How to Use the CannaSelection® Organic Line Correctly: The Complete Guide to the Starter Set

You have the CannaSelection® Starterset Organic Line in front of you. It contains Living Soil Base, Mineral Charge, MicroBio+ and TopDress Bloom.

The next question is usually the same:

What is used when, and in what quantity?

The four products are not simply added to the pot together. They perform different tasks. Some products build up the substrate before planting. Others accompany the plant throughout the grow. TopDress Bloom only comes into play once the plant enters the flowering phase.

That is precisely the logic behind the CannaSelection® Organic Line.

You do not give the soil everything at every stage. You give it the building block it needs in that particular phase.

This guide shows you the complete process. As our starting point, we use new, lightly pre-fertilized soil. We also explain what changes with an All-Mix, depleted reused soil and a direct start without a long maturation period.

Understand the Organic Line in 30 seconds

Living Soil Base

Living Soil Base creates the organic-mineral foundation of the substrate. It is mixed into the soil before planting. During a longer vegetative phase, it can be added as a TopDress.

Mineral Charge

Mineral Charge builds the mineral level of the system. The product supports remineralization and substrate buffering. It is also mixed in when setting up a new substrate and can later be added as a TopDress.

MicroBio+

MicroBio+ is the consistent microbial component of the Organic Line. It is applied through the irrigation water. MicroBio+ supports the processing of organic inputs and is used at least once a week. Additional applications are useful after stress periods and after every new TopDress.

TopDress Bloom

TopDress Bloom is the phase-specific follow-up supply for flowering. The first application is made directly at the beginning of flowering. A second application may follow later, depending on genetics, pot volume and plant development.

The complete process at a glance

It is important to note that this overview is not a rigid calendar.

The intervals are counted from the last application. If you used a product only two weeks ago, do not apply it again simply because a weekly table shows another application.

The condition of the substrate and the plant remains decisive.

The most important difference in dosage

There are two different dosage bases in the Organic Line.

Dry products are calculated according to substrate volume

This applies to:

• Living Soil Base
• Mineral Charge
• TopDress Bloom

What matters is the actual volume of substrate added. A 25-liter pot does not automatically contain 25 liters of soil. If you fill it with only 22 liters, calculate using 22 liters.

MicroBio+ is calculated according to the amount of water

MicroBio+ is not dosed based on pot volume. What matters is the actual amount of irrigation water.

For example:

Your plant is growing in 25 liters of substrate and receives 5 liters of water during one watering.

Then the dosage is:

• Living Soil Base as a TopDress: 25 to 50 grams
• Mineral Charge as a TopDress: 25 to 50 grams
• TopDress Bloom for the first application: 50 grams
• MicroBio+: 10 to 20 milliliters for 5 liters of water

This distinction prevents one of the most common dosage errors.

Step 1: Choose the right starting dosage for your soil

When setting up a new substrate, use 50 to 100 grams per 10 liters of substrate of both Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge.

The correct amount depends on the existing nutrient charge of the soil.

Heavily pre-fertilized soil such as an All-Mix

Use:

• 50 grams of Living Soil Base per 10 liters of substrate
• 50 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate

A typical All-Mix already provides a substantial basic supply. The Organic Line supplements the system here. It does not need to rebuild the existing soil completely.

Lightly pre-fertilized soil such as a Light-Mix

Use:

• 100 grams of Living Soil Base per 10 liters of substrate
• 100 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate

A Light-Mix has fewer nutrient reserves. Therefore, use the full dosage.

This is also the standard path for this guide.

Unfertilized soil

Use:

• 100 grams of Living Soil Base per 10 liters of substrate
• 100 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate

Unfertilized soil requires a complete build-up of its organic and mineral foundation.

Heavily depleted reused soil

Use:

• 100 grams of Living Soil Base per 10 liters of substrate
• 100 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate

For heavily depleted soil, we also recommend fresh worm castings. A good guideline is around 20 percent by volume.

Worm castings replace neither Living Soil Base nor Mineral Charge. They supplement the mix with fresh humus structure and biological substance.

Already active and well-developed Living Soil

The full new-substrate dosage should not be used automatically here.

Living Soil that has already been maintained through several cycles often still has substantial reserves. In this case, targeted follow-up feeding as a TopDress is often more useful than a complete new setup.

More input does not automatically mean greater stability.

Dosage table for setting up a new substrate

The quantities shown apply separately to Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge.

With 20 liters of Light-Mix, add 200 grams of Living Soil Base and 200 grams of Mineral Charge to the substrate.

Do not divide the quantities between them. Calculate both products separately.

Step 2: Mix in Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge correctly

How evenly you incorporate the products is just as important as the dosage.

Concentrated areas in the pot can lead to an uneven substrate. Therefore, never add Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge only to the planting hole or a single layer.

Proceed as follows:

1. Measure the required amount of substrate.
2. Weigh Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge separately.
3. First mix both products with a smaller portion of the soil.
4. Add this pre-mix to the remaining soil.
5. Thoroughly mix the entire substrate several times.
6. Make sure no visible accumulations of powder remain.
7. Then moisten the substrate evenly.

For larger quantities, it is advisable to turn the substrate several times. Work from the outside in and from the bottom of the mixing container upward.

The goal is not perfect laboratory homogeneity. However, the products must be distributed evenly throughout the entire root zone.

Step 3: Activate the substrate with MicroBio+

After mixing, moisten the substrate.

Use MicroBio+ at 2 to 4 milliliters per liter of water.

The amount of water depends on the dryness and structure of the soil used. Therefore, there is no universal amount of water per liter of substrate.

Moisten the mix in several stages. Mix it again in between.

The substrate is correctly moistened when it holds its shape slightly when compressed. No water should run out. It should also not form wet, compacted clumps.

MicroBio+ does not provide a complete nutrient supply. It complements the system at the microbial level. When setting up a new substrate, it provides a microbial starting impulse and supports the initial processing of the organic components.

Step 4: Why the maturation period is so important

Living Soil Base contains organic components whose nutrient potential is not immediately fully available.

Microorganisms must first process these components. In doing so, organically bound nutrients are gradually converted into forms that can be used within the soil ecosystem.

This process takes time.

We therefore recommend a maturation period of 2 to 5 weeks.

During this time, the substrate should:

• remain evenly moist
• be protected from completely drying out
• not remain permanently wet
• receive sufficient air exchange
• be stored loose and uncompacted

An airtight, wet container is not suitable. The substrate should mature biologically, not turn anaerobic.

What happens without sufficient maturation time?

If the substrate is planted too early, the plant may show a deficiency even though sufficient nutrient potential is present in the soil.

The problem is not necessarily the total quantity. The existing organic substances may not yet have been processed far enough.

More fertilizer does not automatically solve this problem. Additional input may even place unnecessary strain on the system.

When is the full maturation period especially important?

We strongly recommend a complete maturation phase for:

• heavy-feeding plants
• several plants in one bed
• high plant density
• smaller substrate volumes per plant
• depleted reused soil
• full dosage at 100 grams per 10 liters
• long and performance-oriented runs

The greater the strain on the system, the more important prepared soil becomes.

Can the soil be planted earlier?

Yes. With young plants and a large substrate volume per plant, the system can also be started earlier.

Nevertheless, we recommend a minimum of 5 days.

A direct start is not an equivalent replacement for a complete maturation period. It works primarily when the young plant initially uses only a small part of the available root zone and the substrate can continue maturing alongside it.

You should not take this risk with heavy planting or heavy-feeding plants.

Step 5: Plant and use MicroBio+ correctly

After the maturation period, the plant can be planted.

For the first watering, use MicroBio+ at 2 to 4 milliliters per liter of water.

After that, apply MicroBio+ at least once a week.

Guidance within the dosage range

2 milliliters per liter are suitable for regular microbial support of a stable system.

Up to 4 milliliters per liter are particularly useful:

• after repotting
• after a stress period
• after a substrate has dried out
• after a new TopDress
• after Living Soil Base
• after Mineral Charge
• after TopDress Bloom
• with biologically sluggish reused soil

After every new organic or mineral input, use MicroBio+ at the standard dosage. This supports the biological processes required to further process these inputs.

MicroBio+ does not turn a TopDress into an immediate-release fertilizer. However, it helps keep the substrate biologically active and supports the process cleanly.

Use MicroBio+ as a natural pH reducer

MicroBio+ can also be used between regular weekly applications to naturally lower the pH of irrigation water or a nutrient solution.

There is no fixed pH-reducer dosage for every type of water.

The required amount depends primarily on the water’s buffering capacity and bicarbonate content. Highly buffered tap water reacts differently from reverse-osmosis water or very soft water.

Therefore, proceed step by step:

1. Fully prepare your irrigation water or nutrient solution.
2. Shake MicroBio+ thoroughly.
3. Add a small amount to the water.
4. Stir the solution thoroughly.
5. Only then measure the pH value.
6. Repeat the process in small steps as needed.

Always check the pH value after adding MicroBio+.

This allows you to adjust the pH without a conventional mineral pH reducer and without its additional nutrient salt load.

Do not mix MicroBio+ undiluted with concentrated fertilizers. Always add it to the irrigation mix after it has already been diluted with water.

Do not combine with disinfecting products

MicroBio+ contains living microorganisms.

Therefore, do not use it at the same time as:

• hydrogen peroxide
• fungicides
• strong disinfectants
• nutrient solutions managed with continuous antimicrobial treatment

Such products can impair precisely the microorganisms you are introducing into the system with MicroBio+.

Dosage table for MicroBio+

Step 6: Manage the vegetative phase correctly

If the substrate has been properly prepared and matured, the plant does not immediately need additional dry inputs during the first few weeks.

MicroBio+ supports the system at least once a week.

After about 3 to 4 weeks, plan the first follow-up application.

Living Soil Base as a TopDress

Dosage:

1 to 2 grams per liter of pot volume

Schedule:

Approximately every 3 to 4 weeks

Living Soil Base is used primarily during the vegetative phase as a broad organic-mineral input.

Use 1 gram per liter for:

• stable plant development
• a large substrate volume per plant
• heavily pre-fertilized starting soil
• a short vegetative phase
• an already high initial supply

Use 2 grams per liter for:

• heavy-feeding plants
• a long vegetative phase
• Light-Mix or reused soil
• high plant mass
• a smaller pot volume
• a visibly declining basic nutrient supply

During a very long vegetative phase, the application can be repeated after another 3 to 4 weeks.

At the beginning of flowering, TopDress Bloom takes over the phase-specific organic follow-up supply. Living Soil Base is not automatically continued according to the calendar.

Mineral Charge as a TopDress

Dosage:

1 to 2 grams per liter of pot volume

Schedule:

Approximately every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on system condition

Mineral Charge supplements the mineral level. It can be used together with Living Soil Base during the vegetative phase.

Use 1 gram per liter for:

• stable mineral supply
• preventive follow-up supply
• large substrate volumes
• a system without noticeable Cal-Mag issues

Use 2 grams per liter for:

• increased mineral requirements
• depleted reused substrate
• soft irrigation water
• smaller pots
• a visibly declining buffering capacity
• initial calcium or magnesium issues

With a clearly identified deficiency, Mineral Charge can also be dosed higher. This should be done deliberately and gradually.

A higher dosage is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis.

Calcium and magnesium issues can also result from incorrect watering, a compromised root zone, unfavorable pH conditions or problematic water values. Mineral Charge can strengthen the mineral foundation. However, it cannot compensate indefinitely for permanently unsuitable irrigation water.

How to apply a TopDress correctly

Do not pour a TopDress into a pile next to the stem.

Proceed as follows:

1. Carefully move any existing mulch aside.
2. Weigh the required amount.
3. Distribute the product evenly across the entire accessible surface.
4. Carefully work it into the topmost substrate layer.
5. Avoid digging deeply or injuring roots close to the surface.
6. Replace the mulch.
7. Water slowly and evenly.
8. Use MicroBio+ at the normal dosage when watering in.

The substrate must be moistened after the TopDress. However, it should not be completely saturated.

Too much water after a dry follow-up application can compact the substrate and worsen the oxygen supply in the root zone.

Step 7: Apply TopDress Bloom directly at the beginning of flowering

TopDress Bloom is not applied only after a visible flowering deficiency has developed.

Organic inputs need lead time.

Therefore, make the first application directly at the beginning of flowering.

First application

Dosage:

2 grams of TopDress Bloom per liter of pot volume

For a 25-liter pot, this equals 50 grams.

The first dosage is deliberately set at 2 grams per liter. It provides the substrate with an early flowering-oriented input.

TopDress Bloom does not remove existing nitrogen and does not change the system within a few hours. It ensures that the next organic follow-up supply is no longer strongly geared toward vegetative development. Instead, the substrate receives an input adapted to flowering, with a stronger focus on phosphorus and potassium.

Microbial processing begins after application. This is why TopDress Bloom is applied early.

After application, water in with MicroBio+.

When does flowering week 1 begin?

For photoperiodic plants, apply TopDress Bloom during the transition into flowering. In practice, this is the beginning of the transition or the first flowering week.

For autoflower plants, do not follow a fixed age. Apply TopDress Bloom as soon as the transition from vegetative development to visible flowering begins.

With organic inputs, too late is usually more problematic than slightly too early.

Step 8: Use Mineral Charge during flowering

Mineral Charge can be applied again during flowering.

A useful reference point is the third flowering week. However, the interval since the last application remains decisive.

If Mineral Charge was applied shortly before flowering, do not apply it again just a few days later.

As a general rule, maintain a schedule of approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

The dosage remains:

1 to 2 grams per liter of pot volume

A higher application should only be used when there is a clearly identified need. This applies particularly to calcium and magnesium issues.

In small pots under 40 liters, unfavorable water values have a faster effect. The substrate has less buffering capacity. Therefore, check not only the plant, but also your irrigation water and watering practices.

Step 9: Decide correctly on the second TopDress Bloom application

A second application can be made around flowering week 5.

It is not automatically necessary for every plant.

1 gram per liter of pot volume

The lower dosage is suitable for:

• normally feeding plants
• stable leaf color
• sufficient substrate reserves
• larger pots
• a shorter remaining flowering period
• a strong initial supply

2 grams per liter of pot volume

The higher dosage is suitable for:

• heavy-feeding plants
• a long flowering period
• high plant mass
• smaller substrate volumes
• a clearly declining nutrient supply
• initial mild deficiency signals
• very dynamic flower development

The second application should not be made only once the plant is already showing a severe deficiency.

An organic TopDress is not a rapid correction. The further flowering has progressed, the less time remains for microbial processing.

When should the second application be omitted?

Do not apply another dose with:

• a very short remaining flowering period
• continued high nutrient supply
• a clearly overfed plant
• very dark leaves with a heavy appearance
• sluggish water uptake
• a high previous dosage

More TopDress Bloom does not automatically mean denser or better flowers.

What matters is whether the soil can still process the additional input effectively within the remaining time.

Dosage table for TopDress applications

The table applies to:

• Living Soil Base as a TopDress
• Mineral Charge as a TopDress
• TopDress Bloom

For the first TopDress Bloom application, always use the column with 2 grams per liter.

The complete standard process

The following overview shows a typical run with Light-Mix or comparable lightly pre-fertilized soil.

This table is a guide.

A product’s schedule is more important than the number of the week.

For a quick overview, see the compact application schedule.

Practical example: 25 liters of Light-Mix

You want to grow a plant in 25 liters of Light-Mix.

Preparation

Mix in:

• 250 grams of Living Soil Base
• 250 grams of Mineral Charge

Then moisten the substrate evenly with water and MicroBio+.

If you use 4 liters of water to moisten it, add 8 to 16 milliliters of MicroBio+.

Then ideally allow the substrate to mature for 2 to 5 weeks.

After planting

Use MicroBio+ at least once a week at 2 to 4 milliliters per liter of irrigation water.

If the plant receives 5 liters of water, use 10 to 20 milliliters of MicroBio+.

After 3 to 4 weeks

With stable development, use the following as the first follow-up supply:

• 25 grams of Living Soil Base
• 25 grams of Mineral Charge

With a heavy-feeding plant or a visibly higher requirement, you can increase each product to up to 50 grams.

Then water in with MicroBio+.

At the beginning of flowering

Apply:

• 50 grams of TopDress Bloom

This corresponds to 2 grams per liter of pot volume.

Then water in again with MicroBio+.

Around flowering week 3

Depending on the previous application and the condition of the system, Mineral Charge can be supplemented with 25 to 50 grams.

If Mineral Charge was applied shortly before flowering, wait until the full interval of approximately 3 to 4 weeks has passed.

Around flowering week 5

For moderate requirements, use:

• 25 grams of TopDress Bloom

For a heavy-feeding plant, use:

• 50 grams of TopDress Bloom

If the nutrient supply remains high, omit the second application.

What applies with a short vegetative phase?

With a short vegetative phase, the first TopDress with Living Soil Base may occur very close to the beginning of flowering.

In this case, do not blindly stack the products.

If the plant transitions to flowering within a few days and the substrate has a stable nutrient supply, the regular Living Soil Base TopDress can be omitted. Instead, move directly to TopDress Bloom for the next plant phase.

Mineral Charge remains separate from this. Here, the interval since the last mineral application is what matters.

What applies to autoflower plants?

Autoflower plants do not follow a freely selectable vegetative period.

Therefore, align the process with the visible plant phase.

• Mix in Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge before starting.
• Use MicroBio+ at least once a week.
• Apply a vegetative TopDress only if sufficient time remains before flowering.
• Apply TopDress Bloom when flowering visibly begins.
• A second application depends on the total duration and the remaining flowering time.

Well-prepared soil is especially important for autoflowers. Because of their short life cycle, late corrections can only compensate to a limited extent.

What applies to small pots?

Small pots respond more quickly to mistakes.

This concerns:

• drying out
• overwatering
• salt and mineral shifts
• temperature in the root zone
• calcium-magnesium ratios
• uneven TopDress applications

Mineral Charge can support buffering. However, it does not replace checking water values.

The smaller the pot, the less reserve the system has.

Anyone who wants to work calmly with Living Soil over the long term therefore benefits from larger substrate volumes.

What applies in late flowering?

A biologically managed system does not automatically need to be flushed heavily.

If the entire grow was managed biologically and without a high salt load, a blanket flushing period is often unnecessary.

If you deliberately clarify or flush the substrate, MicroBio+ can then be applied at 2 milliliters per liter. This continues to support the microbial level after the intervention.

Late TopDress applications, on the other hand, are rarely useful. Organic inputs need time. The system can no longer fully utilize a large application shortly before harvest.

How to prepare the soil for the next run

The Organic Line is not intended for just one run.

After harvest, the substrate can be rebuilt.

For classic reused soil, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the old main root ball and larger root remnants.
2. Carefully loosen the substrate.
3. Check its structure and compaction.
4. If needed, add around 20 percent fresh Premium worm castings.
5. Work in Living Soil Base.
6. Add Mineral Charge according to the condition of the substrate.
7. Moisten the mix with MicroBio+.
8. Allow the substrate to mature again.

With completely depleted soil, use 100 grams of Living Soil Base and 100 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate again.

With soil that is still active and well supplied, the dosage can be lower. Do not automatically treat every run like a complete new setup.

In a No-Till bed, the root zone is not fully disturbed. Follow-up supply is applied from above. Here, the dosage depends more strongly on bed size, plant density and the system’s development to date.

The most common Organic Line mistakes

Using all products at the same time

Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge belong in the substrate at the start. MicroBio+ activates and supports the system. TopDress Bloom is applied only at the beginning of flowering.

Ignoring the starting soil

An All-Mix requires a different starting dosage than a Light-Mix or depleted reused soil.

Completely ignoring the maturation period

Nutrients may be present in the substrate and still not have been sufficiently processed.

Confusing pot volume with water volume

Powder products are calculated according to substrate volume. MicroBio+ is dosed according to the amount of water.

Applying TopDress Bloom only once a severe deficiency appears

Organic flowering supply needs lead time. The first application belongs at the beginning of flowering.

Reapplying TopDress products too early

The 3- to 4-week schedule is counted from the last application.

Failing to account for MicroBio+ before measuring pH

The pH value is always measured after adding MicroBio+.

Combining MicroBio+ with hydrogen peroxide

Disinfecting products can impair the microorganisms it contains.

Treating a Cal-Mag deficiency only with more Mineral Charge

Also check water values, root health, pH and watering practices.

Watering too heavily after the TopDress

The input should be moistened. However, the substrate must not become compacted or remain permanently waterlogged.

Frequently asked questions about application

Do I need to use all four products right at the beginning?

No.

Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge are mixed in when setting up the new substrate. MicroBio+ is used for activation and then at least once a week. TopDress Bloom is applied only at the beginning of flowering.

Do I really use the full dosage with a Light-Mix?

Yes.

For a typical Light-Mix, we recommend 100 grams of Living Soil Base and 100 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate.

What dosage applies to an All-Mix?

With heavily pre-fertilized soil, use 50 grams of Living Soil Base and 50 grams of Mineral Charge per 10 liters of substrate.

Can I plant immediately after mixing?

With young plants and a large substrate volume per plant, an early start is possible.

Nevertheless, we recommend at least 5 days of maturation. Ideal are 2 to 5 weeks.

With heavy-feeding plants or high plant density, you should observe the complete maturation period.

Must MicroBio+ be used with every watering?

Not necessarily.

MicroBio+ should be used at least once a week. Additional applications are useful after stress periods and new inputs.

It can also be used for natural pH correction.

Which MicroBio+ dosage is correct?

Use 2 to 4 milliliters per liter of irrigation water.

The lower end is suitable for regular support. The upper end is particularly suitable after stress, repotting or a new TopDress.

Can MicroBio+ replace a fertilizer?

No.

MicroBio+ is the microbial component of the system. It does not provide a complete nutrient supply.

Do I need to use an additional Cal-Mag fertilizer?

Not automatically.

Living Soil Base and Mineral Charge already provide a mineral foundation in the substrate. Whether additional measures are necessary depends on water values, pot volume and plant development.

A water analysis is more informative than a blanket Cal-Mag application.

Can Mineral Charge immediately correct an acute deficiency?

Mineral Charge is not a liquid fast-acting fertilizer.

It works through the mineral level of the substrate. With an acute problem, first clarify whether there is actually a mineral deficiency or whether the cause lies with the water, roots, pH or irrigation.

What happens if I use TopDress Bloom too late?

The organic components need time to be processed.

The later the application, the less time the soil has to make the input usable during the ongoing flowering phase.

Therefore, the first application is made directly at the beginning of flowering.

Can I use Living Soil Base and TopDress Bloom at the same time?

Only when there is a justified need.

Living Soil Base is the broad foundation. TopDress Bloom is tailored to the flowering phase. With a properly prepared substrate, TopDress Bloom takes over the organic follow-up supply at the beginning of flowering.

Blindly stacking both products is not necessary.

One system instead of four isolated products

The CannaSelection® Organic Line was not developed as a collection of individual fertilizers.

Each building block has a defined task:

Living Soil Base builds the foundation.

Mineral Charge stabilizes the mineral level.

MicroBio+ supports the microbial processes.

TopDress Bloom continues supplying the substrate in line with the flowering phase.

The starter set combines these four tasks into a clear, understandable process. You do not need to buy a large number of individual raw materials or develop your own recipe from numerous components.

Nevertheless, your view of the system remains decisive.

A dosage is not an instruction to use as much as possible at every opportunity. It gives you a safe framework. Within that framework, make decisions based on the starting soil, substrate volume, plant phase and actual development.

That is what organic growing at a professional level is all about.

You do not react frantically to every individual leaf.

You build a soil that can support the plant.

You do not control the plant. You control the system.