Author: gr33npl4n3tc4d

When it comes to growing cannabis, know when to harvest cannabis is crucial. Harvest too early and you’ll end up with lower potency and reduced yields. Wait too long, and you risk a harsh smoke and a drop in THC content. If you’re wondering when to harvest your cannabis plants, you’re not alone – it’s one of the most important choices Canadian growers face. In this guide, we’ll cover what signs to watch for, the science behind harvest timing, and how to get the best quality and potency from your crop.

Why Harvest Timing Matters

Knowing when to harvest cannabis affects:

• Potency: THC levels peak at a specific stage in the flowering cycle. Harvest too soon and THC is underdeveloped – too late and it begins to degrade into CBN, which is far less psychoactive.
• Flavour and Aroma: Terpenes, responsible for cannabis’s unique scents and tastes, also reach their peak before breaking down.
• Yield: Harvesting too early can lead to smaller, lighter buds, reducing your overall return.
• Effects: Timing can shape the experience. Early harvests often result in a more uplifting, energetic high. Later harvests typically produce a heavier, more relaxing effect.

How to Know When to Harvest Cannabis in Canada

There’s no exact calendar date that works for every grow, since strain, environment, and cultivation style all play a role. That said, there are clear signs Canadian growers can look for to determine the ideal time when to harvest cannabis:

1. Pistil Colour

Pistils are the small, hair-like structures on your buds. They start off white and darken to orange, red, or brown as your plant matures.

• Too early: 80-100% white pistils
• Ideal window: 70-90% darkened and curled pistils
• Too late: Nearly all pistils are dry, dark, and shriveled

Pistil colour is a helpful visual cue, but it shouldn’t be your only indicator.

2. Trichome Maturity

For the most accurate read on when to harvest cannabis, inspect trichomes – the tiny, frosty glands containing cannabinoids and terpenes – using magnification.

• Clear trichomes: Not ready – THC is still developing
• Cloudy/milky trichomes: Peak THC – the prime time for most growers
• Amber trichomes: THC is converting to CBN – ideal for a heavier, more relaxing effect

Many Canadian growers aim for 70-90% cloudy trichomes with a few amber ones mixed in.

3. Leaf Yellowing

Yellowing fan leaves in the final weeks is a natural sign your plant is nearing harvest – especially if you’ve started flushing with plain water. It’s not a primary signal, but it adds to the picture.

4. Know Your Strain’s Timeline

• Indicas: Typically flower in 8–10 weeks
• Sativas: Often take 10–14 weeks
• Autoflowers: Usually ready 8–10 weeks from seed

Always refer to the breeder’s flowering guide, but remember: it’s a general estimate, not a rule.

Tools for checking when to harvest cannabis

To harvest at the right time, it helps to have:

• Jeweller’s Loupe (30x–60x): Affordable and great for checking trichomes
• Digital Microscope: For precise, up-close inspection
• Grow Journal: Track timing and outcomes to dial in future harvests

Harvest Based on Desired Effects

Adjust the time when to harvest cannabis depending on the kind of high you’re after:

• Energetic / cerebral: Mostly cloudy trichomes, with a few clear
• Balanced: Mostly cloudy with 10–20% amber
• Sedating: 30% or more amber trichomes

This gives you more control over the final experience of your cannabis.

What If You Harvest Too Early or Late?

• Too early: Lower THC, weak effects, poor flavour, and a harsh smoke
• Too late: More CBN, reduced THC, sleepier high, and degraded terpenes

There’s a sweet spot – miss it, and your results may fall flat.

Don’t Forget to Flush

Roughly 1–2 weeks before harvest, begin flushing your plants with plain, pH-balanced water. This helps remove excess nutrients, improving taste and smoothness. Flushing isn’t directly part of the harvest decision – but you need to time it around your estimated harvest date.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Harvest Timing in Canada

• Indoor: You control the light cycle, so it is easier to predict when to harvest cannabis. Many growers harvest in the early morning or before lights come on, when terpene levels are highest.
• Outdoor: Timing is more weather-dependent. Watch for rain, humidity, and frost – especially in fall. In many Canadian regions, outdoor harvests must wrap up before the first deep frost.

Summary: How to know when to harvest cannabis

• Use a magnifier to inspect trichomes – look for mostly cloudy with some amber
• Pistil colour is useful, but don’t rely on it alone
• Consider the effects you want: energizing vs. relaxing
• Start flushing 1–2 weeks before your target harvest
• Be patient – the best buds are worth the wait

Conclusion

Figuring out the right time to harvest cannabis is part science, part observation, and part hands-on experience. The more grows you complete, the more confident you’ll become in spotting that ideal window. Until then, rely on the tools and indicators we’ve outlined to guide your decision.

Remember – you only get one chance to harvest each plant, so take your time, trust what you see (especially through your loupe), and enjoy the payoff of a well-timed, Canadian-grown crop.

Coir (pronounced coy-er) is a natural fiber derived from the outer husk of coconuts. Once the coconut’s edible parts are removed, the husk is processed to create coir, which is used across a wide range of applications—from gardening and agriculture to home products and erosion control.

What Is Coco Coir?
Coco coir typically refers to the fibrous byproduct left after the outer shell of the coconut is removed. It’s available in several forms, each with distinct properties suited to different uses:

Types of Coir

• Coir Pith (Coco Peat): A fine, soil-like material made from the powdered husk dust. It retains water extremely well and is commonly used in potting mixes and hydroponic systems.
• Coir Fiber: Long, coarse strands ideal for making ropes, mats, brushes, and erosion control materials. When added to soil, it improves aeration and structure.
• Coir Chips: Chunky pieces of coconut husk that offer both water retention and drainage. Popular in orchid media and as a soil conditioner.

How Is Coco Coir Made?

Coco coir production starts with soaking coconut husks in water to soften them—a process called retting. Once softened, the husks are mechanically processed to separate the long fibers from the finer pith. After separation, the materials are thoroughly cleaned, dried, and often compressed into blocks, bricks, or bales for easier transport.

To ensure it’s suitable for plants, many coco coir products are washed or buffered to remove excess salts. Always check whether your coir is pre-treated or needs rinsing before use.

Why Use Coco Coir in Gardening?

Coco coir has gained popularity in gardening and horticulture thanks to its wide range of benefits:

1. Sustainable and Renewable
   Coco coir is a byproduct of the coconut industry, making it a highly sustainable and eco-friendly material. Unlike peat moss, which takes centuries to regenerate, coir is abundant and renewable.
2. Excellent Water Retention
   One of coco coir’s most valued qualities is its ability to retain moisture while still providing proper drainage. It can hold up to 10 times its weight in water, ideal for plants needing consistent moisture.
3. Improved Aeration
   The fibrous structure of coir promotes aeration, helping plant roots breathe. This reduces the risk of root rot and improves nutrient uptake.
4. Neutral pH
   Coco coir usually has a near-neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.8, suitable for most plants and easier to adjust than acidic peat moss.
5. Reusable
   Unlike many organic growing mediums, coco coir can be reused multiple times if properly cleaned and sterilized between uses.
6. Naturally Resistant to Pests and Diseases
   Coir resists certain fungal growth and harmful bacteria, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional soil.

Common Uses of Coco Coir
While gardening is the primary application, coir is very versatile:

• Hydroponics: A popular soilless growing medium due to its water retention and structure.
• Seed Starting: Coco peat is ideal for seed germination because it maintains moisture and reduces damping-off disease.
• Potting Mixes: Often blended with perlite or vermiculite for custom soil mixes.
• Soil Amendment: Improves drainage in clay soils and increases water retention in sandy soils.
• Erosion Control: Coir logs and mats stabilize slopes and riverbanks.

How to Use Coco Coir in Your Garden

• Rehydrate the Material: Most coir comes compressed in blocks or bricks. Soak them in water to expand; one 5kg block can yield 15-20 gallons of material.
• Check EC and pH: For hydroponics, test electrical conductivity (EC) and pH. Some unwashed coir contains salts that should be leached out.
• Mix Accordingly: Use coco coir alone for seed starting or combine with compost, perlite, or soil depending on plant needs.
• Fertilize: Coco coir holds nutrients well but contains little on its own. Supplement with balanced fertilizer, especially calcium and magnesium, which coir tends to bind.

For a more detailed guide on growing Coco Coir in your garden, check out this useful article.

Is Coco Coir Right for You?

Whether you’re a home gardener looking for a peat moss alternative or a commercial grower interested in sustainable options, coco coir offers a great combination of functionality, eco-friendliness, and affordability. Its versatility makes it suitable for everything from small indoor plants to large-scale agricultural operations across Canada.

Where should I purchase Coco Coir?

For high-quality coco coir products, consider GreenPlanet’s Coco Coir and GreenPlanet 70/30 Coco Coir + Perlite.

• GreenPlanet Coco Coir is a premium, pre-buffered growing medium made from 100% natural coconut fiber. It’s triple-washed to remove excess salts, ensuring a clean and consistent substrate ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Its excellent water-holding capacity and neutral pH make it perfect for seed starting, potting mixes, or hydroponic systems.
• GreenPlanet 70/30 Coco Coir + Perlite is a professional-grade blend combining 70% coco coir with 30% perlite for enhanced aeration and drainage. This ready-to-use mix is great for growers who want a balanced medium that supports rapid root development and reduces the risk of overwatering. It’s an ideal choice for container gardens, raised beds, and hydroponic setups.

Both options are widely available through garden centers and hydroponic retailers across Canada, or online the official website. Choose the mix that fits your growing style and experience the difference of clean, reliable, and eco-friendly coir products.

Conclusion

Coco coir is a sustainable, versatile, and effective growing medium made from coconut husks. With benefits like excellent water retention, improved aeration, and reusability, it’s becoming a popular choice in eco-conscious gardening and hydroponics. If you want a natural, renewable way to boost plant health and reduce your environmental impact, coco coir is a smart and responsible option.

Ready to make the switch to coco coir? Explore quality coco coir products and start growing greener today.

When it comes to plant nutrition, balance is everything. Just like humans need a mix of nutrients to thrive, plants rely on a precise combination of elements – especially macronutrients – to grow strong and healthy. A deficiency in any one of the macronutrients plants need can weaken a plant’s vitality, while the right balance can unlock vigorous growth, vibrant leaves, and abundant flowering. So, what exactly are macronutrients, and why are they so essential?

The Macronutrient Essentials: A Quick Breakdown

Let’s go over the essential macronutrients plants need. Of the 60 chemical elements found in plants, only 16 are essential for plant survival. Three of these – carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) – are absorbed from air and water. The remaining 13 come from the soil and are divided into:

• Macronutrients: Plants need in large amounts
• Micronutrients: Plants need in small quantities
  Today, we’re zooming in on the macronutrients plants need, particularly the primary and secondary ones, all of which are vital for plant health.

Primary Three Macronutrients plants need: The Big Three

These are the main three macronutrients plants need and consume the most. A shortage in any of these can lead to visible and often dramatic symptoms. Essentially, these are the macronutrients plants need the most, and cannot live without.

1. Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is the fuel for growth. It plays a critical role in photosynthesis, chlorophyll production, and protein synthesis. It’s particularly important for the aerial parts of the plant – stems and leaves.
Deficiency signs:

• Yellowing leaves (starting at the base)
• Slowed growth
• Leaf drop

2. Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus powers the plant’s energy transport and is crucial for root development and flowering. It helps plants build strong root systems and bloom on time.
Deficiency signs:

• Delayed flowering
• Curled or browned leaves
• Overall lack of vigor

3. Potassium (K)

Potassium is like a multitool for plants. It regulates water, enhances disease resistance, and boosts carbohydrate and enzyme production.
Deficiency signs:

• Brown or black spots on leaves
• Poor resistance to drought and cold
• Imbalance with other nutrients

Secondary Macronutrients plants need: The Unsung Heroes

Though needed in smaller amounts, these nutrients are no less important. Without them, the plant’s internal systems can’t function properly.

4. Calcium (Ca)

Calcium strengthens cell walls, supports root development, and helps neutralize toxins. It’s essential for new growth and seed formation.
Deficiency signs:

• Yellow or brown leaf spots
• Stunted growth
• Weak stems

5. Magnesium (Mg)

At the heart of every chlorophyll molecule is magnesium. It’s vital for photosynthesis, sugar storage, and enzyme activation – more than any other nutrient.
Deficiency signs:

• Yellowing between leaf veins (especially in older leaves)
• Weak stalks
• Brown spots

6. Sulfur (S)

Sulfur aids in chlorophyll formation, protein synthesis, and overall plant defense. It also helps the plant use nitrogen more efficiently.
Deficiency signs:

• Pale green coloration
• General yellowing (similar to nitrogen deficiency, but on newer leaves)

How can I ensure my plant is getting the right amount of macronutrients?

Of course you want to ensure your plant is receiving all the three macronutrients plants need regularly. There’s an easy way to ensure you’re giving your plant everything it needs. GreenPlanet Nutrients offer a wide range of nutrient solutions that have everything inside them that your plants need to thrive.

1-Part Medi One

Medi One is the 1-part base nutrient system formulated with readily available macro and microelements certified for organic use. Expect vigorous vegetative growth and vibrant floral production with only one bottle. This is the base for the Medi One Feed Program.

It is a fully balanced blend of all-natural ingredients that produce vigorous growth in the vegetative stage and resinous aromatic flora production in the flowering stage. Our formula contains hydrolyzed fish soluble extracts that are slowly steamed to preserve the amino acids. This is blended with mined potassium sulphate to provide additional nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These ingredients increase microbial activity in the grow medium, which helps the plant break down larger organic particles into a size that the plant can easily uptake and use.

All of the components within Medi One are carefully assembled to make sure they form a complete and cohesive nutrient source that provides everything the plant needs in all stages of growth.

In Conclusion

For a plant to thrive, it must have access to all essential nutrients in the right proportions. Primary macronutrients drive vigorous growth, strong roots, and flowering, while secondary macronutrients support vital internal functions and defenses. Want healthier plants? Start by feeding them right. By providing your them with the three macronutrients plants need, as well as the secondary ones that ensure optimal health, you’re already taking a step in right direction. Monitor for deficiencies, adjust your fertilization routine, and remember – sometimes the smallest imbalance can have the biggest impact.

FAQs about the three Macronutrients plants need, and secondary macronutrients

How do I tell if my plants lack essential macronutrients plants need?

Deficiency symptoms vary:

• Nitrogen deficit: yellowing lower leaves, stunted growth.
• Phosphorus shortfall: poor flowering/root growth, darkened or curled foliage.
• Potassium weakens stress resilience – leaf tip browning, poor drought tolerance.
• Calcium, magnesium, sulfur shortages may show as spots on leaves, poor new shoot development, or chlorosis

What roles do the macronutrients plants need play in plant metabolism?

• Nitrogen – key for chlorophyll and proteins.
• Phosphorus – essential for energy transfer (ATP), flowering, root growth.
• Potassium – supports cell integrity, water regulation, enzyme functions.
• Calcium/Magnesium/Sulfur – support structural integrity, chlorophyll synthesis, and amino acid formation

Why is maintaining the proper balance of macronutrients plants need so important?

An imbalance can disrupt nutrient uptake or cause toxicity. For example, excess potassium may inhibit magnesium uptake. A balanced supply ensures healthy growth and avoids negative interactions.

Where do plants get the macronutrients they need?

They absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur from soil or growing media. Additionally, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (also macronutrients) come from air (CO₂) and water.

How can I ensure plants get the macronutrients they need consistently?

• Soil or tissue testing helps identify deficiencies or excesses
• Choose a balanced N-P-K fertilizer tailored to plant stage (e.g., higher N for foliage, more P/K for flowering)
• Monitor regularly – avoid over-fertilizing, as high nutrient levels can stress plants.

Can over-supplying the macronutrients plants need be harmful?

Yes – over-fertilization can lead to nutrient toxicity, poor root function, leaf burn, stunted growth, and environmental issues. Follow recommended rates and adjust based on testing results.

What’s the difference between primary and secondary macronutrients plants need?

Primary macronutrients (N, P, K): needed in the largest quantities for growth and reproduction.

Secondary macronutrients (Ca, Mg, S): required in moderate amounts to support structure, photosynthesis, and metabolic health

When it comes to growing healthy plants, the quality and safety of the nutrients you use can make all the difference. If you’re serious about sustainable and organic gardening, you may have heard of OMRI certified products – but what does that actually mean, and why should it matter to you? In this post, we’ll explain what OMRI certification is, why it’s important for your garden and the environment, and share some top OMRI-certified products to help your plants thrive.

What Does OMRI Certified Mean?

OMRI stands for the Organic Materials Review Institute, an independent nonprofit that assesses products to ensure they meet rigorous organic standards. When a product is OMRI certified, it means it’s been carefully evaluated and approved for use in organic farming and gardening. This certification confirms the product complies with Canada’s organic regulations and is free from synthetic chemicals and harmful additives. In other words, OMRI certification is a reliable mark showing your nutrients and materials are genuinely organic and safe for your plants and the environment.

Why Is OMRI Certification Important?

Using OMRI certified products matters for several key reasons. First, it ensures your plants receive clean, natural ingredients that protect soil health and support beneficial microbes. Healthy soil leads to stronger plants with improved nutrient uptake and greater resistance to pests and diseases. Second, OMRI certification promotes sustainable farming practices by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that can pollute Canadian waterways and harm wildlife. Whether you’re growing food for your family or ornamental plants, choosing OMRI certified nutrients helps you make environmentally responsible choices. Lastly, if you plan to sell your produce as organic, using OMRI certified products is often required to meet Canadian organic certification standards, giving you confidence your crops follow top organic practices.

The Impact of OMRI Certification on Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation for thriving plants, and OMRI certified nutrients play a vital role in maintaining soil vitality. Unlike synthetic fertilizers that can upset the delicate balance of soil microbes, OMRI certified products contain natural, organic ingredients that nourish beneficial bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms break down organic matter, making nutrients more accessible to plants and improving soil structure. Using OMRI certified nutrients fosters a thriving soil ecosystem that retains moisture, prevents erosion, and enhances nutrient cycling. Over time, this results in healthier plants with stronger roots, better stress tolerance, and improved growth overall.

OMRI Certified Medi One from GreenPlanet Nutrients

1-Part Medi One is a convenient all-in-one nutrient system made with organic-certified macro and microelements to support robust vegetative growth and vibrant flowering. It’s ideal for growers seeking simplicity without compromising quality.

To summarise

Choosing OMRI certified nutrients is more than just meeting organic standards – it’s an investment in the long-term health of your plants, soil, and the environment. By using products that adhere to strict organic regulations, you ensure your garden receives clean, effective nutrition that promotes sustainable growth and natural resilience. Whether you’re a home gardener or a professional grower, incorporating OMRI certified products like those from GreenPlanet Nutrients helps you grow healthier plants while supporting a healthier Canadian environment.