I'm currently on my 3rd grow. I'm doing much better with the help of the forum!! I would like to know what everyones soil consist of. Possible your recipe (you dont have to give up the goods if you dont want to). I'm using 2 parts topsoil 1 part peat moss 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. I also ammend the soil with some blood meal. pH of my soil is approx. 6.9 - 7.0. Is the pH good enough? My bottom leaves yellow then become brown and brittle. Thats been an existing problem for me from my first initial grows. I can never get my entire plant lush and fully green past 3 weeks of vegging. I always have a problem with yellowing leaves. Nitrogen def.?

I'm asking because I'm looking to get a good system for growing. for example a good soil mixture and ph sorted out. I figure I asks the best not the rest..nah mean

What pH does everyone shoot for for their soil, fert solution and watering solution?

Thanks Guys!!!

this is a good question, and along the same lines, it made me ponder this question:

I have been using hydro grown stuff for some time as this is what is available to me. But, I've been wondering if anybody has found that weed grown in soil vs hydro gives nicer effects all around, such as maybe a more intense effect or pleasant effects in taste, smoke, and medicinal effect. Which grow? soil or hydro, specially for medical patients using cannabis for pain control.

I use Promix 2 I think. Who wants to f around with mixing soils and what not. I have enough problems without adding unneeded ones.

How much blood meal? It's notoriously hot.
The pH is too high. It should be closer to 6.5. To be honest, my plants seem happiest around 6.2-6.3.

This is my base mix:
5 parts Sunshine #4
3 parts compost/humus (0.5-0.5-0.5)
1 part greensand (0-1-5, pH 8.3)
1 part perlite

To each gallon of medium I add:
1 tbsp FF Peace of Mind® Premium Lawn Organic Fertilizer (8-2-6)
1 tbsp FF Peace of Mind® High Phosphorus Bat Guano (0-5-0)
Both are blended ferts that include humic + fulvic acids, and 20 species of beneficial microbes.

Weekly in the water they get Maxicrop® seaweed extract (0.1-0-1)
Every third watering they get a tea made from the lawn fertilizer and bat guano. ~ (0.5-0.3-0.3)
Monthly in the water they get blackstrap molasses (1-0-5)

My soil contains potting soil, perlite, vermiculite, and spagmum moss. I don't have an exact formula but rather tested the soil by running it through my hands for the right density. In addition I use one cup of blood meal and bone meal.
For nutrients I used shultz 10-15-10 solution. Every other watering until four weeks old then every watering after.
Last two weeks flushing and a teaspoon of molasses with every watering which is 16-20 fluid ounces per plant every other day.
I think that's all that is needed for bagseed plants to excel.

I use coco coir. I mix in coarse perlite. I buy a case of bricks at a time. Last me long time.This stuff is reusable, I just hose the crap out of it and add it to my other loose coir. I have some, I have been using for years. You have to filter thru it to get the roots out.But I love the stuff.Does not compact, great for oxygen for the roots.It does take time to get a fert cycle worked out.Because your dealing with no ferts or anything in the coir. So a lower level ppm with every watering has worked for me. I got turned on to this stuff because it is so light, like coffee grounds.After 2 back fusions you look for a edge. I also use superthrive.Would not leave home without it.

How do you determine soil pH? Do you use a probe, make a slurry, check pH on runoff water, etc?

It's good enough. But I agree with Indy that 6.5 would be better.

It's normal for older leaves to eventually dry up and die as the plant grows. I've never gotten a plant from seed to harvest that didn't lose leaves from natural death.

so Promix 2 is a soil grow right? yeah, but that is not really my question. my question is specifically:

Which grow medium produces superior pot...soil or hydro?
thanks

You really want to start a war eh? I`m not touching this with a 20ft. ganga stalk. I`ll sit back and watch.

Peace

Jake, the question you bring up as to whether soil or hydro is best has a quite decisive answer as it depends on who you ask and for what setting you ask them. But most are absolutely sold out that their style of soil/hydro is the best, thus a question loaded and ready to start a fight.

Hell, I will throw the first punch what the hell.

Hydro is the absolute best way to grow marijuana indoors on the planet.

Soil is the best way to go outdoor.