How to germinate pot seeds in soil

Germination is the first step in the growth cycle of each plant. This process brings the seed out of its hibernation period and begins the growth process of the plant. All of this begins when the seed receives the necessary environmental conditions and is in the right setting to start growing.

There are several different methods of germination growers use, but today, we'll focus on one particular method: germinating cannabis seeds in soil.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Soil

Starting cannabis seeds in soil is an easy and natural method of germination, as this is where seeds would germinate if they were to grow out in nature. There are several pros and cons to using this method, so let's check out what those are.

The advantages of germinating marijuana seeds in soil include:

• Safety.
  In the wild, it's the soil that protects the germinating seed and its roots from outside interference, offering the seed a safe space where it can grow and develop.
• Natural method.
  This is the most natural method of germination that occurs out in the wild.
• No added stress.
  Soil not only provides the perfect medium for the seed to germinate but also to grow, meaning it doesn't need to be interrupted by transplanting it into a different growth medium, avoiding unnecessary stress.

The disadvantages of germinating weed seeds in soil include:

• Less control.
  When using other germination mediums such as damp paper towels, you have better control over the process - namely, the ability to monitor and adjust moisture and temperature levels accordingly. You can also watch the root closely as it grows and be able to know when the perfect time is to plant your seed
• No control over diseases.
  When working with soil, you're not working with a sterile environment such is the case with paper towels, meaning that your seed could encounter certain diseases and pathogens that might prevent it from sprouting. To avoid these issues, purchase sterile soil rather than using it straight from your garden

What is the Best Soil for Germinating Cannabis Seeds?

When deciding to use soil to germinate your seeds, the first thing you need to do is make sure you get the right type.

The type of soil that would work best has spores and minerals that help when you're starting cannabis seeds in soil directly. These minerals will be enough for your young marijuana plants to thrive in their first couple of weeks, so you don't need to add any nutrients during this time.

Here's what to look for when purchasing soil for germinating cannabis seeds:

Soil Texture

The perfect soil for germinating cannabis seeds needs to be light and airy and have the following or similar ratio of components:

• 4 parts compost
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part vermiculite
• 2 parts peat moss

You can also go with a pre-made starting mix if you don't want to make your own.

Soil Nutrients and Amendments

You don't need to add nutrients and minerals to your soil mix, at least for the first couple of weeks, as the potting soil you use will have enough nutrients to sustain your plant's life and help it grow during this timeframe.

Soil pH

The potting soil you use should be mildly fertilized, or you can also go with a pre-made seed starter soil mix. No matter which you choose, your soil should have an approximate pH of 6.

How to Germinate Weed Seeds in Soil: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's check out the process of germinating cannabis seeds in soil step by step.

Step 1 - Prepare the Soil

When germinating weed seeds directly in soil, the first thing you need to do is get the right potting soil or seed starter. When it comes to the texture of your starter soil, you can follow our guidelines on the ratio above. Next, place the soil into small pots, depending on how many seeds you're going to be germinating.

Step 2 - Plant

Use a pencil or stick to poke a small hole in the soil that's around half an inch (1cm) deep. Plant the seed into the hole and lightly cover it with soil. Once you've completed this step, don't touch the seed or disturb it in any way - just let it position itself and start germinating.

Step 3 - Maintain the Right Grow Conditions

Keep your pots away from direct sunlight, but in a warm area with a temperature range of 70 to 80°F (21-26°C).

Place your pots under a fluorescent lamp and water them gently using a spray bottle. Use distilled water instead of tap water so as not to compromise your seeds with unwanted minerals and substances that can be present in tap water.

Let your seeds germinate, and when their stems reach 2-4 inches (5-10cm) in height, you can start transplanting them into bigger pots.

Pro tip: Use peat moss pots or another type of degradable pot so you can transplant your seeds along with the pot without disturbing their root systems.

Remember, the quality of the seeds you purchase plays a huge role in how successful the germination process will be. If you're looking for the right seeds to plant, look no further than Herbies. At Herbies, you can find the best viable, vigorous, and fast-growing seeds with high cannabinoid content from seed banks around the globe. All seeds are stored in perfect conditions and are inspected by experts before shipping.

As you can see, the process of germinating cannabis seeds in soil is pretty simple and straightforward. However, for those of you who are still left with a few unanswered questions on this topic, we've composed a list of the most commonly asked ones on the subject to help clear things up.

FAQ