Humans have cultivated hemp for thousands of years. Traditionally, this plant was cultivated for its fiber. Today, however, cultivation is much more diversified as there are more uses of the plant other than fiber. If you are here, you are probably looking to grow hemp for CBD oil. While hundreds of hemp farms in Texas sell their products to the public, Riverside Botanicals is one of the best in the market. We have been in the horticultural space in Texas for over 30 years, and we are here to stay. As a part of the GoTexan program, we can assure you that all our crops have been grown in Texas. Therefore, you can reach out to us whenever you need us.
Growing Hemp-Getting Started
As a company with the best hemp farm in Texas, we understand more than anyone else that growing hemp is a huge undertaking. Therefore, you must know where to start if you want to grow hemp. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your hemp-growing journey.
Hemp Cultivation Laws and Regulation
In 2014, the Farm Bill allowed the pilot program to allow the cultivation and study of hemp. The bill was approved by different state departments of agriculture and the US Department of agriculture.
In 2018, the Farm bill became more expansive as it allowed hemp cultivation across 50 states. However, this does not mean anyone can grow hemp as they please. This new system allows the growth of hemp under strict conditions and then selling it in a regulated market. Now, there are federal and state regulations that you have to keep up with to grow hemp.
Capital and Overhead Costs
A hemp farm is not a cheap venture. You will spend some capital on the land and equipment. You will also cater to some overhead costs as these will be necessary to keep the farm running normally. It is best to have a big piece of land as this will mean more significant profits. However, smaller farms can still be a good investment, especially if things are done right.
You will also need permits before you can set up a farm and keep it running. These permits can be obtained through the department of agriculture in your state.
Knowing the Laws
You must know the laws surrounding hemp cultivation in Texas. If you follow the regulations exactly as they are laid out, your chances of success are high. However, if they are not followed strictly as stipulated, the crop could be destroyed.
For instance, it is crucial that no matter the state you are in, you cannot cultivate hemp that exceeds the 0.3% THC limit. If the THC level exceeds 0.03%, the crop is no longer considered hemp but marijuana. Therefore, if your crop is marijuana, it could be destroyed as per the US law.
Hemp Cultivation
Hemp cultivation is the easier part of this equation. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as you get ready to sow the seedlings or start. They include:
- Start Small
You must start small, especially if you are new to growing hemp. Even if you have a large tract of land, it is crucial that you start small and experiment before exploiting the larger land piece for hemp. For example, you could start with an acre or two and learn the ins and out as you prepare for the season.
- Understand the Soil
Soil quality is essential if you are going to grow soil. Therefore, you need to get the soil tested. You can find soil testing kits in extension offices of the state. When the results are back, you can check the texture of your soil and its nutrient content.
Ideally, your soil should be loam. It should be loose and well-aerated with an abundance of organic matter.
The ideal PH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. You could grow hemp in clay soil. However, soil that drains poorly and is poorly structured may lead to crop failure as young hemp plants and seedlings are prone to a phenomenon known as damping off.
You can also grow it in sandy soil. However, sandy soil will need additional irrigation and even fertilizer to ensure a bumper harvest.
Your soil should contain high nitrogen levels, medium to high levels of phosphorus, and adequate calcium and sulfur. The organic matter in the soil should be more than 3.5%. Hemp does something known as phytoremediation, which means that it can soak the nutrients in the soil where it is planted. It is so good at this that it has been used at the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster site to pull radioactive material from the soil.
Sowing Hemp Seedlings or Clones
Before growing hemp, you need to know what your needs are, as this will determine the type of seedlings you need. Also, you need to consider that cannabis was prohibited for years, so cannabis seedlings are not like commercial seedlings for standard vegetables. Therefore, unlike commercial seedlings that might produce identical plants of the same phenotype, hemp consistency cannot be the same. For this reason, it is crucial that you do some research before purchasing hemp seedlings.
It would help if you bought your seedlings from a certified grower like Riverside Botanicals, which has done research over the years on their cannabis strains. Whether you want the right hemp seedlings or clones and starts, we have what you need. We have been conducting research over the years, so we can assure you that our seedlings are 99% feminized and can produce a consistent yield. Our feminized plants have a high amount of resin that will eventually produce a high amount of CBD oils.
Reach Out to Us Today
If you are looking for the best hemp farm in Texas for your needs, Riverside Botanicals is here for you. Wherever you are in the state, we can help you figure out the right strain for your needs and help you get a bumper yield with our helpful tips. So reach out to us today for your hemp needs.