Growing cannabis starts with healthy soil, as it provides the necessary nutrients and minerals for the plants to flourish. However, with the plethora of soil options in the market, choosing the right one for your plants can take time and effort. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular soil brands for growing cannabis – Mother Earth Soil vs Fox Farm.
We will dive into their similarities, differences, advantages, and drawbacks to help you decide which one is the best fit for your cannabis plants.
Mother Earth Soil
Mother Earth Soil is a nutrient-rich blend of organic materials that help improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient uptake. Fox farm ocean forest is composed of peat moss, perlite, pumice, earthworm castings, and other organic amendments. The soil has a neutral pH level, which means it won’t alter the acidity or alkalinity of your soil.
One of the advantages of Mother Earth Soil is that it doesn’t come with any added fertilizers, allowing growers to customize their nutrient regimen based on their plants’ needs. The soil also has excellent drainage properties, preventing overwatering and root rot.
However, some growers have reported inconsistency with the soil’s texture, making it difficult to manage water retention. Mother Earth Soil is also pricier compared to other soil brands.
Fox Farm
Fox Farm is a well-known soil brand in the cannabis community. The soil is a combination of peat moss, perlite, earthworm castings, and bat guano. It also has a neutral pH level but contains added fertilizers that provide essential nutrients for your cannabis plants.
Fox Farm potting soil is a popular choice among growers due to its consistency in texture and water retention properties. The soil is also known for promoting vigorous growth and high yields. Additionally, it is affordable and readily available in most gardening stores.
However, some growers have reported that the soil can be too hot, meaning it has too many nutrients that can burn the plants. The added fertilizers in Fox Farm also require growers to flush the soil before harvesting to prevent an unpleasant taste in the buds.
Similarities
Both Mother Earth Soil and foxfarm potting soil are composed of similar organic materials, are pH neutral, and have excellent drainage properties. They both allow growers to customize their nutrient regimen based on their plants’ needs. Additionally, they are both readily available in most gardening stores.
Differences
The main difference between the two soil brands is that Fox Farm has added fertilizers, while Mother Earth Soil doesn’t. Fox Farm is also known for promoting vigorous growth and high yields, while Mother Earth Soil vs Fox Farm is pricier and may require additional amendments to provide additional nutrients.
Nutrient Content:
Mother Earth Soil is a blend of peat moss, perlite, and humus, with a pH adjusted to 6.3. It is rich in organic matter and contains beneficial microbes. However, it does not contain any added nutrients, so cannabis growers will have to supplement it with fertilizers. Fox Farm, on the other hand, contains several microbial species and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. FoxFarm soil is a more nutrient-rich option and requires minimal additional fertilization.
Drainage and Water Retention:
Good drainage and water retention are vital for cannabis plant growth. Mother Earth Soil has excellent water retention and is ideal for growers who need to remember to water their plants. However, the moisture retention makes it hard to control the amount of watering required. Fox Farm soil has better drainage, allowing for proper aeration and water movement in the soil. Although it retains water, it does not hold excess water, thereby protecting the plants from overwatering.
pH and EC Levels:
Cannabis plants perform best when the soil pH level ranges between 6.0 and 7.0. Mother Earth Soil has a slightly acidic pH level of 6.3, which might require pH adjustments to suit the plant’s requirements. Fox Farm soil has a more neutral pH level of about 6.3 to 6.8, making it more suitable for different plant species. Fox Farm soil also has a lower electrical conductivity (EC) level and contains fewer substances that might affect the plant’s growth.
Price and Availability:
Mother Earth Soil is relatively cheap and widely available. It is suitable for novice growers who are looking for affordable options. Fox Farm soil is slightly expensive and might not be available in all stores. However, Fox Farm soils’ high nutrient content and exceptional quality justify the higher price tag.
Your Soil Needs
Before we compare these two brands, it’s important to understand what type of soil your cannabis plant needs. Cannabis requires a well-draining soil that is rich in essential nutrients. The soil should have a pH content between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure that the plant is healthy.
Mother Earth’s soil is made up of a blend of peat moss, perlite, pumice, and other organic ingredients. It is designed to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients and oxygen that it needs to grow. The soil has a pH content of 6.0 to 6.5, which is ideal for cannabis.
Fox Farm, on the other hand, is a high-quality blend of premium humic acid, guano, and earthworm castings. It also has additional nutrients such as bat guano, earthworm castings, and other organic materials that help the plant grow. Its pH range is between 6.3 to 6.8, which is near the ideal range for cannabis plants.
Cost and Quantity
One of the factors that you need to consider when choosing a brand of soil is the cost and quantity that you need. Mother Earth soil comes in a 50L bag, which costs around $25. On the other hand, Fox Farm is available in smaller bags of 12L, 20L, or 40L, which range from $15 to $35. However, Fox Farm is more expensive per liter compared to Mother Earth soil.
Quality and Performance
Mother Earth’s soil is known for its consistency and quality. It is a popular choice among cannabis growers because of its ability to improve the growth and health of the plant. Mother Earth soil requires little supplemental feeding during the vegetative stage and no feeding during the flowering phase of the plant.
Fox Farm, on the other hand, is also a high-quality ground that is specifically designed for cannabis plants. It is renowned for being able to support plant growth and enhance the flavor and aroma of the plant. With Fox Farm, you will need to add additional feeding during both the vegetative and flowering stages to ensure proper nutrient levels.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of a soil brand is also an important factor to consider. Mother Earth soil is easy to use straight out of the bag, and it requires little to no modification or preparation. This soil is perfect for beginners who are just starting to grow cannabis.
Fox Farm requires some preparation before use, including pH adjustment, flushing, and feeding schedules. It is also designed for experienced growers who understand the nutrient needs of their cannabis plants.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between Mother Earth Soil vs Fox Farm, it depends on your growing style and preferences. If you prefer to customize your nutrient regimen and have the budget for it, Mother Earth Soil may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for affordable and reliable soil that promotes vigorous growth and high yields, Fox Farm may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best soil is the one that works best for your plants and fits your budget.
FAQ
Is Mother Earth good soil?
Good for all plants, including blossoms, tomatoes, and vegetables. It is used for many types of growing environments, including indoor, outdoor, containers, or raised beds.
Is FoxFarm nutrients organic?
FoxFarm products are a top choice if you want to grow your garden vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, flowering trees, houseplants, and other varieties in ways that are organic, chemical-free, environmentally friendly, and great for soil health.
What is the best quality topsoil?
Generally speaking, lean toward darker shades – anything from coffee-colored to almost black. Rich, dark tones indicate a high level of organic matter, and the more organic material present, the greater the concentration of nutrients.