Hey DGC. So I have my organic soil mix cooking/composting and have a few weeks before I will be using it. In the mean time I’m planning for what will come after I transplant my clones into my 15 gallon pots. I’m wondering what would be best for covering the top layer of soil. I’m using fabric pots that are 16″ x 16″ x 14″ High. I had considered some kind of cover crop but I’m only growing two plants thus two containers under one 315w CMH. I’m thinking straw like I use on my outdoor veggie garden but I’ve heard of people using alfalfa with good results. Thoughts and suggestions very much appreciated.
Barley straw is the go to for most organic no till soil. Some people will do some yard leaf compost at their own risk. Stay irie
Straw is the best I have found, not counting a cover crop.
Is it possible to do a cover crop in just a 15 gallon container ?
Im going to try it. Just depends how many plants you want. As long as you let the cannabis shade the cover crop and the soil is fertile enough to support everything. I’ve seen the guys just smash it to the side allowing airflow and light penetration to the cash crop. Maybe need to top dress after they die out or do teas. Its good to cover crop between cycles to keep active roots in soil. Multiple species increase microbes in soil. More soldiers with different specialties. Also alfalfa just has a lot of nitrogen to mulch with i think. Great to use in teas though. I got about 4 weeks till I’m finished with this cycle and going to try cover cropping. You can doo itttt! Lol why not try chop the crop if the girls suffer but suppose to really help with new soil mix balancing.
So I’m thinking maybe a nitrogen fixing clover or something that will stay low and get overshadowed by the cannabis plant. I’ve got some time to research and geek out on the topic. Would love to hear how your grow
finishes. Stay elevated and have fun. !
Cover crop definitely works the best to hold moisture in the soil. Barley straw is ok, but I’ve still had my top layer dry quickly with the straw. And you can’t definitely grow cover crop in a 5 gal no problem, I’ve grown it in a beer cup with a seedling in it. Have fun, and happy growing.
I use a mix of straw and living mulch like clover or cover crops
https://www.groworganic.com/dutch-white-clover-rhizocoated-lb.html
https://www.groworganic.com/low-growing-good-bug-blend-lb-6121.html
https://buildasoil.com/products/clover-cover-crop-blend-13-seed-buildasoil-mix-40-clover?variant=1040251460
I now put companion crop seed on top over every container size I use all the way down to solo cups. It works great at retaining moisture and using clover to fix nitrogen. Definitely use a good cover mix in the 15 gals you won’t be disappointed.
And barley straw for sure. Just keep it loose so the companion plants can grow through.