Once a crucial crop in the world of agriculture, hemp has become a renewed source of possibilities. On a national scale, federal and state laws are changing the way we use it. With so many beneficial economic opportunities it can bring, you may be wondering how it can help your unused land flourish. Luckily, we’re here to help you grow your first hemp plant from the ground up.
Hemp And How It Can Help Your Soil
The global hemp market
If you haven’t already done your research – it’s time to research, research, research. Hemp laws vary across state lines, so you first have to find out if it’s currently legal to grow the plant where you live. The plant remains, in the eyes of the FDA, a federally controlled substance due to the uncertainty revolving around cannabis. It has only recently become a commercial crop and, though it remains in low numbers, steadily increases every day. According to Modern Farmer, “in 2016, less than 10,000 acres were grown nationwide. In 2017, nearly 26,000 acres—more than double the prior year—were produced by about 1,500 farmers.”
The global market for hemp keeps rising every day. This is due to all of the hemp-based products currently making waves in just about every industry. CBD oil, a powerful natural remedy, is just one of the many fruitful products derived from the plant. As an aspiring hemp farmer, it’s good to understand what people need from this plant. This is so you can maximize the fruits of your labor.
The land hemp needs
Understanding the soil that hemp thrives in is crucial. “Though hemp is reputed to do well in a wide variety of soil and climate types – and rightly so – the highest yields tend to come from warmer climates with loamy soils that are well-drained and loaded with organic nutrients,” says Sam Gunnells at Remedy Review. These loamy soils are typically found in states that widely cultivate corn. However, don’t feel discouraged if your land happens to be outside of these settings. A crop report from 2017 shows that some of the most beneficial soils for hemp cultivation (like Kentucky, Colorado, and New York) aren’t anywhere near corn-producing states. But yield high results with this plant all the same.
So – where do you begin?
If you’ve done your research, chances are you’re ready to plant your first hemp seed. The amount of time, as well as the cycles of growth to expect, vary based on the season and warmth of your soil. “If hemp is planted into well-drained, fertile soil under nearly optimum temperature and moisture conditions, it will germinate quickly and reach 30 cm (12”) in 3-4 weeks from planting,” explains HempGlobal. It’s best to wait until the warmth of the soil has reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its seeds typically require 12 to 15 inches of water, according to Remedy Review. They are typically ready to be harvested after four months of growth. It’s important to keep in mind that this will vary depending on the land, weather, and tools available to you. However, if you’ve done your research, congratulations – you are on your way to cultivating your first hemp plant.
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