Episode 03: Answering Growers’ FAQs

We’re back with another FAQ episode where I answer your most asked grower questions for February 2026.

In this episode, I go through 50+ grower questions covering everything from watering techniques, living soil systems, EarthBoxes, Blumat setups, nutrient management, moisture control, genetics, troubleshooting plant issues, and more.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. BuildASoil is dedicated to teaching the art and science of soil-based growing. Always follow your local laws and regulations.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro
00:18 – February 2026 FAQ Overview
01:32 – Do AC Infinity Self-Watering Bases Work with Living Soil (BuildASoil)?
03:03 – Does Reducing Plant Stretch Affect Yield in Cannabis Growing?
03:44 – Blumat Sensor Setup: Gold vs Silver Setting for Gravity-Fed Systems
04:51 – When to Plant Cover Crops: Before or After Straw Mulch in Living Soil?
05:54 – 13/13 Light Cycle in Flower: Does It Improve Growth and Yield?
09:29 – Using Tap Water in Living Soil: Mineral Buildup, Hard Water & pH Concerns
12:07 – Do You Need to pH Water in an EarthBox Living Soil Grow?
13:28 – Autopot Grow Controllers
14:08 – Leaf Drop Issues in Living Soil Beds: Causes, Environment & Watering Factors
17:45 – What Makes Living Soil “True Soil”
21:39 – Harvest Timing Questions: Why Not Harvest Plants Showing Burnt Tips?
23:24 – Bare Minimum Autoflower Setup: Simple Grow with Light, Water & Minimal Inputs
24:07 – Under Canopy Lighting Test: Does It Increase Yield and Reduce Flower Time?
25:37 – Choosing a Keeper Plant: Best Breeders, Genetics & Seed Selection Tips
28:29 – How to Monitor Soil Moisture in SIP Containers (EarthBox & City Picker Systems)
30:33 – High PPM Well Water in Living Soil: How to Fix Hard Water Without RO System
33:26 – No-Till Living Soil Limits: Why Reusing Substrate Forever Can Reduce Yield & Quality
41:21 – Best Pot Size for Autoflowers: Container Recommendations for Soil & Autopot Systems
44:02 – Do You Need to pH Water in Living Soil Grow Bags? Microbes vs pH Control
44:46 – How to Identify Plant Sex Before Flowering
46:46 – Should You pH RO Water in an EarthBox? Living Soil Watering Explained
47:23 – Using Epsom Salt & Citric Acid in Living Soil: Benefits, Risks & Best Practices
50:05 – Blumat vs Gravity-Fed Watering Systems: Best Automated Irrigation for Living Soil
50:48 – High Tap Water pH in Living Soil: When Exceptions to No-pH Rule Apply
53:02 – Blumat Over-Drying Issue: Fixing Excess Dry Back After Feeding in Living Soil
55:47 – How to Prevent Blumat Clogging: Tips for Clean Irrigation Lines & Water Quality
56:47 – How to Feed Plants Weekly with Blumat System: Tips for Liquid Nutrients in Living Soil
58:22 – Harvesting in Darkness: Does Lights-Off Improve Quality or Just Bro Science?
59:57 – How to Get Clones Locally: Where to Find Cuts & Genetics Near You
1:00:59 – Autopot Bottom Feeding & Top Feeding: Should You Turn Off Water When Top Dressing?
1:02:47 – EarthBox vs Tray Grow Comparison: Setup, Performance & Grow Differences
1:03:11 – EcoWitt Moisture Meter Ranges & Watering Techniques
1:06:45 – Living Soil Beds in Tray Systems
1:07:10 – Autopot vs EarthBox vs Blumat
1:08:29 – Preventing Root Rot in Tray Grow Systems
1:09:49 – Best Blumat Setup for 3×3 Beds
1:11:14 – Ideal Humidity for Living Soil Beds & Bottom Watering Systems
1:12:29 – Filling EarthBox Before Lights Off: Best Watering Timing for Living Soil Grow Systems
1:13:45 – Watering Small Plants in Large Pots: How to Avoid Dry Pockets & Root Stress in Living Soil
1:14:39 – Outdoor Watering Timing: Should You Water After Sunrise in Living Soil Grows?
1:15:44 – Fixing Compacted Living Soil: Should You Till or Rebuild Beds for Better Water Absorption?
1:17:48 – Living Soil Moisture Levels with Olla Irrigation: How Dry Is Too Dry for No-Till Beds?
1:19:34 – How Low PPM Water Affects Nutrient Availability & Soil Health
1:20:26 – Choosing the Best Water Source for Living Soil
1:22:40 – Watering Different Phenotypes
1:24:14 – Living Soil Watering Volume Myths: Why Fixed Gallons Per Bed Doesn’t Work for Healthy Soil Systems
1:26:17 – How to Get Support?
1:26:45 – Watering in Peak Growth
1:27:32 – Using Microbial Inoculants in Stored Water: Can Rootwise Sit in a Sprayer Without Causing Issues or Clogging?
1:29:17 – How to Adjust Watering for Large Plants, Bed Size & Blumat Systems
1:32:09 – Organics Alive Explained
1:36:16 – Fungus Gnats in EarthBox: How to Prevent & Eliminate Pests in Living Soil Grow Systems
1:37:45 – Watering Time Myths: Does It Matter When You Water in Living Soil Grow Systems?
1:40:42 – Final Thoughts

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Music: Rebel by LionRiddims