Watering in Your Ganja Starts

Cannabis Watering Tips for Successful Seedling Growth: Autos and Photos

Proper watering is a fundamental aspect of seedling care, ensuring healthy emergence and subsequent growth. In this blog post, we will provide essential watering guidelines for both autoflower (autos) and photoperiod (photos) seedlings, helping you maintain the ideal moisture levels for optimal development.

Before Emergence

When initially planting the seeds, it is important to provide ample water, without allowing standing water in the cell tray. The goal is to keep the soil in the moist to wet range, while avoiding an overly soaked or soggy environment. The following considerations can help set the right conditions:

1. Mild or Cool Conditions:
   In mild or cool weather, the trays may not require watering for up to 24 hours, as the lower temperatures slow down evaporation. This interval may vary depending on specific environmental factors.
2. Hot, Dry, or Windy Days:
   On hot, dry, or windy days, seedling trays may need to be watered five times a day or even more frequently. These conditions increase evaporation and can cause the soil to dry out rapidly, requiring regular watering to maintain adequate moisture levels.
3. Preventing Algal Growth:
   To avoid algal growth on the top layer of soil, which is common in overwatered, poorly ventilated, or cool spaces, it is advisable to allow the trays to dry down slightly in cool conditions. However, ensure that the soil never becomes bone dry.

After Emergence

Once the seedlings have emerged, adjust the watering frequency based on your medium and prevailing temperatures. Consider the following tips:

1. Medium and Temperature Considerations:
   Different growing mediums have varying water retention properties. Adjust your watering frequency to provide a wet-to-dry swing, as seedlings benefit from this cycle. However, ensure that the soil never dries down completely, as it can stress and damage the seedlings.
2. Monitoring Moisture Levels:
   Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil by feeling the top layer with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. As a general guideline, watering anywhere from 1-3 times a day is typically sufficient for healthy seedling growth.