Missouri soils can vary to a great degree. Western soils are higher in magnesium, while soils in the eastern part of the state have less. South of the Missouri River you have rockier soils generally, while you will find hard-pan clay more abundantly to the north. There are tons of gardening videos and articles available to help guide you in analyzing your soil and making appropriate additions. In this article, we’ll keep things a bit more generalized.
By far, the number one way to improve your soil will be to add organic matter. Composting your yard waste is an excellent way to do this but do be aware that they best amendments are well aged compost. Fresh compost may literally be too hot for your plants and the active decomposition process can temporarily lock nutrients away from your cannabis plants.
This is the perfect time of year to source aged compost. Aged horse and cow manure from a nearby farm can be an outstanding addition. Many farmers have no problem with allowing someone access to their barnyard because they need to keep the amount of manure down anyway. Local composting companies often offer deals during the winter as it can be a slow season for compost sales.
Take advantage of your frozen soil by using those cold periods to truck in your composted materials. If the soil is frozen you won’t rut up your property and compact your existing soil. Simply spread a thick layer of composted material over the soil where you intend to put your outdoor garden.
For those of us with difficult soil, I do recommend one cultivation session where you till in the compost into your existing soil. That existing soil serves as an excellent source of trace minerals for your cannabis. All native soils (that haven’t been overworked by modern farming techniques) are laden with these minerals. This cultivation zone can act as a transition from the organic material you are building up and the native soil below.
Finally, it would be worthwhile to invest in some biochar as well. Adding biochar to your soil can significantly enhance the properties your soil. It is the secret ingredient of Amazonian Dark Earth (or just dark earth) which has remained fertile for eons. Biochar can be costly, but even a modest addition of this fabulous soil conditioner will serve you well.
Happy Harvests!
— The Lit Farmer —
Rabbit manure is good if planning to set or use in less than a year. Claw/hooved animal manure should no less than one year. Longer in my opinion. Good luck happy growing