In My Backyard: Hydroponic Marijuana vs. Soil Farming
Ah, weekends in small-town America. For some, it’s all about relaxing on the porch with a cold drink and a good book. For me, it usually means getting my hands dirty. I found myself on a bit of a wild adventure, trying to decide between growing marijuana in good old soil or delving into the much-hyped world of hydroponics. Let me tell you, it was nothing short of an experience—equal parts enlightening and frustrating.
The Joy of Soil
Let’s rewind a bit. Last summer, under the golden sun, I felt that longing to grow something. I’d always enjoyed gardening, and as it happened, some friends suggested I try growing a little weed. So, with a shovel and some seeds in hand, I set up my little soil garden. The thrill of digging my hands into the dark, rich earth was something special—the kind of earthy smell that makes you feel alive.
But oh boy, the bugs. One day, I walked out to check on my plants, and there were those pesky aphids congregating like they were deciding which leaf to take over first. A little neem oil here, some handpicking there, and voila! Nature was restored—at least for a moment.
Enter Hydroponics
While the soil garden had its charms, I started hearing whispers about hydroponics. Enthusiastic buddies came by, showcasing impressive setups in their basements—growing marijuana in water? I was intrigued. I read online about how plants can thrive without soil. I hit up our local hardware store, filled my cart with PVC pipes, pumps, and growing trays, and excitedly set out to build my own aquaponic system.
But oh, the naiveté of a fresh planter! I thought I could whip up an aquaponics setup with materials I had lying around. I found a used plastic tub in my shed—perfect! I was feeling like a total genius. I remember my cousin, an engineering student, came over one weekend and scratched his head at my design; clearly, I was more of a “let’s wing it” type. “Are you sure about those fish?” he pondered while eyeing the half-melted plastic bucket I’d chosen.
“Sure thing! Goldfish are hardy, right?” I replied, visions of a thriving system dancing in my head.
The Smell of Failure
As I got deeper into this hydroponics thing, things took a turn. I filled my system, carefully placing the goldfish in their new home. I even added some beautiful basil and, yes, a few marijuana plants for good measure. I was feeling pretty proud. It looked fantastic! Until it didn’t.
You see, three days in, the water started smelling like a hundred wet gym socks had taken residence in my backyard. My cousin’s eyebrows shot up, and he muttered something about aeration. But I had my own plans—who needs fancy pumps when I’ve got pure muscle?
The Green Monster
In a classic case of too much enthusiasm, I neglected to pay attention to what the water was doing. Sure enough, by the end of one week, my precious aquaponics setup had officially turned into a science experiment: green algae floated lazily on the surface. I thought I’d nailed it, but there it was: a sad, green mucky mess.
I nearly threw in the towel. The thrill of sprouts peeking through the gravel was dimming fast. I’d even spotted a couple of my goldfish flirting with the idea of jumping out of their murky pool. In a moment of sheer desperation, I decided, heck, I’d just clean it up. So, I got out my garden hose and the scrubbing brush that I typically reserved for my patio.
Lessons in Patience
I’ll admit, there’s a beauty in soil that’s tough to mimic. When I planted those seeds in the ground, they felt like they had a purpose—a connection to the earth. But with hydroponics, I found myself dancing around pH levels, nutrients, and, yes, fish health. My beloved goldfish started mysteriously dying one by one—probably my fault for not testing the water regularly. I’m not proud of it, but there’s something deeply humbling about being responsible for other living beings.
Just as I was about to consider packing it all up, I scrounged something from the back of my mind: patience. Gardening—whether in soil or hydroponically—teaches you that some things take time. After some reading and a whole lot of troubleshooting, I finally got my pH balanced and a proper filter system set up. I watched in awe as my plants perked up, rejoicing in their new, clearer water.
The Takeaway
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned that sometimes you have to get your hands dirty, whether in soil or in hydroponics. Each method has its quirks. Soil has a way of teaching you patience, while hydroponics can offer surprises and faster growth—if you get it right.
So, if you’re thinking about diving into growing, don’t worry about getting it perfect. Just pick up those seeds, grab some soil or a few PVC pipes, and get started. Honestly, even after a few failures, the pride in seeing something grow from nothing is worth it.
Join the next session and learn about all things growing! Reserve your seat!
Leave a Reply