Cheapest Growing Mediums for Growing Cannabis 

A growing medium is the foundation for growing cannabis plants; it provides your plants with the essential support and nutrients for them to thrive well. Your plant can use a variety of growing mediums, ranging from traditional potting soil to specialized cannabis grow mixes, and sometimes, even super soils that are enriched with compost and organic materials. It all depends on where you're located, your budget, and various other factors. 

Alternatively, you can also use inert growing mediums like perlite, coco coir, and vermiculite, which lack any nutrients from the get-go. These mediums are terrific for hydroponic cannabis plants, but for hydroponics, you can also get away with not using any growing medium at all! 

However, choosing the cheapest growing medium for growing cannabis can still be tricky. It’s about more than just the price tag. Many factors come into play, which can influence the cost of your cannabis growing medium. 

In this article, we delve into what makes a growing medium cheap for cannabis growers. Read on to learn all about the cheapest cannabis-growing medium. 

What Factors Should You Consider When Looking for a Growing Medium?

As mentioned earlier, how cheap your growing medium is goes beyond just the price tag. You can’t purchase a growing medium just because it’s affordable. If you do it without considering other factors, you’ll be in for a big disappointment as you’ll lose money later. You’re spending good money on grow lights and other equipment, so make sure you get this right. Otherwise, it will all be for naught. 

That said, you can still choose good growing mediums that are affordable. Here are a few things you should look for when purchasing a growing medium. 

1. Initial Investment

If you’re on a tight budget, the initial cost of the growing medium plays a crucial role. So, when comparing products, look at the price per unit volume or weight to identify the economical choice. Now, you’ve got a good one when considering the price. Next, look for other factors as described below. 

2. Nutrients Present in the Growing Medium

Imagine this: you’ve got two bags of growing medium. One contains a cheap potting mix that you found for a few dollars, whereas the other one is a special organic super soil, which can cost you tens of dollars if not hundreds. 

Sometimes, the more expensive super soil can be cheaper for you in the long run. This is because you may not need to add any nutrients at all to it as the organic substances or microorganisms within the super soil can fix nutrients for your cannabis plant. 

On the other hand, cheap soil may not contain any nutrients at all. That’s not a good thing. Even if it does contain nutrients, they may only last for a few weeks before you need to start supplementing nutrients to your cannabis plant. 

So, in the long run, a more expensive potting mix can sometimes be cheaper. In this particular case, super soil is technically the cheapest despite having a much bigger price tag than regular soil. 

3. Reusability of the Growing Medium 

The next factor you need to keep in mind is if you can reuse the growing medium at all. Generally, you don’t reuse regular soil mix as the nutrients deplete after being used for growing a single cannabis plant. So, for the next grow, you need fresh soil. Of course, you can add some extra nutrients and use it again if you know what you’re doing. 

However, other substrates can be reused over and over, such as perlite or vermiculite. These growing mediums are inert and don’t degrade much over time. The same goes for coco coir. So, you can reuse them and keep giving them nutrients as per usual. It’s more involved, but in the long run, it can be cheaper than getting new soil for every new plant you grow. 

Of course, you should remember that you can reuse them if you sterilize them every time you harvest your plants as you don’t want the risk of contamination. This means that you should get rid of any germs, pests, or leftover nutrients that might have built up over the last growing cycle. While some people use the microwave to get rid of germs or bacteria, you can simply spread it over a tarp on a bright day and let sunlight do its magic. If you're using any other method to sterilize it, you will have to consider the costs involved too. 

Reusing the growing medium helps it last longer, so you don’t need to replace it frequently between growing cycles. Also, even if the initial cost of growing mediums like coir is higher than soil, the fact that you can reuse it means that you'll save money. A growing medium that lasts for many harvests is the one you should buy, as it gets very cost-effective in the long run. 

The only thing you have to do is watch the medium every growing cycle to determine when it has run its course. Once you see that it can't be used anymore, you can switch to a new medium. You can also add extra nutrients from time to time to support the plants. The best part is that you're not only saving money by reusing the medium, but you're also being environmentally friendly by reducing the impact of your cultivation. 

4. Water retention

When choosing a growing medium for cannabis or any other you want to grow, you should find something with the ability to retain water and provide aeration. Different growing mediums have varying capacities to hold water with some like coco coir and peat moss being famous for their water-retaining abilities. 

However, while good water retention can help maintain moisture levels and reduce water usage, it's crucial to avoid growing mediums that hold too much water as they can lead to waterlogging, suffocation of roots, and an increased risk of root diseases such as root rot.

For instance, you should avoid growing cannabis in 100% clay soil as it can retain too much water. This is primarily because the particle sizes of clay soil are too small and it gets compacted over time. If you grow cannabis in clay soil, it will hold a lot of water, no doubt, but it will also suffocate the roots and create anaerobic conditions. In such cases, the roots will not be able to absorb nutrients adequately. 

In addition, the roots will not be able to penetrate deep into the medium freely, leading to a lot of stress for the plant. If the roots are not happy, the plant will not be happy, period. In short, choose a growing medium that retains water but is also aerated. 

If you still want to grow in clay soil as it’s a very cheap medium, mix in some compost and perlite to increase the aeration. This way, you can reduce the costs and keep the plants happy as well. 

Some growers mix growing mediums like vermiculite and coarse sand along with coco coir to increase aeration and promote oxygen in the root zone. 

As you can see, you have the flexibility to customize your growing medium by blending various components to achieve the desired balance of water retention and aeration. Whether you mix coco coir with vermiculite or perlite with soil, the main goal is to increase aeration while retaining moisture. Experiment with various ratios and find out which one’s the cheapest but best and stick to that. 

5. Availability

Think about the availability and accessibility of growing mediums in your area. Using readily available mediums may be more budget-friendly compared to those that need special shipping or importing.

For example, you’ve probably read that some growers mix zeolite in their growing mediums. However, it may not be available in your area. Rather than trying to import something exotic, rely on your local mediums for cost efficiency. Look for alternatives that are easily available and much cheaper. In this case, you can use perlite and achieve similar results. 

When you think of a growing medium, first find out if you can source it locally as they are usually easier to get hold of to reduce costs and complications related to transportation compared to importing from suppliers. Moreover supporting local businesses and industries helps the community economically. Additionally, sourcing locally can help you get discounts, making it even more cheap. 

Also, remember that the materials you source in your area are well suited to the local climate, soil type, and environmental factors. These materials are often designed to meet the needs of plants grown in your area. If you don’t want to disclose that you’re growing cannabis for obvious reasons, meet your local supplier and talk about growing tomatoes as the cultivation practices are similar. 

In addition, look for deals on purchases by planning before you plant seeds. Go for bulk purchases rather than buying in small quantities to save more money. Suppliers may offer deals like volume discounts, wholesale prices, or special offers for large orders. You can even hunt for special promotions if you want to save money. 

6. Ease of Handling and Storage

When purchasing growing mediums, you have to consider the aspects of handling and storing the growing medium. Heavy or bulky mediums might cost you more, especially if you’re ordering them online. 

For instance, the soil will surely cost more if you purchase it online. If you’re planning to buy a lot of soil, your best bet is to visit your local nursery or supplier. On the other hand, if you want to grow cannabis in coco coir, you can purchase blocks and make your mix at home instead of buying loose coco coir. 

Cheapest Growing Mediums for Cannabis Plants 

Let’s come to the meat of the matter — which is the cheapest growing medium for cannabis plants? That’s a loaded question, but we’ve got your back. Here are your options. 

Now, let's delve into some of the most common growing media and how they stack up in terms of cost and quality.

1. Potting Soil 

When starting, many growers go for a typical soil-based potting mix. This can range from a cheap 50-liter bag of garden soil from a local gardening store to cannabis-specific specialized mixes that can be a bit more expensive. 

While there is a significant difference in the price, you must remember that a cheap, generic brand isn’t necessarily inferior for growing cannabis. Similarly, expensive gourmet-level soil does not guarantee excellent results. 

It often boils down to experimentation or seeking recommendations from local growers in your area to find what works best for your goals and local climate. 

Another thing you must understand is that potting mixes can come pre-fertilized. However, there are also "light" potting mixes with minimal nutrients, which are suitable for autoflowers, and special mixes designed for seedlings that contain no nutrients at all. 

With the commonly available pre-fertilized types, your plants can typically thrive for the first 3-4 weeks of life without additional feeding. However, beyond this period, you'll need to start supplementing with nutrients to ensure optimal growth and development.

Advantages

• Potting soil typically contains components like composted bark, worm castings, or other natural additives that supply nutrients for plant growth. This nutrient-rich blend supports root development and vigorous plant growth, which means you don't have to fertilize the plants too much. A high-quality potting mix has superb water retention abilities, so it keeps the soil around the plant’s roots moist and also ensures proper drainage. 
• As long as you purchase top-quality potting mixes, they are usually pH-balanced and don’t fluctuate too much. However, you still have to adjust the pH regularly to make sure it remains within the ideal range for better nutrient absorption.

Disadvantages

• Potting soil could get compacted over time, meaning it won’t be aerated and support root growth anymore. This isn’t really a disadvantage as it occurs with any growing medium once you use it for a long period. If you notice this, add some new potting soil to the old one and continue as usual.
• Apart from getting compacted, the mix may also lose its nutrients, so you need to add extra nutrients for every stage of growth. Again, this happens when you use the same potting mix for a long period. 
• It’s very important to purchase your potting mix from a trusted source as some companies can use cheap mixes that could contaminate and transfer diseases to your plants. Well-aged manure and compost are used to make potting mixes, but some suppliers may skip this important step, so always ensure you’re buying from reputed suppliers. 

2. Super Soil

Composted super soil is a simple way of growing high-quality cannabis plants that produce excellent yields without requiring a lot of effort on your part. This is only cheap if you make your own composted super soil at home. Otherwise, it can be significantly more expensive compared to other mediums. 

For example, to use 15 gallons of the medium, you’ll need 15 pounds of this growing medium which can cost you over a hundred dollars, filling a quarter to a third of the pot. Add some coco coir to the mix and you’ll end up spending almost $150 in total. 

It’s an excellent method for growing cannabis since you don’t have to worry about adding nutrients at all, but it can be expensive initially. 

Advantages

• Super soil provides plants with a mix of organic nutrients, minerals and beneficial microbes that are essential for their growth. This eliminates the need for feeding or using fertilizers, making it easier to manage nutrients and reducing the risk of imbalances or deficiencies.
• Super soils are often extremely well-aerated as the organic components in the soil help enhance soil structure. This is also why it drains easily but also retains enough water to support plant development. In essence, it creates the perfect environment for the roots to grow and for microbes to thrive while improving nutrient absorption and plant vitality.
• The composition of soil along with its diverse microbial community enhances the production of terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis plants. This can result in buds with a beautiful flavor and aroma. The buds will also develop lots of trichomes, making it very appealing for both growers and users. 
• Super soil is very sustainable in the long term. You can reuse it by mixing it with new super soil and the plants will grow well. Moreover, the pH doesn’t fluctuate too much. Most growers who use super soil to grow organic marijuana don’t check the pH but you can still do it from time to time. If you don’t see any nutrient deficiencies, though, it’s best to let it be. 
• You can make your own super soil or purchase it from your local supplier if they have any. 

Disadvantages

• Super soil is often very expensive compared to other growing mediums simply because it contains many ingredients. Even if you make it at home, it can be a tad expensive as it demands quite a few elements to support plant growth. However, since you’ll not be using fertilizers anymore after making the super soil, you will save money in that area. If you make super soil in large quantities, it will be cheaper than buying a readymade potting mix.
• If you’re making super soil at home, you should let it “cook” for at least a month so the organic matter breaks down. If you skip this step and use fresh super soil, the plants can experience nutrient burn or overfertilization. It’s best to mix super soil with some regular gardening soil to prevent such issues.  

3. Coco/Perlite Potting Mix

You can also use a blend of coco coir and perlite, which offers an excellent environment for cannabis plants. A single bag of coco/perlite mix costs around $40 and can fill 15 gallons of pots. 

This is cheap, but you’ll be spending a bit on the nutrients. The main investment here is nutrients, costing around $100 initially. However, these nutrients will last for multiple grows, making subsequent purchases mainly for the coco/perlite mix.

• Coco coir is terrific with water retention and also supports drainage and aeration. This helps maintain proper moisture levels around the roots, reducing the risks of overwatering or underwatering.
• Perlite is lightweight and porous, so it improves the air circulation in the potting mix by creating pockets of air within the substrate. This helps roots breathe better and absorb nutrients efficiently. Similarly, coco coir is also lightweight, so your potting mix won’t be too heavy and compacted. They decrease the weight of growing containers making them easier to handle and transport.
• If you do your due diligence and buy the right coco coir, it will have a neutral pH, but you must change the pH of the potting mix according to your plant’s needs. The pH won’t change drastically unlike other mediums. This makes coco/perlite mixes ideal for growing cannabis as they offer a good environment for nutrient absorption and plant growth.
• By sterilizing and maintaining them, coco coir and perlite can be reused for many growing cycles, making the potting mix a cost-effective choice in the long run. This reusability reduces the need for regular replacements, saving money and resources.

Disadvantages

• Coco coir and perlite have no nutrition to offer to the plants as they are relatively inert mediums.
• Some coco coir blocks will have high EC. This is why you need to purchase it from the right supplier. If the pH fluctuates drastically, it may be time to switch to another supplier that offers high-quality coco coir. In any case, monitor and adjust the pH regularly to prevent imbalances or deficiencies.

4. Hydroponics

If you're looking to eliminate growing medium costs, consider using a hydroponic setup. When you've set up your hydroponic tub, your main expenses will be limited to electricity and nutrients for each new growth cycle.

You can create a DIY hydroponic system for around $100, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. With hydroponics, you'll provide your plants with water and nutrients directly, leading to potentially higher yields and more efficient resource utilization.

However, this holds only if you use a cheap hydroponic setup. Some hydroponic setups can set you back by a thousand dollars, like aeroponics or aquaponics, so keep that in mind. 

Advantages

• Hydroponic systems supply nutrients to plant roots in a soluble form leading to improved absorption and utilization, resulting in higher yields. 
• Hydroponic systems recycle water, thereby reducing overall water usage compared to soil-based techniques. You can even reuse the nutrient solutions. 
• Reduces the likelihood of pests and soil-borne diseases 
• Can be customized to fit even small spaces, making them ideal for home growers. 

Disadvantages

• Requires a learning curve as you need an understanding of basics like managing nutrients, balancing pH levels, and monitoring water quality. Beginners might find it tricky to adjust to hydroponic growing at first.
• Hydroponic setups typically need gear such as pumps and reservoirs, which increases the initial costs compared to traditional soil-based systems. However, these expenses can be balanced out by yields and efficiency gains in the long run.
• Relies too much on power so any issues or breakdowns can impact the plants. In short, you need to be vigilant if you have a hydroponic setup. 

Which Growing Medium is the Cheapest to Grow Cannabis?

So, which grow medium comes out as the most cost-effective option? Let's break it down:

1. Soil & Coco

Coco mixes are cheaper in most cases, but generally, this growing medium and soil have a similar price tag. But here, nutrients play a crucial role in getting excellent results, especially when it comes to coco coir. But after the first growth, costs go down as you don’t have to repurchase nutrients every time. 

This is why first-time growers gravitate towards coco coir as the plants grow quickly, are resilient to common issues, and are also less at risk of pests when compared to soil.

Nonetheless, soil remains an excellent medium for cannabis cultivation. One advantage of soil is that you don’t need to supplement nutrients to your plant until a couple of weeks into the growth, unlike coco where nutrients are required right from the start.

2. Super Soil

On the other hand, super soil comes with one of the biggest price tags. Unless you compost your soil, costs don't typically decrease with time since you need to buy everything all over again every time you need a new growing medium. Yu can reuse it, sure, but you will have to make new super soil again and add it to the old mix. 

However, the upside is that you don’t need any extra nutrients, potentially saving money if you're currently investing in expensive nutrient solutions. 

Despite its simplicity, with this method, plants can sometimes grow slowly in super soil setups. This is because the root network has to expand and break down the minerals in the medium for proper absorption. 

3. Hydroponics

This one can be a highly economical choice as you don’t need a growing medium except water. Once you set it up, the only ongoing expense is nutrients, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. This is only if you pick a cheap, easy hydroponic system like DWC. 

Consider the Nutrients, Too

You should also consider the kind of nutrients you use, as they can significantly influence the overall cost of growing cannabis. While most nutrients are inexpensive, depending on the manufacturer, you could end up spending A LOT of money on nutrients each growth cycle.

In some cases, especially if you use expensive nutrients, the cost of nutrients may surpass that of any growing medium. Therefore, you must focus on nutrient costs, especially when selecting nutrient solutions for your cannabis cultivation.

Summary: Cheapest Growing Mediums for Growing Cannabis 

In conclusion, the choice of grow medium ultimately depends on factors such as budget, grower experience, desired growth characteristics, and the specific needs of your cannabis plants. 

The medium that offers the greatest reward for the lowest cost varies from grower to grower. Each medium has its advantages and drawbacks, so it's essential to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision. 

So, experiment and find the option that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize simplicity, cost-effectiveness, or maximum yield potential, exploring different growing mediums can help you identify the optimal approach for your cannabis cultivation endeavors. Don't hesitate to try out different methods and discover what works best for you!