So on my first grow I used the fox farm Trio. After all the research I’ve been doing I want to switch to organic and top dressing my cannabis plants for my next grow. I do like the fox farm organic top dress fertilizers. Can anybody recommend what one would be the best for each cycle or any other recommendations for organic growing
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There are a few organic growers on here but I forget who off the top of my head.
@Covertgrower @PurpNGold74 @AfgVet any suggestions for an organic grower?
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There’s a ton of info out there on organic growing. Imho going with a living soil for me is the way to go. Worrying about what to give when isn’t as critical. The plant will take what it needs when it needs it. I recommend a good compost tea at least once a week to keep the microbes going. And the best thing is your soil gets better each time you use it. The list of ingredients are pretty basic. The only reason I don’t use FF is the cost. No way I’m paying $35 a bag when imo I can make a healthier soil for less in the long run. If I could get FF in my area for say $10 a bag then I’d probably use it but I like the living soil approach. Start a compost bin, maybe a worm farm if you have the room or if your using a big enough pot add earthworms right in your pot. And add a fish either whole or chop it up and put it near the bottom and your plant will love you for it. It does make a difference. Just search living soils on here or youtube and you’ll find a ton of info on it. Happy growing! 
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In my state [Maine] our regional Organic Certifying Agency is MOFGA. MOFGA originated the term ‘Organic’ for farm produce back in 1970. Since the USDA considers marijuana to be illegal, the USDA does not allow any certifiers to certify marijuana as ‘organic’. What MOFGA has done in response has been to establish a different kind of certification, using the same standards, but calling it ‘Clean marijuana’. Maybe your regional Organic Certifier has done something similiar.
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@madhatter1 really a fish in the bottom of your pot. That must smell if you’re growing indoors
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I honestly can’t say. I never notice it outdoors. It breaks down pretty quick though.
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I can get Fox Farm soil for 21 bucks for a 1.5 cubic foot bag around here. I guess what I’m asking is is it better to top feed my plants then to add liquid nutrients every few days. I don’t think I’m ready for making my own soil yet this is going to be my second grow
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You should start now if you are even thinking about making your own living soil. I’m takes a while for everything to breakdown and do it’s thing.
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Imo it is better to top dress than liquid fertilizers especially if they aren’t organic.
worm castings, bat or seabird guano, kelp, bone meal, etc are all essential for different stages of plant growth. This fish product is worth its weight in gold. If your soil is healthy your plants will be healthy and much less of a chance to be bothered by pests. My 3 plants going right now haven’t had ANY kind of bug or insect attack them and we have plenty bugs down here.
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If you dont want to make your own and just want to buy premade or bag, Nature’s Living Soil is a good choice IMO. I’m still on my first grow but the results so far have been amazing.
It comes pre-packaged and you just mix into what ever soil you want to start with. You can then also top dress or make your compost teas with it.
They give you all the instructions right on thier site and even respond quickly to questions or concerns.
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I think top dressing is the way to go. I understand you want to start with a pre-made soil, good way to get started. I’m in Canada and use Gaia Green for fertilizer. All Purpose for vegetative stage and Power Bloom for flowering. The instructions say to top dress every 4 weeks, but I do it more frequently with smaller doses - every 2 to 3 weeks.
I agree with everyone else, a good microbe source once a week or so will help a lot. Plenty of good products out there that you can mix with water about once per week.
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So just to be clear . I decide what top dressing i want and apply as recommended and just water normally
@Greenegreens do you have the resources around your home to build your own soil. If so i would also look into building a worm farm there’s alot of work goes into if but i think its well worth it my friend happy growing
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Yes you got it. Super simple!
If you’re starting with a good organic soil, you won’t need to top dress at the beginning - since the soil will already have lots amendments. It will vary based on the soil, but I’d say around 3 weeks is when yoh first top dress. That gives time for the organic soil’s original nutrients to be used up while the top dressing breaks down and becomes available.
If you want to watch YouTube’s tutorials, I think most of Mr Canucks grows is just using Gaia Green nutrients in coco coir. Top dressing works the same for soil and coco.