The Secret to Protecting Your Cannabis Roots in Summer

Mulch is Your Cannabis Roots Friend in the Dog Days of Summer

We spend a lot of time looking at our cannabis leaves and buds, but the real magic happens underground. The health of your harvest is directly tied to the health of your cannabis plants root system. During the hot summer months, the soil temperature can climb to dangerous levels, and when the roots get too hot, the whole plant suffers.

The one, absolutely most important thing to do during those long hot dog days of summer is to keep your cannabis plants hydrated…doing this will solve most of your heat related problems.

When soil temperatures climb past 80°F, root function begins to decline. At 90°F and above, the roots stop taking up nutrients efficiently, and the plant’s growth will grind to a halt. If you are growing in black plastic pots, the sun hitting the sides of those containers can cook the roots in no time. If you use pots, try wrapping them in white plastic or light-colored towels, or simply shield them from direct sunlight with cardboard or wood. If you don’t believe me pop a root ball out of a black pot that has been in the sun on a hot day. The roots will be just as hot as that pot was.

For in-ground or raised-bed growers, the secret to root protection is building organic matter and using mulch, or companion plantings such as the Crimson Clover you see in the image above. Not only is it a nitrogen ‘fixer’ but the plants will help to keep the cannabis cool.

A healthy soil structure rich in organic compost acts like a giant sponge, holding onto moisture and regulating temperature. When you cover that soil with a thick layer of organic mulch, you are creating a protective barrier that shields the underground life from the blazing sun.

Think of mulch as a thermal blanket for your dirt. It keeps the soil cool, preserves the moisture, and keeps the soil biology active and happy. Happy soil microbes mean a stronger, more resilient plant that can handle whatever heat summer throws its way. Protect the roots, and the top of the plant will take care of itself.

At Stony Oasis Farms when I finally am able to get a tractor with a pto run chipper it will be a deal changer for all my plants I am growing.