Organics vs. Hydroponics

Let’s begin with a subject that always comes up in my grow classes: the difference between organics and hydroponics. Here’s my take on it; feel free to add your two cents worth, or call me on mine. I look forward to hearing from you!

While there are several forms of hydro, the general idea is that the roots of the plant hang in a solution of nutrients which supply the plant with all its fertilizer needs. The nutrients are derived from minerals which are usually mined in the desert. Organic growing, as it pertains to modern cannabis production, usually starts with a potting soil containing nutrients derived from animal feces. The plant must go through more metabolic processes to obtain what it needs from the organic nutrients mixed with the soil than it needs to in order to absorb nutrients from a hydroponic solution.

Organic soil growing is kind of like when a human eats a piece of bread. The stomach slowly converts the starch to sugar, which slowly goes out into the body and provides nourishment. Hydroponic growing, on the other hand, is like an intravenous drip of sucrose right into the bloodstream.

As a general rule, organically-grown medicinal cannabis tastes and smells better than hydro and also smokes smoother. For this reason, top-quality organic medicine commands a premium over hydro-grown. Organic hydroponics can be done, but is a more difficult proposition than utilizing mineral nutrients. Botanicare has a chart which shows how to replace the traditional General Hydroponics three-part formula with organics, a little at a time. These formulae can be used to add some organics to the traditional hydro mineral mixes, resulting in an enhanced taste and smell, or can be used to make the shift to 100% organic hydro. I have never actually undergone the GH to Botanicare / mineral to organic hydro conversion, but it seems like a pretty straightforward transition.