How to Compost Your Own Super Soil?

It's time to boost your cannabis plant's growth with super soil. This nutrient-rich soil is packed with all the organic goodness your cannabis needs to thrive, eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers. 

In this guide, we'll cover the basics of super soil, its benefits and challenges, and how to compost your own at home. So, let's get started. 

What is Super Soil? 

As the name suggests, composted super soil is a better version of regular soil that can significantly boost your cannabis plant's growth. It is a type of soil made with organic ingredients, containing all the essential nutrients your cannabis plant needs. 

It's also the best way to grow organic cannabis without relying on synthetic fertilizers and nutrients. This is made with composting — an effective and affordable way of ensuring your plants always have a consistent nutrient supply. 

What's more, such soil is not only healthy but also well-maintained from the start, thanks to the microbiome existing within. It is a rich ecosystem, ensuring you don't have to worry about nutrient PPMs, pH levels, or adding more nutrients for your cannabis plant. You can simply let nature take care of it all. 

Understanding Composting

But for this, you need to understand what is composting. It is a big part of creating super soil for your cannabis plant. 

Naturally, regular soil contains a few primary ingredients — silt, sand, and clay. These compounds create loam, and based on their ratios, they give unique characteristics to the soil. 

For example, if your soil is rich in clay, it will show higher nutrient and water retention levels but can also be prone to accumulating excess water. On the other hand, sandy soil can dry out quicker. 

Apart from that, your cannabis soil also contains Soil Organic Matter; this SOM includes various organic matter and organisms, including fungi, worms, protozoa, bacteria, and decaying remains of animals and plants. 

This is where composting comes into action. Essentially, composting is a process of recycling organic matter, as mentioned above. It converts organic substances into nutrient-rich soil often known as "black gold" for its ability to enhance plant development. 

Plus, compost possesses a net negative electric charge, so it can retain some nutrients, preventing them from leaching into the environment or water. 

When you're composting at home, you will typically use kitchen scraps, leaves, lawn clippings, and other substances to convert it into crumbly soil rich in nutrients. The resulting compost contains elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium making it an excellent amendment for soil. For composting super soil, you don't have to add carbon and nitrogen (brown and green parts) for it to break down. Instead, you will be relying on the microbes to break down the nutrients you're adding. 

In nature, composting occurs naturally. Brown leaves mix with fresh leaves, soil, and microbes and you get excellent soil eventually. But when you conduct this process intentionally, you can control and speed up the process for efficient production of high-quality compost or super soil. By choosing and managing the components in your compost heap or super soil, you can create a tailored mixture that suits the requirements of your plants.

Now, any discussion on compost or super soil is incomplete without mentioning microorganisms — the tiny organisms including fungi and bacteria that work tirelessly to break down matter into compounds that plants can use as nutrients. 

Super soil doesn't just contain one type of bacteria and fungi — it contains many types. For example, bacteria decompose the compost pile and break down organic matter. They thrive in various ranges of temperatures and you also have fungi that are invaluable as they can withstand drier conditions and pH levels. 

Apart from these microorganisms, your super soil or compost will also host earthworms that break down matter into smaller fragments, thereby enhancing microbial activity by increasing surface area.

As you understand this, it becomes clear why you can't skip the “cooking” process of super soil where you allow the microbes to do their job. 

Pros and Cons of Super Soil 

When you're growing cannabis, choosing the right soil is crucial. Super soil can be a game-changer, but like anything else, it has its pros and cons, including:

Pros

• It's Rich in Nutrients 

Super soil is packed with all the essential nutrients your cannabis plants need. It's like giving your plants a five-star meal every day. You'll notice better growth, healthier plants, and potentially higher yields.

• It's Completely Organic 

If you're keen on growing cannabis organically, super soil is your best friend. You won't need synthetic fertilizers or chemicals, which means your cannabis will be as natural as it gets.

• You Don't Need to Maintain It 

With super soil, you don't have to constantly monitor pH levels, nutrient PPMs, or worry about nutrient lockout. The rich ecosystem within the soil takes care of most of it for you. It's almost like having a self-sustaining garden.

• Improves Your Cannabis' Flavor and Potency 

Many growers swear that organic cannabis grown in super soil tastes better and is more potent. The natural nutrients and microbes can enhance the flavor profile and cannabinoid content of your buds.

• It's Eco-Friendly 

Composting and using super soil is great for the environment. You're recycling organic waste and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, which can harm the earth.

Cons

However, super soil also has some downsides, which are as follows.

• Making It is Time-Consuming

Creating super soil is not a quick process. It takes time, effort, and a bit of a learning curve. You need to gather all the right ingredients, mix them properly, and let the soil “cook” for a couple of months.

• You'll Need Some Space

You'll need a decent amount of space to prepare and store your super soil. If you're limited on space, this can be a bit challenging.

• Hot Bed for Pests

Because super soil is rich in organic matter, it can attract pests if not managed properly. You need to be vigilant about keeping your composting area clean and pest-free.

• Can Sometimes Be Too Hot for Young Plants 

Super soil can sometimes be too nutrient-rich, or "hot," for young plants and seedlings. This can cause nutrient burn if you're not careful. It's important to layer the soil correctly in your containers to avoid this issue.

How to Make Super Soil to Grow Cannabis?

With that aside, let's get started and prepare your super soil with composting. Here, you aim to pick the right soil and add the correct nutrients to it. Additionally, you also want to foster a living soil with a rich ecosystem, akin to the natural soil out in the wild. 

Of course, the internet is full of various recipes for making super soil, but this is one of the best ways to do so. It is tried and tested, and with this method, you can nurture high-yielding cannabis plants unlike ever before. 

Just remember, this method does require a bit of elbow grease. So, while you will sweat it, don't sweat it. 

1. Gather the Supplies

Let's start with first gathering everything you'll need for composting your super soil:

• Eight bags of organic soil 
• Around 40 pounds of worm castings 
• Five pounds of bat guano
• Five pounds of blood meal 
• Five pounds of fish bone meal 
• A cup of dolomite or sweet lime 
• ¾ cup Epsom salt 
• Two tablespoons of humic acid, powdered 
• Half a cup of azomite 
• Some perlite (but not more than 25%)

You should also add in a bit of mycorrhiza bacteria (4 ounces); this beneficial bacteria helps boost the composting process. Apart from that, two pounds of coco coir can also come in handy. 

Remember, this method that we're showing uses eight bags of soil, but if you want to use more or less quantity, feel free to adjust the ratios of everything else accordingly. 

2. Mix It All Up Thoroughly

You need to first prepare a tarp to work on. So, lay down a large tarp on the ground and spread it out evenly. Then, add a layer of soil over the tarp, and follow that up with worm castings and perlite. 

After that, you need to sprinkle other supplements evenly across the surface. But don't spread out sweet lime, elsom salt, azomite, humic acid, and bennies just yet. Those come later in the process. 

Once everything is set, you need to mix everything well enough so that there are no hot spots in the mixture. So, to mix it all up; you can either use your feet or a hoe. 

Once the larger ingredients are mixed in properly, you can add other ingredients that we skipped above. Again, make sure everything is properly mixed in. 

3. Add Some Water to Encourage the Microbial Process 

Now that everything is mixed in, you need to start the microbial process. This will make sure the organic compounds in the mixture break down and the beneficial fungi are inoculated. This is very important. 

So, start by placing the mixture in a container and watering it until it is moist. If you don't have a container, you can simply water the mixture on the tarp itself. Then, you need to cover it up to ensure the mixture stays moist. You don't want it to dry out as it can stop the composting. 

4. Let It Sit for a Couple of Months 

Now, let your mixture sit or cook for a month or two. Just remember to keep it moist at all times, but also ensure it doesn't get too soggy. Also, be careful of bugs — the composting environment is perfect for them but you don't want pests to make it their home. 

You can, however, add earthworms to your mixture to help improve the composting process. These worms will aerate the mixture, improving its overall quality, and they are perfectly safe for the mixture and even your plants. 

5. Transfer It Into Your Container 

After a month or two, your composted super soil will be ready. You can then transfer it into your cannabis container. For this, depending on your preferences, you can fill the bottom half or one-third of the container with this mixture and fill out the remainder with regular organic soil. 

This is because the composted super soil can sometimes be too hot for young plants. The upper layer will prevent the young plants and seedlings from getting burnt. This can also encourage explosive growth of your cannabis plant! 

That's it. Since your plant's containers are filled, you can start growing lush cannabis plants in no time. 

6. Don't Forget to Maintain the Soil 

Just because your composted super soil is self-sustaining, don't forget to maintain it. It still needs a bit of TLC. For this, you can use compost teas that contain beneficial microbes. Since your super soil is already composted, you don't even need to add any nutrients to the compost tea! 

Storing and Using Super Soil

You've worked to create the best super soil that can multiply your yields. But how on earth do you store it? 

It's teeming with life, so you certainly can't dump it in a random place. Instead, you need to store it properly so it can retain its microbial life and you can grow many more plants with it. 

Here are a few techniques to store your super soil so that it remains viable for a long time. 

• Select Suitable Containers: Opt for breathable containers like fabric pots or burlap sacks to store your soil. These materials allow air circulation, which is crucial for maintaining the aerobic conditions necessary for beneficial microbes to thrive. Avoid using plastic bags or sealed containers as they can create an environment that may promote bacteria growth.
• Maintain Adequate Moisture Levels: Super soil must be slightly moist to support life. Thus, whenever it dries out, sprinkle water, but remember that it should not be soggy either as it can get too compact, reduce air circulation, and promote mold. 
• Store in a cool area: Also, never store your soil in areas that are too hot. Store it in an area that stays cool and shaded between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C). Avoid exposing the soil to sunlight or extreme temperatures as this can harm microbes and degrade the quality of the soil.
• Turn your soil frequently: It's a good idea to turn the soil every other week even when storing it. This helps keep it aerated, prevents compaction, and maintains microbial activity throughout.
• Prevent Pests: Keep an eye out for pests that may be attracted to stored soil such as fungus gnats, ants, or other insects. Regularly check your stored soil for any signs of pests and deal with them promptly. You can also sprinkle some neem oil diluted with water to deter pests effectively.

How to Utilize Super Soil According to the Stages of Growth 

Super soil is crafted to supply cannabis plants with nutrients throughout their growth cycle. However, you should adjust the method of application based on the plants' growing stage, which includes the seedling, vegetative, and flowering stages. 

Seedling Stage

Seedlings don't need any nutrients as the cotyledons have enough supply to sustain them for a couple of weeks. Thus, at this point, they don't need super soil as it can burn them easily. 

Typically, for photoperiod plants, you'll have to wait for the seedlings to grow a few sets of leaves and transplant them into other containers with some super soil. Also, you can transplant them at least 2-3 times, but if you're growing autoflowers you can't afford to transplant so many times as they don't have the time to recover quickly. Thus, you can use a blend of some regular soil and a lighter mix of plain coco coir or peat to prevent them from burning. Once the seedlings establish roots, you can slowly introduce super soil by either top dressing around the plant base, away from the roots, or by carefully moving them into larger containers filled with a higher proportion of super soil.

Most growers hesitate to add super soil at the base as it has the potential to burn those young roots. Therefore, the best option is to fill only a quarter of the pot with super soil and fill the remaining with regular soil. This means that you only need to use 25% super soil and grow your autoflowers in the same pot from start to finish. 

Vegetative Stage

Once cannabis plants enter the vegetative stage and establish a strong root system, they can handle the full array of nutrients present in super soil. During this phase, you can transfer them to pots containing 1:1 super soil and regular soil. Or, you add super soil as a top dressing and it will release nutrients when you water the plants. 

That said, it's even more crucial to focus on watering the plants properly as overwatering can make life difficult for them. Also, note that you're not adding any extra nutrients, so you need to watch the plants carefully for any deficiencies and adjust accordingly. 

Blooming Phase

As your cannabis plants move into the flowering phase, they'll need a mix of nutrients with higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium. While super soil usually contains these nutrients, you can boost flowering by incorporating additives like bat guano or worm castings into the soil.

Again, remember not to overfeed or overwater during flowering. Do not add any extra synthetic nutrients either as this can upset the balance of your super soil and harm your plants. Let the super soil do its job by providing a steady supply of nutrients.

Now, coming to the pH, the very point of making your super soil is that you don't have to obsess over the pH. However, it's a good practice to check the pH at least once a week to make sure it's in the right range between 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal plant health. It can go up to 7 but 6.5 is a good threshold to ensure the plants get all the nutrients they want. 

Why is Super Soil Burning My Plants?

Once you've composted your super soil, you're going to jump straight to growing plants with it, but what do you do if you notice that your plants are struggling? 

Well, this is a common problem with any type of soil that has too many nutrients. In other words, the soil is too potent for seedlings and other delicate strains. 

Here are a few things you can do to rescue your plants:

1. Recognize the Signs of Nutrient Burn

First off, are you sure it's a nutrient burn? The primary indication of a nutrient burn is the browning or yellowing of leaf tips, which may eventually extend along the leaf edges. The leaves may start twisting as well. Sometimes, you may also notice that the leaves look waxy and a deep green due to excessive nitrogen. And, thanks to the imbalance, the plants may not grow as well as expected either.

2. Flush the Soil

If you're sure that it's a nutrient burn, you need to start watering the plants immediately to remove or flush out surplus nutrients and prevent further harm. Make sure you use pH-balanced water so that you don't exacerbate the problem. Water them until you observe runoff from the bottom of the container. You can also do this over a few days to prevent overwatering and root rot.

3. Transplant the plant

However, sometimes, flushing doesn't help. In such cases, you can transfer your plants to another soil mix containing lighter mediums like coco coir, peat moss, or perlite. This will reduce nutrient concentration and create a safer environment for your plants. Remember to treat the roots gently while transplanting as your plants are suffering already.

4. Use lighter growing mediums

Another option if you can't transplant is to dress your soil with a layer of growing medium like coco peat as it doesn't contain any nutrients. This extra layer acts as a buffer between the roots and the dense super soil, helping you manage nutrient burn.

In addition, doing this may help the plant direct its energy toward promoting growth instead of focusing on repairing extensively damaged leaves.

5. Inspect the plants 

Watch closely for signs of growth to confirm that the issue is being resolved. If the new leaves appear healthy, it indicates that your corrective actions are effective.

Recovery from a nutrient burn may require time so be patient and diligently observe your plants. If they continue to exhibit signs of stress, consider repeating the steps mentioned earlier. Or, you're probably growing a strain that simply doesn't adjust to super soil, so either grow another strain or adopt another growing technique like hydroponics for that particular strain. 

Another reason your plants struggle is because you've probably used too many nutrients. For future cultivation cycles, reduce the concentration a bit more when growing seedlings and sensitive strains. You can gradually add more as the plants mature and demonstrate their ability to handle the soil. 

How To Know if Super Soil is Ready for Use?

It's essential to know if your super soil has fully composted before using it on your cannabis plants. When we talk about "cooking" soil, we mean the process where the organic components break down or decompose and the beneficial microorganisms thrive providing plants with nutrients in a form they can utilize. Here are some indicators to help you figure out if your super soil is good to go:

1. Monitor the Temperature

When you initially mix your soil, the microbial activity generates heat as organic materials break down. At this stage, the soil temperature can range between 120°F and 160°F (49°C to 71°C).

As composting progresses, the temperature will gradually decrease. Your super soil is likely fully cooked when the temperature stabilizes and returns to normal levels ( 70°F to 80°F or 21°C to 27°C).

Use a compost thermometer to track temperatures for additional confirmation at various periods as the soil gets composted. If the center of the pile isn't too hot anymore, it indicates that the cooking process has finished.

2. Check the Soil pH

Yes, you don't need to check the pH of the plants when using super soil. But this is applicable only if you've followed the process to the T. Make sure that the pH of your soil remains steady within the recommended range for growing cannabis, typically around 6.0 to 7.0. A pH level that's very far off from this range suggests that the soil needs more time.

3. Check the Smell

Do you recognize the distinct aroma of fresh soil? Your super soil should smell like that, which means that it's ready as the microbes have broken down the organic matter properly. 

However, on the other hand, if it smells more like chemicals or like ammonia, it needs some more time.

4. Check the Texture

Like soil, your super soil should also be crumbly and uniform in nature. For example, if you notice chunks of coco peat or other substances you added before composting, the soil likely needs more time.

5. Allow Sufficient Time for Maturation

Although you're super excited and can't wait to start growing your cannabis plants with super soil, it really needs at least 4 to 8 weeks before you can use it. 

Some growers choose to let the soil sit for months to make sure it breaks down completely and becomes stable. Think of it like curing the buds — the longer you wait, the better the result. 

Remember patience is key. It's better to wait than risk using the soil earlier than recommended as uncooked super soil can cause nutrient imbalances, nutrient burns and so many other issues that all your efforts can go down in vain. 

Remember, you're making super soil to reduce problems, not create more so make sure it's a balanced mix containing all the nutrients so that it takes care of your plants from germination to harvest. 

How to Water Cannabis Plants in Super Soil?

Watering plants in super soil requires a slightly different approach since this type of soil is designed to provide nutrients without needing extra fertilizers. Here's how you can effectively water cannabis plants when using your super soil:

1. Role of Water in Super Soil

Super soil contains nutrients that are slowly released as microbes decompose all the organic substances. Therefore, you must water properly to ensure these nutrients reach the roots and support your plant's growth. Also, watering properly is crucial to support the microbes that recycle nutrients and promote the plant's well-being.

2. Watering Schedule

Before watering, gauge the soil's moisture content by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, give it another day or two before rechecking. 

Plants growing in super soil don't require as much water as those growing in soil with fewer nutrients. So, remember that too much water can suffocate the roots leading to root rot, disrupting the nutrient balance in the soil.

3. Watering Quantity

When you water the plants, ensure that you water enough to reach the root zone to encourage deeper root growth. Water until you notice a small amount of water draining from the pot's bottom.

Water gradually and evenly across the soil surface to ensure all parts of the root system receive moisture. This helps prevent patches in the soil and promotes nutrient absorption.

Also, use very little water during the seedling stage as young plants require less water compared to mature ones. Just make sure the soil is moist but not overly wet. Overwatering during this stage can lead to drowning roots.

Although the plants need more water during the vegetative stage, water in small amounts even if you have to do it frequently to reduce the chances of overwatering. 

When the plants get to the flowering stage, they will demand more water as it's important for bud development. Thus, check the soil frequently to see if it's dry and water as needed.

4. Maintain the pH

It's best to water the plants with pH-balanced water to ensure that you don't encounter any deficiencies later. You can use a digital pH meter to check the pH. If there's an imbalance, adjust the pH using pH Up and pH Down solutions. 

In addition, if you're using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate naturally, or opt for a water filter to eliminate chlorine as it can potentially harm the microbes present in the soil.

5. Observe the plants 

Observe how your plants react to watering. If the leaves start to wilt, it might indicate either too little or too much water. Adjust your watering routine according to what each plant requires.

Factors like temperature, humidity, and the intensity of light can impact how fast your soil dries out too. For instance, if the weather is too hot, you may need to water more often whereas in cooler climates, the plants typically don't need a lot of water.

6. Skip the Extra Nutrients

Super soil is beneficial as it already contains all nutrients without requiring fertilizers. Introducing more nutrients, despite your assumption that the plants will love it, could cause imbalances or nutrient toxicity. Stick with plain water unless you spot deficiencies, which is usually rare if you've prepare the soil well.

7. Think About Mulching

Adding a layer of mulch (such as straw, leaves, or wood chips) on the soil surface can help retain moisture, decrease watering frequency, and create a perfect environment for beneficial microbes.

Summary: How to Compost Your Own Super Soil?

And there you have it! By now, you should have a good understanding of what makes super soil so special and how to create your own. Yes, it's time-consuming and can sometimes be confusing, but get it right and your plant will thank you. 

While it takes some effort and patience, the rewards of healthier plants, better yields, and a more sustainable growing process are well worth it. Just remember to maintain your super soil with a little TLC, and you'll be on your way to growing some of the best cannabis around.