Top 5 Mistakes Growers Make with Living Soil—and How to Avoid Them

Living soil is one of the most powerful tools in the organic cannabis cultivator’s toolbox. When built and managed correctly, it becomes a thriving ecosystem that fuels plant health, boosts terpene and cannabinoid production, and supports regenerative practices. But it’s not a “set it and forget it” system—and even experienced growers can stumble.

Here are the top five mistakes we see growers make with living soil—and how you can avoid them to keep your soil (and your cannabis) thriving.

1. Overwatering

The Problem:One of the biggest pitfalls when transitioning to living soil is overwatering. Living soil retains moisture far more efficiently than sterile, bottled-nutrient systems. Overwatering can create anaerobic (low oxygen) zones that kill off beneficial microbes and promote harmful pathogens.

The Fix:Water less frequently, and always check the soil’s moisture level before you water. Use the “knuckle test” (stick your finger a couple inches into the soil) or invest in a moisture meter. Water slowly and evenly until you see a slight runoff, then let the soil dry down a bit before watering again.

2. Treating It Like a Bottled Nutrient Grow

The Problem:Many growers try to “feed” their cannabis with bottled nutrients even in a living soil system. This disrupts the soil food web and can cause salt buildup, harming the microbial life that makes living soil work.

The Fix:Remember the mantra: “Feed the soil, not the plant.” Use compost teas, top dressings, cover crops, and organic amendments to nourish the soil food web. Products like our Living Soil MDV Plant Food - Super Bloom Formula are designed to support microbial life without disrupting the natural nutrient cycle.

3. Compaction and Lack of Aeration

The Problem:Living soil thrives on oxygen. When the soil becomes compacted—whether from overwatering, poor structure, or lack of aeration—it limits airflow and kills beneficial microbes like aerobic bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.

The Fix:Start with a well-aerated soil mix like our Living Soil , which includes perlite (living coco) or rice hulls and pumice (Water only and ligh version) and composted organic matter. Avoid stepping on beds or overly packing pots. If reusing soil, consider gently loosening it between cycles and reintroducing aeration amendments if needed.

4. Neglecting Microbial Diversity

The Problem:Living soil isn’t just about nutrients—it’s about life. Neglecting to reintroduce or maintain microbial diversity between cycles can lead to nutrient imbalances, poor structure, and pest problems.

The Fix:Inoculate your soil with fresh biology! This can include compost teas, EM1, or reapplying high-quality worm castings. Our in-house castings are teeming with active biology and can be used to reinvigorate beds and pots each cycle.

5. Ignoring Soil Reamendment Between Grows

The Problem:Living soil can be reused, but it’s not an endless supply of nutrients. Some growers assume the soil will always be ready to go—and skip necessary reamendments. This leads to deficiencies mid-flower or stunted growth during veg.

The Fix:Test your soil if you can, or at minimum, reamend with a balanced organic nutrient blend before replanting. Don’t forget to add a layer of worm castings and mulch to jumpstart microbial activity and nutrient cycling again.

Final Thoughts

Living soil isn’t just a growing medium—it’s an ecosystem. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll create a resilient, living environment that grows healthier, tastier, and more potent cannabis with less intervention over time.

At Living Soil MDV, we’re here to support your journey into regenerative cannabis cultivation. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, our soil products, worm castings, and educational support are designed to help you grow smarter—not harder.

Got a living soil question or want help with your grow? Drop us a line HERE