Soil Vs. Hydroponics: Which Option Is The Best For Beginners?

Growing cannabis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seriously, ask growers who hold branches full of buds and admire their artwork. It's an indescribable feeling, whether you want to grow cannabis to reduce the costs or simply because you know you can. And, hey, it's one of the best ways to become the life of a party! 

So, regardless of why you want to grow cannabis, you've come to the right place. You've probably seen your friends do it or read about it on the internet and you want to do it too. 

But, first, you'll have to decide whether you want to grow in soil or hydroponics. Both methods have their pros and cons which depend on your objective, budget, and level of experience. This guide will help you learn the basics of either method so you can make an informed choice for your home grow.

Just hop on if you're a beginner and you'll have much more clarity to start things at the end of this article  

Why Grow Cannabis at Home?

Many cannabis lovers tend to grow their own plants for various reasons, including: 

1. Growing your cannabis saves you costs as buying cannabis can be expensive.
2. You control what it is fed and ensure it’s not grown with harsh pesticides. Moreover, the growing conditions are ideal and suited to the exact type of strain you’re growing. 
3. When you grow it yourself, you can play around with strains, techniques, and nutrients, customizing your experience.
4. It can be pretty fulfilling to observe your plant grow from seed to harvest, not to mention its medicinal benefits. 

Understanding the Basics of Growing Cannabis

Before exploring various methods for growing cannabis, it is essential to learn what cannabis plants need. No matter whether you’re growing in soil or hydroponics, one thing that is common is the requirement of the cannabis plant.

What do Cannabis Plants Need to Thrive?

Cannabis is a tough and resilient plant and adjusts to lots of climates, but to grow it right, you’ll need several things. 

1. Light: Firstly, they require substantial lighting to grow well, especially during the flowering stages. Indoor growers usually use either LED or HPS grow lights to mimic sunlight.
2. Water: Secondly, they need a lot of water. So much so that beginners will either overwater or underwater it. You need to keep the pH of the water within the optimal ranges (around 6.0-7.0 for soil, 5.5-6.5 for hydro).
3. Nutrients: Thirdly, cannabis needs macro and micronutrients including nitrogen for vegetative growth, phosphorus for root and flower development, and potassium for overall plant health.

Plants also need some secondary nutrients like calcium, and magnesium, and some micronutrients like zinc, and iron.

1. Airflow: Having good airflow through your growing area prevents mold and pests while providing fresh CO₂ to the plants. The best temperature is about 70-85°F(21-29°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
2. Humidity: Keeping plants at a higher humidity level is recommended during the vegetative period. Make sure you maintain between 40-70% is great during the vegetative stage and at about 40-50% during flowering. Higher humidity can lead to mold.
3. pH Levels: The right pH allows the plant to use nutrients. Every growing method has an individual pH range that needs to be tested regularly. 

Key Differences Between Soil and Hydroponics

Soil and hydroponic methods provide different ways of feeding and watering a plant, even though both can produce great cannabis. Here's a quick breakdown:

Understanding these differences is the first step in choosing the method that best fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. We will discuss these differences in detail in the next few sections. 

Growing Cannabis in Soil

The most traditional and easy method for home growers is growing cannabis in soil.    This method is popular not just for its simplicity, but also because it imitates nature closely. Contrary to popular belief that only hydroponic plants offer good bids, even soil cultivation gives you impressive chunky buds that are rich in flavor and aroma. Soil growing does have its challenges, including pest problems in your soil, slower growing rates, and the need to balance the nutrients when you're feeding; however, if you know what you are doing, the soil can produce excellent buds with little gear or knowledge.

Pros and Cons of Soil Growing

Soil growing is one of the easiest and best ways to grow for any beginner. It acts like a buffer, so you can make small mistakes with watering and feeding, making it a great option if you’re starting out growing cannabis. Also, weed that’s grown in soil tends to have more complex terpene profiles, improving the aroma and flavor of the product. Cannabis grown organically in the soil is thought to provide a smoother smoke by many growers.

However, soil growing also has its downsides. Firstly, the plants will be slower than those growing in hydroponics, which can increase the time taken from seed to harvest. Soil may also contain pathogens including bacteria and fungi that can damage the plants if you don’t manage them properly. In addition, using low-quality soil or an incorrect mixture of nutrients paves the way for nutrient deficiency or imbalance.

Choosing the Right Soil

Not every type of soil is fit for cannabis, so you have to choose the right one to ensure your plants grow well. Cannabis requires soil that offers good aeration, drainage, and nutrient retention. In short, they thrive best in loamy soil — soil with a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay.

Go for soil that is light, fluffy, and well-draining because compact or heavy soil may suffocate roots and cause water-logging. The ideal pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for nutrient uptake of cannabis.

Also, remember that high-quality soil should also contain organic nutrients like compost, worm castings, and bat guano. These ingredients are slow-release nutrients and will allow the essential elements to get to the plant slowly.

Recommended DIY Soil Mix

• 40% Organic Compost.
• Use 30% peat moss or coco coir to hold on to moisture.
• 20% Perlite (to help with aeration and draining).
• Worm castings can add nutrients and beneficial microbes
• Do not use commercial potting soils with synthetic fertilizers or added chemicals. They will burn young plants.

Nutrients and Additives

As cannabis plants grow, they need different nutrients. During the vegetative stage, plants require more nitrogen (N) for leafy growth. As the plant goes into flowering, the demand turns to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for bud development.

As a rule of thumb, many growers prefer organic nutrients like fish emulsion, bone meal, compost teas, etc. These natural fertilizers feed the plants and add health to the soil by encouraging beneficial microbes. Nutrient-rich organic supplements like molasses promote good bacterial activity, which improves the taste of the bud and its availability.

Watering and pH Balance

Watering the soil is one of the most important parts of growing and one of the simplest things to mess up at the same time. If you're a beginner, you've probably overwatered your plants already. It may not sound like a big deal but overwatering can suffocate roots and lead to root rot. To know when to water, it is best to check the top inch of the soil. Only add water if that first inch feels dry.

Water the soil slowly so that it evenly absorbs the moisture; do not soak the whole pot. Also, it's best to use filtered or dechlorinated water, as chlorine can harm beneficial microbes in the soil. 

Make sure the pH of the water is between 6.0 and 7.0 so that plants absorb the nutrients easily. In addition, test the pH regularly to avoid nutrient lockout as a result of pH imbalances.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Soil growing is easier than hydroponics, but it is not all that simple. To avoid issues, try and discover issues early so you can fix them and keep your plants healthy.

1. Overwatering: Plants that are droopy with yellow leaves can be overwatered.

To fix overwatering, let the soil dry completely before watering again. Make sure your pots have sufficient drainage holes, and consider adding more perlite to your soil mixture.

2. Nutrient Burn: The tips of the leaves look burnt. 

Nutrient burn is when plants get too many nutrients, making the leaf tips turn brown or yellow. If you see these symptoms, flush your soil with pH-balanced water to get rid of them. You will want to lessen the amounts you are feeding with, especially if you're using bottled nutrients. 

3. Nutrient Deficiency: The plants show a range of symptoms from yellowing leaves to brown spots on the leaves. 

Your plant may exhibit yellowing leaves, which is a sign of a few nutrient deficiencies. To avoid this, use balanced nutrient solutions containing all the essential nutrients the plant requires. 

To fix the nutrient deficiencies, you must first understand the type of nutrient deficiency because there are many. We have published quite a few guides on various types of nutrient deficiencies and you can take a look. Once you determine the type of deficiency, you can then go ahead and add solutions containing that nutrient or switch to better brands that offer a balanced blend of all types of nutrients.  

4. pH Imbalance: Sometimes, the plant exhibits symptoms that look like a nutrient deficiency, but it might actually be a pH imbalance. 

To avoid this, always test your water and soil pH on a regular basis using a pH meter or testing strips. If the pH is not right, adjust it with pH Up or pH Down solutions before watering.

5. Pest Issues: You may notice holes in the leaves and other symptoms. 

Pests like fungus gnats or spider mites are attracted to soil. Typically, excess moisture attracts certain pests like fungus gnats. 

There are a variety of ways to eliminate pests and we have published guides on them too. Again, take a look at them once you identify the type of pest you are dealing with. Generally, you can get rid of most types of pests using neem oil and a combination of other household products. You can also add beneficial bugs like ladybugs or predatory mites to control pests if you don't want to use pesticides or insecticides. 

The Rewards of Growing Cannabis in Soil

Soil growing may not be the fastest-growing method, but it’s still one of the most rewarding ways to grow cannabis. Growing naturally and organically promotes better-quality buds and helps the grower connect with the growing process. In fact, soil-grown cannabis is said to have tastier flavors, smoother smoke, and a more aromatic final product than cannabis grown in a hydroponic system. Most growers find that the best flavourful cannabis comes from a soil-based grow.

Growing cannabis in soil is easy and affordable for first-timers and seasoned growers alike. It is a great way to grow top-shelf buds without any fancy equipment. With patience, care, and the right soil mix, you can enjoy a large crop and experience the satisfaction of growing your own cannabis from seed to smoke.

Growing Cannabis with Hydroponics

Hydroponics refers to the advanced method of cultivating cannabis without soil, where the plant receives nutrients directly from the water. It’s a method of growing cannabis plants in water-based, nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil. It allows for faster growth, higher yields, and greater control over plant health — making it popular among both experienced and commercial growers. On the other hand, you need more equipment, knowledge, and daily care with hydro.

What is Hydroponics?

As mentioned above, the technique of growing plants in nutrient solutions instead of soil is known as hydroponics. This method is engineered to deliver nutrients directly to the roots. Usually, roots are held in water, air, or some inert growing media like clay pellets or coco coir. Since nutrients in the water are readily available, plants can grow faster and more efficiently than in soil.

Pros and Cons of Hydroponics

Pros

• Plants grow up to 50% faster than in soil.
• Hydroponics usually results in bigger and fuller buds.
• Plants need less water and nutrients in hydroponics, thus wasting less.
• One advantage of Hydroponics is that it provides a cleaner growing environment because the absence of soil reduces pests, bacteria, and mold.
• Many hydroponic systems take up less space than soil setups.

Cons

• Setting up hydroponics may be more costly because of a pump, reservoir, and other equipment.
• Secondly, it is harder to learn as you have to keep using pH, nutrients, and water.
• If the pump or power fails, then the plants can die quickly.
• You may use hydroponic systems only with constant electricity.

Types of Hydroponic Systems

There are many different types of hydroponic systems for different experience levels and cultivation goals. These systems can be quite simple and low maintenance or technical and involve a lot of automation. Choosing a hydroponic system is based on budget, space, and comfort levels. Here is a summary of the most common hydroponic systems and their pros and cons.

1. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a great hydroponic system for beginners. In this kind of system, the roots of the cannabis plant are suspended in oxygenated nutrient water in a reservoir. Oxygen keeps flowing to the water via an air pump and air stone to prevent the roots from choking. Many people recommend Deep Water Culture (DWC) as a great first system; however, if the air pump goes down, or the water gets too warm, the system is susceptible to root rot, which can kill plants very quickly.

2. Drip System

Drip systems supply a continuous flow of nutrient solution to the roots of plants through small emitters. This method provides an effective way to manage nutrients which is suitable for intermediate level growers. Growers usually use the drip system on bigger grows because of scalability; however, they require continuous maintenance to stop clogging and allow for even distribution of nutrients from the drippers. Despite all the hassle, drip systems can increase yield and nutrient efficiency significantly.

3. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) involves a thin flow of nutrient-rich water over the roots that are suspended in a channel. This technique ensures a constant supply of water, nutrients, and oxygen for steady growth. NFT doesn’t require much water and is ideal for small plants. It needs perfect pump functioning as well as monitoring and if the flow stops, the plants will dry out quickly. Due to its complex setup, the NFT system is recommended for advanced or experienced farmers.

4. Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)

The Ebb and Flow system floods the plant roots with nutrient solution regularly and drains it back into the reservoir. With the periodic supply of nutrients and the drainage allowing oxygen to inundate the roots, the ebb-flow technique suits larger plants with bigger roots. Although it is not that difficult to set up an Ebb and Flow system, it requires an accurate timer and regular maintenance so that it doesn't overwater the plant or dry the roots. This system does require you to be a little creative but It’s popular with intermediate growers because it is so versatile.

5. Aeroponics

Since plant roots are misted with water and nutrients or exactly what they need, Aeroponics manages to be the fastest-growing hydroponic system. In this setup, a plant’s roots are suspended in the air and sprayed with a fine mist of nutrient solution. The roots grow faster and larger because they are periodically misted with a well-balanced nutrient solution without allowing them to dry. Plus, high levels of oxygen contribute to the system’s success. 

But, it is pretty expensive and requires maintenance. If there is an equipment failure even for a short time, plants will die quickly. Needless to say, this is for those who can afford it and have the time to maintain the system properly. 

Nutrients and pH Balance in Hydroponics

As you know by now, unlike soil, the hydroponics system solely uses liquid nutrient solutions. This allows farmers to change the delivery of the nutrients whenever they want. But this also increases the sensitivity of plants to changes in pH and the delivery of nutrients. The concentration of cannabis nutrients varies throughout the plant's life cycle:

Seedling stage: At this stage, minimal nitrogen and calcium are supplied for the initial rooting with the ideal pH range between 5.5 and 6.0.

Vegetative stage: During this phase when the plant starts growing, high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium are provided. The preferred pH is 5.8-6.2.

Flowering stage: To help buds form, you'll need to provide more phosphorus and potassium. The pH range remains 5.8–6.2.

However, you really don't need to keep the pH strictly between 5.8 to 6.2 (it's the sweet spot) and the plants will manage just fine within 5.5-6.5. 

Hydroponic Nutrient Essentials

A complete hydroponic nutrient solution typically includes.

• Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N P K) 
• Secondary Nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur.
• Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Boron, Molybdenum. 

Many hydroponic growers prefer two or three-part nutrient solutions that can be mixed up depending on the stage of plant growth.

Maintaining pH Balance

One of the most important aspects of hydroponics is maintaining a proper pH range. If the pH is less than ideal, plants will have trouble getting nutrients and they will grow poorly and develop other deficiencies too. 

To maintain pH balance:

• Test the water daily using a digital pH meter.
• Adjust pH using pH Up or pH Down solutions.
• Maintain pH levels of 5.5-6.5 at different stages of growth.
• Make sure to clean and fill the reservoir regularly.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Depending on how you assemble your hydroponic gardening setup, your system could experience issues. Here are some common issues and their solutions.

1. pH Imbalance

If you notice yellowing leaves and stunted growth, this might mean that the pH is not correct. To keep your plants in the best possible range, you should test and adjust the pH each day.

2. Root Rot

If the roots are suffering from root rot, they may look brown, slimy, and have a foul smell too. To prevent this, use an air pump to enhance aeration. You can also add Hydroguard to the reservoir.

3. Algae

If you notice algae — green, slimy stuff — on the reservoir's top, you'll need to eliminate it. To avoid it in the first place, keep the reservoir covered to prevent light from entering.

4. Nutrient Burn

Sometimes, the tips of the leaves may turn brown and although it could be a deficiency, it's more likely to be nutrient burn. 

To fix this, first flush the system with pH-balanced water. The next time you feed the plants, reduce the concentration of the nutrients and feed them. Increase the nutrients very gradually to prevent the plant from experiencing shock. 

5. Pump Failure

If the plants start drooping all of a sudden, it's likely to a system malfunction. The pump may have failed or there could be a leak in the system. To avoid these sudden nasty surprises, make sure you check the system on a daily basis and always keep spares so you can fix it immediately. 

Which Hydroponic System is Best for Beginners?

First-time growers should start with deep water culture. By far, it’s the best hydroponic system, at least according to us. Other experienced growers may differ. 

As a beginner, you want something that you can set up easily. You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment and can get reliable results quickly. Most importantly, the system doesn't have many moving parts, which is a relief for many new growers. Once you have mastered DWC, you can consider Drip Systems or Ebb and Flow next.

Growing hydroponically results in faster growth rates, higher yields, and more control over the complete growing process but requires time and dedication. If done perfectly, with the right planning, follow-up, and patience, you can achieve great cannabis yields with hydroponic systems that may perhaps be even better than soil methods.

Tips for Hydroponic Growing

• Always use clean, filtered water to prevent contamination.
• Monitor pH and nutrient levels daily.
• Make use of air stones and air pumps to oxygenate the water to avoid root rot.
• Begin with a simple system prior to upgrading to a complex system.
• Buy backup pumps and power supplies to overcome failures in the main system.

If you can spend a little time on maintenance and set up a good hydroponics system — it doesn't have to be too complicated — you can grow some of the best-quality cannabis right at home! 

Comparing Soil vs. Hydroponics

One of the first and most important decisions you will make on your indoor cannabis growing journey is to choose between soil or hydroponics. Both ways can be great but knowing about each one will help you determine which kind of growing medium will better suit your needs, budget, and experience. 

Both soil and hydroponics offer a range of growing experiences for cannabis. Whether you choose soil or hydroponics, you can still achieve great flavor and maximum yields without having to make it too challenging, as long as you choose the right strains. Both methods can give you high-quality cannabis; however, they require different levels of care and commitment.

1. Cost Breakdown

Many growers decide which options to use based on cost as most of them have the funds only for the least expensive option — and rightly so! If you don't have the experience of growing plants, it makes sense to try cheaper options for a while before you take the plunge and splurge money on a super complicated expensive setup. 

On the other hand, growing in soil tends to be cheaper and easier. The essential stuff including containers, good soil, and organic nutrients can cost between $50 and $200, depending on the size of your grow. 

Compared to soil, hydroponics is a high-investment technique in terms of getting started. A complete hydroponic setup which includes reservoirs, pumps, air-stone, tubing, and pH meters can cost around $200 to $600, or more. Moreover, hydroponic systems use electricity for pumps and aeration systems, increasing your monthly costs.

However, if you properly maintain it, it can reduce your costs in the long run as it uses less water and fewer nutrients. This is why many growers invest their money in hydroponics as it gives better yield and faster growth. 

2. Ease of Use

Soil is considered one of the easiest, most forgiving methods for beginners. The set-up is easy and only really needs some pots, soil, and watering when dry. 

Moreover, soil acts as a natural buffer which helps with pH and nutrients so you are less likely to harm your plant with small mistakes. Soil systems only need watering every couple of days and a handful of pH tests too so they are simple systems.

On the other hand, hydroponics requires much more work. These systems are monitored daily for pH, nutrient concentrations, and water temperature to ensure they do not create an imbalance and damage the plant. Moving parts like pumps and air stones must be kept in good working order, and a failure can quickly ruin the plants. Though it takes more knowledge and learning, those willing to put in the time and attention find that hydroponics offers more control over the growing environment and health of plants.

3. Speed of Growth and Yield

Hydroponics has one of the greatest benefits as potentially faster growth can lead to higher yields. As no soil buffers them, nutrients are delivered directly to the roots, which accelerates growth. Compared to ten to fourteen weeks for soil-grown cannabis, hydroponic cannabis can finish its growth cycle in as little as eight to ten weeks. This direct way to give food makes for bigger and stronger plants that produce more yield in less space.

Soil, while slower, offers a more natural growing process. The gradual release of nutrients helps the plants to grow at a more moderate pace which some growers believe creates tougher, more flavorful buds. Soil-grown cannabis offers organic growers the opportunity to obtain pungent, aromatic, and potent buds with relatively minor adjustments.

4. Flavor and Quality Differences

Soil has more advantages when it comes to flavor and overall quality. Plant terpenes — the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its flavor and smell are produced more abundantly due to the complex life found in organic soil. A lot of growers believe that cannabis grown in soil has richer aromas, smoother smoke, and better-tasting buds. Soil is the medium of choice for those on the lookout for the best.

Indoor hydroponic cannabis can be visually stunning and stronger but lacks flavor compared to soil-grown or ‘organic’ cannabis. Growing plants in a sterile and controlled setting leads to clean and dense buds, but may not cause a spike in terpenes. However, hydroponically grown weed provides good flavor when you flush it right. Note that there's no evidence that flushing improves flavor. In fact, some studies noted that it does nothing to improve the taste. However, some growers swear by their buds that it works and you can give it a try to see if it works. 

Which Method is Right for You?

Whether you grow in soil or with hydroponics is a personal choice that will depend on your goals, resources, and experience. Both cultivation methods yield high-quality cannabis but for different grower types. For the right decision, you need to consider some determining factors. A few factors to consider would be your budget, space, experience, and preference. Let's explore a few: 

1. Budget

The cost of the process will greatly influence your decision. Soil is the better choice if you're looking for the cheapest way to get started. To put together a simple soil setup, you just need to get your hands on some pots and soil and nutrients. It is very cost effective and you’ll learn all the basics of growing cannabis this way. The recurring costs won’t be much, as you won’t need much equipment and won’t use electricity besides your grow lights.

Growing weed in hydroponics is faster, bigger, and more expensive due to the initial setup. You will have to buy reservoirs and pumps, air stones, pH meters, and nutrient solutions that get pricey. Also because the system ties in with electricity, you will have more energy costs. But, for those with the resources, hydroponics can mean better efficiency and possibly better yields later.

2. Space

The space you allot to grow cannabis can also affect your decision. Soil systems often need more horizontal space as pots can be wide and roots grow naturally. In fact, soil is a better choice for outdoor grows or larger indoor spaces where space is not a limiting factor.

In contrast, hydroponic systems, particularly vertical or NFT ones, can fit very well in small spaces. These systems allow plants to grow more upward, allowing them to fit into smaller indoor spaces. Hydroponic systems do take some space, especially for reservoirs and pumps, depending on the setup.

3. Experience Level

For beginners, soil is often the most forgiving option. You don't have to check it daily and it acts as a natural buffer. Mistakes like overwatering or small pH changes are unlikely to do much damage. Using soil to grow your cannabis allows you to take things a little slower.

Hydroponics doesn't offer that level of comfort. In fact, people with experience or the ones who can dedicate daily maintenance are better suited for hydroponics growing. Being able to control more things allows the plants to grow faster and yield more. However small mistakes can have severe consequences. If you're ok with constant monitoring and technical systems, hydroponics can be very rewarding but requires more time and knowledge.

4. Personal Preference

Above all other practical matters, your own preferences will guide the decision in a huge way.  If you enjoy nature and want to grow your cannabis in a way that will produce rich flavorful terpenes, soil might appeal to you. Many growers like to work with soil because they feel it gives back smoother buds with better aromatic qualities.

If you are interested in maximizing yields, trying new technology, and making everything better about the grow, hydroponics offers a more scientific, practical approach. Growers who like to completely fine-tune their setup and push their plants for maximum results find the speed and high yield satisfying.

In short, soil is the best choice if you are just starting out, on a strict budget, or prefer a more natural, low-maintenance growing method. It's also the better option if flavor and aroma are your main concerns. 

Go with hydroponics if you want faster growth, bigger yields, and control over your plants. It is perfect for those who are already experienced or enjoy the technical parts of growing weed.

With proper care, both methods can result in quality cannabis. The best method is the one that works for your preferences and long-term growing goals.

Summary: Soil Vs. Hydroponics: Which Option Is The Best For Beginners?

If you are new to growing cannabis or want something easy to maintain & grow, soil will give you a rich bud loaded with flavor with very little effort.

If you want quicker growth and higher yields, and don’t mind more work, choose hydroponics. 

Regardless of what you choose, though, remember to grow cannabis consistently. This isn't a sprint; instead, it's a slow marathon that demands patience and you'll be able to grow stunning buds only with experience.