Which soil is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend an organic pre-fertilised potting soil with a portion of perlite. It provides nutrients for the first few weeks and forgives small watering mistakes thanks to good drainage.

How important is the soil pH?

pH is crucial! Plants absorb nutrients best between pH 6.0 and 6.8. Outside this range, nutrient lockouts occur – even if fertiliser is present in sufficient quantity.

Can regular garden soil be used?

Ordinary garden soil is not ideal: it is often too heavy, poorly aerated and may contain pests. A specialised substrate or a coco-perlite mix gives much better results.

How often should the soil be watered?

Only water when the top 2 to 3 centimetres are dry. The finger method is the most reliable. Excess water is one of the most common beginner mistakes and causes root rot.

What is the difference between coconut fibre and potting soil?

Coconut fibre is pH neutral, reusable and offers excellent drainage, but must be fertilised from the start. Potting soil is pre-fertilised and easier to manage, but offers less control.

SUBSTRATE GUIDE

The best substrate for your plants

Types of soil, pH, nutrients, and concrete recommendations for indoor & outdoor cultivation – everything you need to know about the ideal substrate.

Legal Disclaimer: in France, home cultivation of cannabis (THC) is prohibited by law. This guide is for informational purposes only and pertains to cultivation substrates in general, applicable to plants, herbs, and ornamental plants grown legally. No part of this content encourages illegal cultivation.

Types of substrate

Growth phases

6.0–6.8

pH range

SUBSTRATE◆PH◆COCO COIR◆LIVING SOIL◆DRAINAGE◆NUTRIENTS◆PERLITE◆ROOT HEALTH◆SUBSTRATE◆PH◆COCO COIR◆LIVING SOIL◆DRAINAGE◆NUTRIENTS◆PERLITE◆ROOT HEALTH◆

01 / SUBSTRATES

The main substrates

Not all substrates are created equal. Choosing the right medium greatly influences growth, terpene profiles, and yield.

Potting Soil

Classic pre-fertilized potting soil – ideal for beginners. It already contains nutrients for 3 to 4 weeks. Ensure a neutral pH and good drainage.

Advantages

+ Easy to use
+ Pre-fertilized
+ Available everywhere

Disadvantages

− Often too little perlite
− Very variable quality

Coco Coir

Sustainable substrate made from coconut fibers. Excellent water retention while ensuring good aeration. Must be fertilized separately.

Advantages

+ Neutral pH
+ Reusable
+ Excellent drainage

Disadvantages

− Fertilizer needed from day 1
− Cal-Mag supplement required

Living Soil

Living soil rich in microorganisms, compost, and worm humus. The most natural growing medium – the plant feeds through the soil life.

Advantages

+ Better terpene profiles
+ Sustainable cycle
+ Little fertilizer needed

Disadvantages

− Higher price
− More complex preparation

Perlite & Vermiculite

Additives for better drainage and aeration. Perlite lightens the soil, vermiculite retains water. Ideal in a 20–30% mix.

Advantages

+ Improves any substrate
+ Prevents stagnant water

Disadvantages

− Not a nutrient on its own
− Dusty to handle

02 / MEASUREMENTS

pH Value & EC Value

pH determines nutrient availability, EC value the salt concentration. Regularly measuring these two values is key to healthy plants.

6.0 – 6.8

Optimal pH range

0.4 – 0.8

EC value seedlings

1.0 – 1.6

EC value growth

1.2 – 2.0

EC value flowering

Pro Tip: Measure Regularly

Invest in a digital pH meter and an EC meter. Measure the watering water before and the drainage water after watering. This way, you can detect problems before they become visible.

03 / RECOMMENDATIONS

Indoor vs Outdoor

Indoor Cultivation

Coco-perlite mix (70/30) for maximum control
Living Soil for organic terpenes
Light Mix + liquid fertilizer for more flexibility
Airpot or fabric pots for root aeration

Outdoor Cultivation

Organic pre-fertilized soil with a portion of compost
Larger pots (20–50 L) for longer cycles
Mulch layer against drying out
Prefer rainwater (neutral pH)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: soil & substrate

Want to learn more?

Discover our shop or continue reading with our guides on plant nutrition.

Fertilizer Guide To the shop

By Cannabuben Redaktion

Das Wichtigste in Kürze

In France, domestic cannabis (THC) cultivation is prohibited; this guide is purely informative and focuses on cultivation substrates in general.
The ideal pH for nutrient absorption is between 6.0 and 6.8.
For beginners: an organic pre-fertilised potting soil with perlite is the most forgiving.
Coconut fibre offers excellent drainage but requires fertiliser from day one.
Regularly measure pH and EC values to detect problems before they become visible.

SUBSTRATE GUIDE

The best substrate for your plants

Types of soil, pH, nutrients, and concrete recommendations for indoor & outdoor cultivation – everything you need to know about the ideal substrate.

Types of substrate

Growth phases

6.0–6.8

pH range

SUBSTRATE◆PH◆COCO COIR◆LIVING SOIL◆DRAINAGE◆NUTRIENTS◆PERLITE◆ROOT HEALTH◆SUBSTRATE◆PH◆COCO COIR◆LIVING SOIL◆DRAINAGE◆NUTRIENTS◆PERLITE◆ROOT HEALTH◆

01 / SUBSTRATES

The main substrates

Not all substrates are created equal. Choosing the right medium greatly influences growth, terpene profiles, and yield.

Potting Soil

Classic pre-fertilized potting soil – ideal for beginners. It already contains nutrients for 3 to 4 weeks. Ensure a neutral pH and good drainage.

Advantages

+ Easy to use
+ Pre-fertilized
+ Available everywhere

Disadvantages

− Often too little perlite
− Very variable quality

Coco Coir

Sustainable substrate made from coconut fibers. Excellent water retention while ensuring good aeration. Must be fertilized separately.

Advantages

+ Neutral pH
+ Reusable
+ Excellent drainage

Disadvantages

− Fertilizer needed from day 1
− Cal-Mag supplement required

Living Soil

Living soil rich in microorganisms, compost, and worm humus. The most natural growing medium – the plant feeds through the soil life.

Advantages

+ Better terpene profiles
+ Sustainable cycle
+ Little fertilizer needed

Disadvantages

− Higher price
− More complex preparation

Perlite & Vermiculite

Additives for better drainage and aeration. Perlite lightens the soil, vermiculite retains water. Ideal in a 20–30% mix.

Advantages

+ Improves any substrate
+ Prevents stagnant water

Disadvantages

− Not a nutrient on its own
− Dusty to handle

02 / MEASUREMENTS

pH Value & EC Value

pH determines nutrient availability, EC value the salt concentration. Regularly measuring these two values is key to healthy plants.

6.0 – 6.8

Optimal pH range

0.4 – 0.8

EC value seedlings

1.0 – 1.6

EC value growth

1.2 – 2.0

EC value flowering

Pro Tip: Measure Regularly

Invest in a digital pH meter and an EC meter. Measure the watering water before and the drainage water after watering. This way, you can detect problems before they become visible.

03 / RECOMMENDATIONS

Indoor vs Outdoor

Indoor Cultivation

Coco-perlite mix (70/30) for maximum control
Living Soil for organic terpenes
Light Mix + liquid fertilizer for more flexibility
Airpot or fabric pots for root aeration

Outdoor Cultivation

Organic pre-fertilized soil with a portion of compost
Larger pots (20–50 L) for longer cycles
Mulch layer against drying out
Prefer rainwater (neutral pH)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: soil & substrate

Want to learn more?

Discover our shop or continue reading with our guides on plant nutrition.

Fertilizer Guide To the shop

By Cannabuben Redaktion

Das Wichtigste in Kürze

In France, domestic cannabis (THC) cultivation is prohibited; this guide is purely informative and focuses on cultivation substrates in general.
The ideal pH for nutrient absorption is between 6.0 and 6.8.
For beginners: an organic pre-fertilised potting soil with perlite is the most forgiving.
Coconut fibre offers excellent drainage but requires fertiliser from day one.
Regularly measure pH and EC values to detect problems before they become visible.