Hemp is difficult to grow, has a high demand for nutrients and water, and is a labor-intensive crop. Like all plants, cannabis needs water to perform its basic functions. Water helps plants absorb nutrients from the soil and then moves up and down to the leaves, and without it, the plant cannot survive. But giving a marijuana plant the right amount of water can be more difficult than you think.
Excessive watering is often due to human error. As a general rule, when the soil about 5 cm deep feels dry, water slowly until the soil is evenly hydrated. This works well for plants directly in the ground, as well as for potted plants. When using a pot, make sure that only very little water comes out of the drain holes to prevent nutrient loss.
After a few tests, you'll know approximately how much water the pot can hold before the excess water runs out. Always water around the stem, avoid getting wet, as this decreases the likelihood of stem rotting. Purdue University's Hemp Project reports that most hemp varieties need between 25 and 30 inches of rain a year, especially in the first few weeks of life. Hemp is not as immune to drought as its supporters claim, according to a soil researcher at Colorado State University who analyzed two years of Colorado hemp production.
