or clone. I add all the food, ewc, an all purpose 4.4.4, and mycos. Then I water it in with a little mammothP and recharge to get the herd going. The herd will slowly break down the nutrients and make it available to the roots. I keep the built pots in the dark and let nature do her thing. BTW, I never turn the soil if I can help it, as I understand soil, some organisms build connections or bridges to share resources and I don’t want to wreck their work.
 
MilkyTrichomes

MilkyTrichomes

168
43
Hello fellow growers,

I have been doing lots of research on growing in living soil. Two things I cannot find much about on the internet is inoculating living soil before use and how to water afterwards. Is it always good to keep your living soil moist and covered, letting it break down and colonize before use? And how can you tell if it’s beneficial bacteria colonizing or something not so beneficial? And I understand having to keep living soil moist for the microbes but how do you avoid overwatering while continuously keeping the soil moist? These might be some noob questions but I wanna get the discussion going online.
Give this a look
 
Naupaka

Naupaka

2
3
Hello fellow growers,

I have been doing lots of research on growing in living soil. Two things I cannot find much about on the internet is inoculating living soil before use and how to water afterwards. Is it always good to keep your living soil moist and covered, letting it break down and colonize before use? And how can you tell if it’s beneficial bacteria colonizing or something not so beneficial? And I understand having to keep living soil moist for the microbes but how do you avoid overwatering while continuously keeping the soil moist? These might be some noob questions but I wanna get the discussion going online.
How much: i use a pump sprayer only when the soil is at the drying threshold(use a meter, 1-10 I’ll water at 4)…my gals are presently 2weeks into flower and they grow in 3gal cloth pots. For me I like to water each plant slowly with about a liter of (this week water/liquid kelp and URB liquid microbes) liquid then pause for 10-20 and hit them again. Presently I use around 2gal for 4 3gal pots.
Note: DO NOT WATER TO RUN OFF! If we over water in living soil, we wash away all those bacteria and the minerals they are converting/processing from of grow medium/soil.
Long and short: water slow, give those microbes what they need and the Girls will be happy generally.
hope this helps 🤙🏾
 
SC69

SC69

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Give this a look
Hi there, I see this was a while ago but how is it going? I am having the same issue with watering. Everything is ok right now, I don’t dare say better than that but they look good.

My soil maker, Vermont compost co says 5-10% of volume, which does moisten it nicely, keeping it moist, and never dry. Which I think is my problem. I can’t keep the top and middle moist, without drowning the bottom really. At least not yet. Like right now, the top and middle is reading at dry. The bottom, still wet. After transplant it was 6 and 7 days before not even a full 5% watering. (Day 6 I tried to center water the happy frog they came from, to actual success) next day much better but not fully, I did read the living and was now ready to my estimation. That was 12/7. Today, 4 days later, which my head is telling me is too soon, the meter is reading dry in the middle and top, but wet at bottom, I just don’t know what to do. This is what I mean by taking their “don’t let it dry” too seriously. They have to mean completely and desperately. Haha. I’m still afraid though. I’m fighting the urge to give them some.
 
freezeland2

freezeland2

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Hi there, I see this was a while ago but how is it going? I am having the same issue with watering. Everything is ok right now, I don’t dare say better than that but they look good.

My soil maker, Vermont compost co says 5-10% of volume, which does moisten it nicely, keeping it moist, and never dry. Which I think is my problem. I can’t keep the top and middle moist, without drowning the bottom really. At least not yet. Like right now, the top and middle is reading at dry. The bottom, still wet. After transplant it was 6 and 7 days before not even a full 5% watering. (Day 6 I tried to center water the happy frog they came from, to actual success) next day much better but not fully, I did read the living and was now ready to my estimation. That was 12/7. Today, 4 days later, which my head is telling me is too soon, the meter is reading dry in the middle and top, but wet at bottom, I just don’t know what to do. This is what I mean by taking their “don’t let it dry” too seriously. They have to mean completely and desperately. Haha. I’m still afraid though. I’m fighting the urge to give them some.
What kind of pots are you in?
 
SC69

SC69

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What kind of pots are you in?
Not the ones I wanted and was told were ordered, and then brought different. Haha.
They are root pouch 3gal fabric. I have and wanted rootmaker which are a bit different. I will be going into them soon (someone did tell me not to transplant from fabric, and they can grow into these). It will be 7gal rootmakers.
 
m4s73r

m4s73r

89
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7 gallon fabric pots are rough to grow in with organics. Im to the point anymore that the minimum is 30 gallons for a no till organic set up. Anyone that ive seen doing something smaller always seems to have issues of some kind. More soil the better.
 
SC69

SC69

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7 gallon fabric pots are rough to grow in with organics. Im to the point anymore that the minimum is 30 gallons for a no till organic set up. Anyone that ive seen doing something smaller always seems to have issues of some kind. More soil the better.
I am trying so hard to work it out. I’ve bitten more than I can chew by not doing enough research and really thought I had. I’m learning and needing to make the best of it. I really do not know yet what is actually best. I don’t want this soil because I’m lazy and wanted water and go. Not in the least, and you know, that isn’t what it is. I just also didn’t want to be a chemist. Haha. I like this idea. I found out about container size too late, and there are still differing opinions. I want to listen to what the people who made it say. They agree with you. It gets hard to deny when ppl are telling you they are doing it though. It’s so confusing, I know different for all (what is success etc) with conditions, expectations etc. I bought the 30’s and more soil to fill them. It is in an upstairs room and my back and body are a mess. I can get rolling risers though. I spoke to the makers of RootMaker fabric pots etc., in the build a soil pots is a liner to help keep moisture in and sides from drying. Root trapping, not air pruning (air for very bottom). These just have a full coating on the outside, and they did invent them. Haha. They say they designed them to help the issue, but not for living soil itself etc.. They’re still in the emergency 3’s I had to use. There was no plan to do two transplants. These are just root pouch full fabric. The plan was the 5’s or 7’s I’d ordered, a friend got with his corp discount with them, but forgot to bring….haha. I’d since ordered the 30’s and keep changing the plan because I don’t know what’s best. They are doing great right now. Maybe this run I should leave them be and just work it out as it arises, re-amend it later and start fresh. I have it. I just don’t know what to do and am annoying people. Especially if they are seeing the soil as just soil. It’s so different and I don’t have the proper way to explain it. I don’t want to pretend I can teach anyone here anything. I cannot. Haha. It’s why I’m here. So far, you’ve all taken me further than I had faith in myself to get. We will get me there. Someone needs to just say, “you are doing this, now go do it.” Haha. Like @PK1 did with the light. Got me straightened right out. It’s been perfect. They’re so happy and I’d burned their little tips.

I still don’t know when to adjust it up 🤣🤣🤣

Thanks for this. I know you are right about the size and full benefit. I just have to decide I can handle the size of the pots. I’m even fine and great running 4 at a time. Works for me.

still confused and undecided. But that’s just me, not only this issue. ✌️❤️🎼
 
FrankWhite41

FrankWhite41

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Growweedeasy.com has a tutorial on natures living soil with base watering chart for 5 gallon fabric pots. Might want to give it a look and dial it in from there. Deff want to keep the soil moist at all times. Blu mat or any drip systems work really well for that.
 
BurnzYzBudZz

BurnzYzBudZz

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Build a soil has great tutorials and products for first time living soil/ orangic farmers. They also use all of their own products in their personal grow and everything is documented on their IG and Youtube. Also small and family owned in Colorado.
 
SC69

SC69

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Growweedeasy.com has a tutorial on natures living soil with base watering chart for 5 gallon fabric pots. Might want to give it a look and dial it in from there. Deff want to keep the soil moist at all times. Blu mat or any drip systems work really well for that.
That’s a confusion too. There are differences in bases and some ingredients, with many the same of course. Yes, same idea and mechanics of nature, just holds and acts differently. I’m not special. I picked this because I liked the farm it comes from etc. it’s Vermont, I’m NY bla bla bla. It’s just confusing for me still. This is equine manure and compost based. I think natures living is sea based. I don’t know that’s there is a difference. I’m just wondering if it may be.

I think I’m ok now with water. I just want the actual benefit of the soil, and really, although it may sound silly, not ruin it. Of course I have and can buy more. But it’s a factor for me. I made a mistake and don’t know what to do now. It’s this soil now and going forward. I have a ton. Hahaha. I need to just figure it out and stop complaining. I’ve just made a few wrong moves, been placed on track, and don’t really trust myself. It will come. And I appreciate all words and advice and links to read. I wish I’d done it before deciding. I really thought I had.
✌️
 
SC69

SC69

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Build a soil has great tutorials and products for first time living soil/ orangic farmers. They also use all of their own products in their personal grow and everything is documented on their IG and Youtube. Also small and family owned in Colorado.
I love them and really wish I’d found them first. If I remember correctly I did, but didn’t watch enough. Watched more mixing and process stuff than container sizes. It was there, watching more, after buying these things that I saw the video about size. I’ve been stupefied since. Haha.

I did buy their other products, cover crop, barley straw etc. I know they know and want to listen to them. The idea of 30’s is just tough. I have them and the soil though.
 
BurnzYzBudZz

BurnzYzBudZz

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I love them and really wish I’d found them first. If I remember correctly I did, but didn’t watch enough. Watched more mixing and process stuff than container sizes. It was there, watching more, after buying these things that I saw the video about size. I’ve been stupefied since. Haha.

I did buy their other products, cover crop, barley straw etc. I know they know and want to listen to them. The idea of 30’s is just tough. I have them and the soil though.
Nice. There used to be a guy that grew in earth boxes here. Forgot his handle and he hasn’t been around for a minute. He was a cool cat though. I’d def like to get into living soil because I see a big difference in the way the flower smokes. It’s really a different high and smoke when the living soil is dialed in.
 
SC69

SC69

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Nice. There used to be a guy that grew in earth boxes here. Forgot his handle and he hasn’t been around for a minute. He was a cool cat though. I’d def like to get into living soil because I see a big difference in the way the flower smokes. It’s really a different high and smoke when the living soil is dialed in.
I do love the idea. It’s the hippie in me. Can’t help it. ‘69 baby. This guys farm, he’s the same, I could tell. That’s what did it. I’m not expecting what you’re describing quickly. I have a ways to go beyond the soil as we know, but it is the goal. Natural is the only way for me. I saw how it all works and am not sure I’d have done it if that’s the only other way. Just me being stubborn and not wanting complicated. Mixing crap and guessing. Being a chemist. I have no interest. This is supposed to turn out good for me, relaxing. Imagine!! Hahaha. It will be I know. As they are growing, I have more work to do so it’s starting. Finally. ✌️

I did consider a 4x4 bed but we definitely wouldn’t be moving that. Haha.
 
BurnzYzBudZz

BurnzYzBudZz

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I do love the idea. It’s the hippie in me. Can’t help it. ‘69 baby. This guys farm, he’s the same, I could tell. That’s what did it. I’m not expecting what you’re describing quickly. I have a ways to go beyond the soil as we know, but it is the goal. Natural is the only way for me. I saw how it all works and am not sure I’d have done it if that’s the only other way. Just me being stubborn and not wanting complicated. Mixing crap and guessing. Being a chemist. I have no interest. This is supposed to turn out good for me, relaxing. Imagine!! Hahaha. It will be I know. As they are growing, I have more work to do so it’s starting. Finally. ✌️

I did consider a 4x4 bed but we definitely wouldn’t be moving that. Haha.
They actually have 4x4 living soil beds on wheels. But yes it takes a long time. The bud I smoked was on its 8th cycle no till. These cultivators are on the rec market here in Long Beach Ca and they run rooms of living soil. Their weed hits way different but it sells out fast. It’s reasonably priced because they don’t have to recover the money they would have spent on bottled or granular nutrients. It just makes sense. We won’t get into the supply chain issues and what nutrients we may or may not be able to get soon.
 
SC69

SC69

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They actually have 4x4 living soil beds on wheels. But yes it takes a long time. The bud I smoked was on its 8th cycle no till. These cultivators are on the rec market here in Long Beach Ca and they run rooms of living soil. Their weed hits way different but it sells out fast. It’s reasonably priced because they don’t have to recover the money they would have spent on bottled or granular nutrients. It just makes sense. We won’t get into the supply chain issues and what nutrients we may or may not be able to get soon.
Everything is going to be a big problem and most of the people living or at least who need to know etc don’t really realize what’s coming. Not by fault. No judgment. We live in the US. We haven’t known it a long time. It’s in our history of course but we’ve been taught, or at least believe that stuff is the past and can’t happen or whatever. It’s here. I’ve seen the shelves. There’s a particular fan I want. It’s silly, I just want it. Been out of stock since September when I found it. Originally they expected them in November, they wrote (amazing) and said it wouldn’t be until late January (to best of knowledge). I mean, I’m fine, I have fans and it was just a want. I can’t have it though.

I am a last minute Christmas guy and niece and nephews usually just cash for years. I don’t know teens/young adults etc.. New 2.5yr olds make it magic again and everyone had a rough year. Doing gifts. Thought I could just walk in and get the nephew a pair of timberlands. Nope. I can’t even pay to have a pair made and sent 🤣. It’s a mess that’s going to get much worse. I couldn’t get Timberlands!!!

I am going to make this work. This living soil. It will take more than I thought but I am committed. Thanks for your advice. God knows I need it all. ✌️
 
ezenzyme

ezenzyme

625
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Your over thinking it. pretty easy mate with the right stuff


check this thread out and chill, theres also a great one with a cool cat doing earth boxes from Jeremy over at Build a soil going right now.


grab up a few cool books, build a bed if you cant buy one. pvc and shade cloth are always in stock. pallets easily found for free... the whole key with this organic thing is tapping into the environment around you and harvesting what is cost effective and accessible.

to answer your two questions most folk will let their soil "cook" in trash cans or similar for up to two months before use, also in living soil beds growing cover crop and cutting and chocking out before planting are a viable option. Sourcing local compost ideally homemade and utilizing the woods and rivers close by to you as microbial resources, harvesting them. Using compost teas made from the best of imputes will provide the needed remaining microbial imputes, but if your feeling excitable you can purchase over the counter inocs that you use at the time of transplant. I dont really support or knock these options(great white, mykos, azos, etc etc) in the ream of creating bio diversity its usually all good if not better than all good.
 

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