Four Grows, Five Genetics, One Circular System

Philipp aka @_baumbart has been involved in cannabis cultivation for around three years. By now, he has completed four full cycles with the CannaSelection Organic Line.

His setup is based on reused soil, compost worms, Chop-and-Drop and consistent regeneration after harvest. Instead of disposing of the entire substrate after each cycle, it is integrated back into the cycle.

In this Grower Report, Philipp describes his personal experiences with five different genetics, his initial mistakes when applying the products and the importance of water quality and pot size in his system.

Four Full Cycles with the Organic Line

I am now working on my fourth full cycle with the CannaSelection Organic Line.

There were five different genetics in this grow:

• White Truffle,
• Maui Waui,
• Apple Crumble,
• Afghani #1,
• Super Silver Haze.

All four components of the Organic Line were used:

• Living Soil Base,
• Mineral Charge,
• TopDress Bloom,
• MicroBio+.

I do not completely dispose of my soil after harvest. I regenerate it and mix it with fresh Professional Grow Mix from Floragard at a ratio of 50:50 for the next cycle.

This cycle has now become a permanent part of my setup. I can continue using a large portion of the existing substrate, produce less waste and do not have to start completely from scratch after every grow.

From Initial Mistakes to a More Stable System

My first experiences with the Organic Line were not entirely trouble-free. Looking back, however, this was not due to the products, but mainly to how I applied them at the time.

Initially, I used TopDress Bloom and Mineral Charge too sparingly and did not always consistently follow the intended application steps. As a result, my system lacked the supply that had actually been planned in certain areas.

Nowadays, I follow CannaSelection’s application recommendations much more precisely. Within the recommended dosage range, I usually work at the higher end. I begin the ongoing application at around the second to third week of growth. I use TopDress Bloom according to the flowering phase.

Since applying the dosage and timing more consistently, my grows have been significantly more stable.

An organically managed system does not work simply because organic products are used. Dosage, timing, substrate volume, water and plant development all need to work together.

Four to Six Weeks of Vegetative Growth

My vegetative phase generally lasts four to six weeks. I deliberately give the plants this time so they can develop a strong root mass and stable plant structure before the transition to flowering.

A well-developed root system is the foundation of a stable grow for me. In the vegetative tent, I work with a 200-watt LED.

Temperatures there range from approximately 25 to 29 degrees Celsius. I usually keep the relative humidity above 60 percent. Under these conditions, my plants generally develop vigorously and evenly during the growth phase.

Controlled Conditions During Flowering

During the flowering phase, I use a total of 1,200 watts of LED power. At the same time, I reduce the temperature to around 21 to 24 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity to approximately 48 percent.

I have had very good experiences with these conditions in my setup. So far, I have largely been able to avoid problems with bud rot. Spider mites occasionally appear, but when detected early and treated appropriately, they have so far been controllable.

The actual flowering time depends on the respective genetics. In my previous cycles, it ranged from approximately 60 days to just under 80 flowering days for the Super Silver Haze.

Vigorous Plants Without Visible Deficiencies

Throughout the entire cycle, the plants developed vigorously, evenly and healthily. I was particularly impressed by the leaf health.

All plants displayed a rich green color and no visible deficiencies during this cycle. The Afghani #1 impressed me the most. It developed exceptionally steadily and showed no noticeable problems throughout the entire grow.

The other genetics also performed well with the system. Despite their different growth and flowering characteristics, I found no variety that was fundamentally incompatible with my substrate mix or the Organic Line.

18-Litre Pots Fully Rooted

After harvest, I could see how strongly the roots had developed during the cycle. The roots were vigorous and white. The entire 18-litre pot was very densely and almost completely rooted.

For me, this is an important indication that the plants were able to develop well in my substrate. When assessing a grow, I therefore do not look only at visible growth or the flowers.

The following points are also part of my evaluation:

• root mass,
• color and condition of the roots,
• soil structure,
• substrate odor,
• water permeability,
• plant stability throughout the entire cycle.

Above-ground development ultimately tells only part of the story. What happens in the substrate during the grow is equally important.

Loose Soil Structure Throughout the Grow

Another major advantage for me is the soil structure. The soil remains loose, airy and well-draining throughout the entire grow.

I have not observed any significant compaction in my previous cycles. This allows the water to distribute more evenly throughout the pot, while the roots have sufficient space to explore the entire available substrate.

The compost worms used in my setup also contribute to this structure. Through their activity, they move and process organic material in the substrate. At the same time, they help keep the soil surface open and reintegrate organic plant residues into the cycle.

Chop-and-Drop Instead of Cover Crop

I deliberately work without a Cover Crop. Instead, I use the Chop-and-Drop method.

Suitable plant residues produced during the grow are cut into small pieces and placed on the soil surface as a mulch layer. This organic layer protects the soil surface and simultaneously serves as source material for the compost worms and other soil organisms.

The plant residues are gradually processed and reintegrated into the system. This approach works very well for my current setup.

Nevertheless, I check the mulch layer regularly. It must not remain waterlogged or rot, nor should it become an uncontrolled refuge for pests.

Nearly Daily Watering in 18-Litre Pots

My plants are currently growing in 18-litre pots. This volume has been sufficient in my setup to complete an entire grow through to harvest.

However, the limited water storage is clearly noticeable. Depending on plant development and the amount of foliage present, I therefore water almost daily.

In my system, the pots contain sufficient nutrient reserves for a complete cycle. However, they do not have the same water and system reserves as significantly larger containers.

With smaller pots, I observed deficiencies more frequently and reserves becoming depleted more quickly. For my personal setup, 18 litres has therefore proven to be the minimum practical size. However, this does not mean that I regard this pot size as a general recommendation for every Living Soil system.

Why I Want to Test Larger Pots in the Future

In future cycles, I would like to switch to larger pots. I hope this will provide:

• greater water storage,
• longer watering intervals,
• additional nutrient reserves,
• more biological buffering capacity,
• more space for root development.

I also suspect that significantly larger pots might make it possible to complete more than one full cycle with the same soil before more extensive regeneration becomes necessary.

However, this is currently only a suspicion. I intend to test and document this point specifically in future cycles.

Water Quality Was a Crucial Learning

One of the most important factors in my system is the quality of the irrigation water. Every grower should know their source water.

In my case, I felt that the calcium content of my tap water was unfavorable in relation to magnesium. I therefore switched to reverse-osmosis water.

I currently do not measure the EC / electrical conductivity. However, I check and correct the pH before watering. I am not currently using any additional calcium or magnesium products.

Since switching to reverse-osmosis water and applying the Organic Line more consistently, my system has been stable and free of visible deficiencies.

Do not focus only on using the correct product dosage. Know your irrigation water as well. In my view, it is one of the most important factors in a functioning organic system.

For me, the switch was an important part of the solution. However, this does not automatically mean that pure reverse-osmosis water is the right choice for every setup. The decisive factors are always the specific source water and the system as a whole.

Fresh Forest-Floor Smell as a Checkpoint

The smell of the soil is also an important checkpoint for me. My substrate smells fresh, natural and similar to a forest floor.

I did not notice any rotten or unpleasant odors during the cycle. Of course, a pleasant smell alone does not prove that everything in the soil is working perfectly.

Together with the loose structure, strong white roots and stable plant development, however, it is another positive signal for me.

Compact, Resin-Rich Flowers

I am very satisfied with the results of my previous cycles. The plants delivered a strong yield in my setup.

The flowers developed:

• compact,
• firm,
• intense in aroma,
• very resin-rich.

The resin production was particularly noticeable to me in several genetics. The flowers were heavily coated in resin and had a firm structure.

I am aware that yield and flower quality are never produced exclusively by a single product. Genetics, lighting, climate, irrigation, plant training, vegetative duration, pot volume and root-system health also have a significant influence.

For me, what matters most is that the Organic Line reliably fits into my overall setup and allows me to support the plants throughout the entire grow.

Regeneration Instead of Complete Disposal

After harvest, the plants are removed and suitable plant residues are placed on my Living Soil bed. There, the organic material can continue to decompose.

The used soil is also regenerated and then reintegrated into my existing substrate mix. For the next cycle, I combine it again with fresh Grow Mix.

This does not create a completely closed system, as fresh substrate is still added. Compared with completely replacing the soil after every grow, however, I can use the existing soil for significantly longer.

For me, this means:

• lower substrate costs,
• less waste,
• reuse of existing soil,
• preservation of part of the existing soil structure,
• continuous development of the system.

This sustainable approach is one of the greatest advantages of an organically managed cycle system for me.

My Personal Conclusion

The reason I have stayed with Living Soil is easy to explain: For me, the system means less work, less stress and significantly more enjoyment during the grow.

I do not have to constantly deal with several different nutrient schedules and can focus more on the plants, climate, irrigation and soil life.

The Organic Line from CannaSelection has met my expectations in my setup. The most important realization for me was that the system runs most stably when I consistently follow the application recommendations.

Since then, my grows have proceeded much more evenly and without any significant problems. I am very satisfied with the system as a whole and will definitely continue working with it.

For me, this cultivation method combines high plant quality, manageable maintenance requirements, less stress during the grow, the reuse of a large portion of the substrate and a more sustainable approach to soil and organic material.

I look forward to carrying out my future grows with the CannaSelection Organic Line and continuing to document my experiences with larger pots.

Philipp aka @_baumbart