Soil Prep 101: Building a Healthy Bed or Pot for Hemp

Good soil is everything. Hemp is hardy, but it thrives in well-prepared earth.

What Hemp Likes

• Light, airy soil

• Good drainage

• Organic matter

• Balanced pH (6.0–7.5)

• Lots of soil life

Raised Beds vs. Pots vs. In-Ground

• Raised beds offer great drainage and warmth

• Pots give more control and are perfect for small gardens

• In-ground planting works well on farms with healthy native soil

Building a Soil Mix

A simple, beginner-friendly mix:

• 40% compost

• 40% topsoil or potting soil

• 20% aeration (perlite, pumice, or rice hulls)

Optional: worm castings for extra soil biology.

Why Aeration Matters

Hemp loves oxygen around its roots. Compacted soil = weak plants.

Final Prep

Shape your bed, water lightly, and let it settle for 2–3 days before transplanting.