PRODUCTS - INSTRUCTIONS - SUCCESS STORIES - NLS BLOG -FAQ -
BASIC GROW GUIDE - CONTACT US - AFFILIATE - BULK & WHOLESALE
***NOTE*** If you have a question or concern and you cannot find the answer here then please contact us using the contact form we will be happy to help. our grower support team is available online to assist you throughout your grow at no additional charge
What is living soil?
Living soil is a sustainable and natural approach to cannabis cultivation that offers numerous benefits for growers who prioritize quality, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. By incorporating living soil practices into their cultivation methods, growers can improve the health and vitality of their cannabis plants while minimizing their impact on the planet.
Living soil benefits cannabis cultivation by providing a balanced and sustainable ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth. The diverse microbial community in living soil helps break down organic matter and release nutrients, which are then made available to plants, resulting in healthier and more vigorous cannabis plants.
Sustainable farming is a key component of living soil practices, which prioritize the long-term health and productivity of the soil. By using natural inputs and minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, living soil practices can promote healthy soil ecosystems that support plant growth without harming the environment.
Environmental responsibility is another important aspect of living soil practices, which aim to minimize the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation. By reducing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting sustainable farming practices, living soil practices can help reduce soil and water contamination and promote healthier ecosystems.
In summary, living soil can provide a range of benefits for cannabis growers who prioritize quality, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. By using natural inputs, promoting sustainable farming practices, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, living soil practices can improve the health and vitality of cannabis plants while minimizing their impact on the planet.
I opened my bag and there is mold, is it still good?
it is actually a type of fungus called mycelium, which consists of a network of thread-like structures called hyphae. This fungus is beneficial to the soil, as it forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. So, don't worry about the presence of this fungal growth; it's a natural and helpful part of the ecosystem.
I stored my concentrate and NOW it smells like ammonia, can I still use it?
It seems like your concentrate has undergone anaerobic fermentation due to a lack of oxygen, which has caused the ammonia smell. To salvage your concentrate, you can follow these steps:
Open the container and expose the concentrate to fresh air for a couple of days. This will allow the trapped gases to escape and introduce oxygen back into the environment.
After airing it out, moisten the concentrate by adding some water, being careful not to make it too wet.
Place the container in a warm location and let it sit for another couple of days to allow aerobic bacteria to break down the ammonia compounds.
After following these steps, the ammonia smell should dissipate, and your concentrate should be safe to use.
HOW CAN I STORE THE CONCENTRATE FOR LONG TERM?
To store your concentrate for long-term use, follow these steps:
Transfer the concentrate to an airtight container: To minimize exposure to air and moisture, use a container with a tight seal, such as a plastic storage bin.
Keep the container in a dark, cool, and dry place: Store the concentrate in a cupboard, closet, or a basement where the temperature and humidity levels remain stable. Ensure the storage area is away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain the concentrate's quality.
Label the container: Write the date and any relevant details about the concentrate on the container to help you keep track of its age and contents.
Rehydrate before use: When you're ready to use the concentrate, add water to it gradually until it reaches the desired moisture level. Let it sit in a dark, warm place (around 72°F or 22°C) for one to two days to allow the moisture to be evenly absorbed and the concentrate to regain its optimal properties.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully store your concentrate for an extended period and maintain its quality for future use.
My plant is showing signs of deficiencies or toxicity what can I do?
If your plant is showing signs of deficiencies or toxicity, it's essential to identify the underlying cause and address it accordingly. We're glad to offer guidance on this matter. Often, issues with plants in organic soils arise due to overwatering or placing them too close to the lights. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies or toxicity are quite common, which can result from using RO or distilled water lacking essential minerals or a soil mix high in coco coir, which retains calcium.
To address these issues, you can perform a mini flush to reboot your plant's system.
Mini Flush Procedure:
Solution Preparation: Mix water with a pH level of 6.5 and add half the recommended dose of a commercial cal/mag supplement.
Watering: Thoroughly water your plant with the prepared solution. Continue until the runoff is about 1/3 to 1/2 of the pot's volume or until the runoff appears clear.
Runoff Analysis: Measure the pH and nutrient levels of the runoff to ensure it's within the desired range.
Next Watering: During your subsequent watering session, enrich the water with 2 tablespoons of unsulfured molasses per gallon or 1 teaspoon of Soil Revival per gallon of water. If available, also add 2 tablespoons of concentrate. This will supplement additional nutrients and boost microbial activity in the soil.
Remember, always monitor your plant's response to any changes in its care regimen and adjust as necessary.
PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED: Autoflower, Original, Katie’s Vegan, Girl Flower Power & Soil Revival
Can I add nutrients and amendments?
Absolutely, you can add nutrients and amendments to enhance the growth and yields of your plants. However, you should proceed with caution to avoid harming your plants. Here are some guidelines to follow when adding nutrients and amendments:
Start with a reduced dose: To avoid overloading your plants with nutrients, begin with a fraction of the manufacturer's recommended dose. You can gradually increase the dose as needed, based on your plants' response.
Monitor your plants: Keep an eye on your plants' growth, color, and overall health. If you notice any signs of nutrient burn, deficiencies, or toxicity, adjust the nutrient levels accordingly.
Wait for the right time: During the initial 5 weeks of vegetative growth, it's generally not recommended to add extra nutrients, as young plants can be sensitive to nutrient imbalances an there should be plenty of nutrients from the concentrate and potting soil available for a young plant. Once the plants have established a robust root system and show signs of healthy growth, you can start introducing additional nutrients and amendments.
Use organic or synthetic nutrients: Depending on your preference and gardening style, you can use organic or synthetic nutrients. Organic nutrients are derived from natural sources and typically have a slower release, while synthetic nutrients provide more immediate results but may require more precise management.
Amend the soil: If you're growing in soil, consider incorporating amendments to improve soil structure, increase water retention, or add beneficial microbes. Some common amendments include compost, perlite, vermiculite, worm castings, and coco coir.
Maintain proper pH levels: Keep an eye on the pH of your growing medium and the nutrient solution to ensure your plants can efficiently absorb the added nutrients. The ideal pH range varies depending on the growing medium; for living soil, it's typically between 6.2 and 7.0 (our target is 6.5),
Follow the manufacturer's instructions: When using commercial nutrients and amendments, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for application rates and intervals. This information will help you determine the appropriate amount and frequency of use to maximize the benefits and avoid potential issues. It is advisable to start with half the recommended dose.
By adding nutrients and amendments carefully and monitoring your plants' progress, you can optimize their growth, health, and yields. Make sure to regularly assess your plants' needs, as their requirements may change throughout their life cycle, particularly during the transition from vegetative growth to flowering.
Remember, patience and attentiveness are key when adding nutrients and amendments. Monitor your plants closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure they remain healthy and productive throughout their life cycle.
PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED: Autoflower, Original, Katie’s Vegan, Girl Flower Power & Soil Revival
Do I need to pH my water?
Yes, it is a good idea to check and adjust the pH of your water, especially when growing in living soil. The ideal pH range for living soil is 6.2 to 7.0, with 6.5 being optimal. Maintaining the proper pH allows your plants to absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting healthy growth and development.
Here's how you can manage the pH of your water:
Test your water: Use a pH meter or pH test strips to measure the pH of your water source. This will give you a baseline to work with when adjusting the pH.
Adjust the pH if necessary: If the pH of your water is outside the desired range, you'll need to adjust it. To increase the pH, you can use pH Up solutions or natural alternatives like baking soda. To lower the pH, use pH Down solutions or organic acids like lemon juice or vinegar (we suggest a commercial product). Add small amounts of the pH adjuster, then test the water again to ensure you've reached the target range.
Monitor your soil pH: Periodically test the pH of your soil to ensure it remains within the optimal range. If the soil pH is outside the desired range, you may need to adjust your water's pH or consider using soil amendments to restore balance.
Be consistent: Make a habit of checking and adjusting your water's pH regularly. Consistency is key to maintaining a stable and healthy environment for your plants.
By managing the pH of your water, you can create an optimal growing environment for your plants, ensuring they can access the nutrients they need to thrive.
What is the difference between the Auto-flower and regular products?
The primary difference between autoflower and regular products lies in their formulation to cater to the specific needs of autoflowering plants versus regular (photoperiod) plants. Autoflowering plants have unique characteristics that affect their growth and nutrient requirements, such as:
Faster growth cycle: Autoflowering plants have a shorter life cycle, usually maturing within 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest. This accelerated growth rate requires nutrients to be more readily available in the soil.
Sensitivity: Autoflowering plants can be more sensitive to their environment and nutrient levels, making it crucial to use a product that prevents nutrient burn or stress caused by excessive nutrient concentrations (a "hot" soil).
Autoflower products are specifically formulated to meet these unique requirements by:
Ensuring faster nutrient availability: Autoflower products contain nutrients that are easily accessible to the plants, which is essential for their rapid growth and development.
Preventing nutrient burn: These products are designed with lower nutrient concentrations to avoid overwhelming the plants, reducing the risk of nutrient burn or other adverse effects.
On the other hand, regular products are formulated for photoperiod plants, which have longer life cycles and different nutrient needs. Photoperiod plants require specific light cycles to transition between vegetative and flowering stages, and their nutrient demands change throughout these growth stages.
In summary, the main difference between autoflower and regular products is their formulation to cater to the distinct growth patterns, life cycles, and sensitivities of autoflowering plants compared to photoperiod plants. Choosing the right product for your specific plant type is beneficial to ensuring optimal growth, health
Can I reuse the soil?
Recycling living soil after one growing season is a sustainable and cost-effective way to maintain soil health and productivity. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to recycle living soil:
Remove plant material: Start by removing the old plants, roots, and any other plant debris from the soil. Large root masses can be cut out or gently removed to minimize soil disruption.
Amend the soil: Adding 1.5 to 3 ounces of NLS Concentrate (by weight) per gallon of soil to replenish the nutrients that were consumed during the previous growing season. As well as reintroduce the microbial life. This addition will help maintain the soil's fertility.
Balance pH levels: Check the soil pH and adjust it as needed to ensure optimal nutrient availability for your plants. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0. You can use lime to raise pH levels or elemental sulfur to lower them. Target pH is 6.5.
Add microbial life: Reintroduce beneficial microbes by incorporating compost teas, mycorrhizal fungi, or other microbial inoculants. You can use our Soil Revival product to reintroduce organisms help break down organic matter, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
Aerate the soil: Loosen the soil to improve aeration and root penetration. This can be done using a garden fork, broadfork, or another suitable tool. Avoid over-tilling, as it can harm soil structure and disrupt the beneficial microbial communities.
Apply a top dressing: Spread a thin layer of NLS concentrate on the soil surface
PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED: Autoflower, Original, Katie’s Vegan, Girl Flower Power & Soil Revival
Can I make a compost tea with the concentrate?
Yes, using the concentrate to make compost tea is a great idea! To prepare the tea, follow these steps:
Mix two tablespoons of concentrate per gallon of water.
If you have unsulfured molasses available, add two tablespoons of that as well. This will provide an additional source of nutrients and promote the growth of beneficial microbes.
It's recommended to start with a half dose of the compost tea when you first apply it to your plants. This allows them to gradually adjust to the nutrient-rich solution without the risk of over-fertilization.
It is recommended use non-chlorinated water for making compost tea, as chlorine can kill some of the beneficial microbes that contribute to its effectiveness. Aerate the mixture with an air pump or by stirring it occasionally to provide oxygen for the microbes. After brewing for 6-8 hours, strain the compost tea and apply it to your plants as a foliar spray or soil drench.
PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED: Autoflower, Original, Katie’s Vegan, Girl Flower Power & Soil Revival
Can I USE THE Concentrate as a top dressing?
Absolutely, the concentrate can be used effectively as a top dressing. To apply it as a top dressing, follow these simple steps:
Spread a thin layer of concentrate, approximately 1/8 inch thick, on the surface of the soil around your plants.
Water the area thoroughly to help the concentrate's nutrients release and become available to the plants.
Using the concentrate as a top dressing provides a slow-release source of nutrients to the plants, encouraging healthy growth and improving soil fertility.
PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED: Autoflower, Original, Katie’s Vegan and Girl Flower Power
Can I use the concentrate to make my own soil?
Yes, you can definitely use the concentrate to make your own soil mix. Here's the basic recipe you provided, with a few minor adjustments for clarity:
Ingredients:
5 gallons of coir fiber
3 gallons of perlite or rice husks
5 gallons of compost or earthworm castings (preferred)
1 to 2 pounds of Nature's Living Soil Concentrate
Instructions:
Mix the coir fiber, perlite (or rice husks), compost (or earthworm castings), and Nature's Living Soil Concentrate together in a large container until they are thoroughly combined.
Add 1.5 to 3 ounces per gallon of the above mix
Store the soil mix in a dark, warm place for a week, allowing the microbial activity to develop and enhance the fertility of the mix.
After a week, your homemade soil mix will be ready to use for planting or transplanting your plants. This nutrient-rich blend will support healthy plant growth and contribute to a thriving garden.
Do you have a growing guide?
Yes, go to this link GROW GUIDE
https://www.growweedeasy.com/just-add-water-super-soil-grow-guide-easy-organic-weed