Hemp farming is an intensive field operation. To be successful, farmers must carefully cull male plants from the crop, maintain optimal field conditions and protect the field against pests.

Before beginning a hemp farm, it’s essential that you create a mission statement and identify which products you intend on producing. This will allow you to accurately gauge both growth potential and initial capital requirements.

Getting Started

Hemp farmers know the joys of planting time are multiplied when growing hemp. Seed is planted using a grain drill in rows like corn and can be planted as deeply (up to half an inch) to promote rapid germination and outcompete weeds.

Concerns have been expressed that inadequate soil moisture during planting could impede hemp germination; however, farmers can work towards improving seed-to-soil contact and avoid overwatering afterwards.

Hemp producers should first ensure they have an audience for their crops before planting, taking note of processors or buyers nearby and connecting directly with them in order to cut out middlemen and maximize profits. A strong online presence for hemp farms can also serve as an effective marketing tool, drawing in more business from both existing customers as well as potential newcomers.

Soil Preparation

Hemp can grow well in various soil conditions, but its optimal conditions include loose, deep loams with excellent seed-to-soil contact that promotes germination and shoot growth. As hemp requires high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (potash) for maximum productivity a soil test will reveal its specific requirements in your region.

Physical characteristics of your field also play a crucial role. Hemp plants don’t like damp feet, which can lead to crusting and stunted germination. Furthermore, hemp farmers must ensure their fields remain weed-free since only certain herbicides are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for cultivation of hemp.

Ideally, growers will till their fields in fall or winter to reduce competition from weeds and prepare a cover crop. Tilling breaks up large clumps while releasing nutrients from deeper soil layers into the surface layer – something which hemp roots and plants will find beneficial. A comprehensive tillage program that includes manuring also improves overall soil quality.

Planting

Hemp is a labor-intensive crop that requires close monitoring for optimal field conditions. Therefore, hiring an experienced team who have knowledge in hemp production is essential in culling male plants, controlling pests, and maintaining ideal field conditions.

Hemp requires plenty of water, so the soil must be well drained. Hemp thrives best in loam soil that is loose, deep, rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6-7.5.

Hemp seeds should be planted at 3/4 to 1- 1/4 inches (1.9-3.2 cm), using a seed drill to evenly space and cover them with soil. It’s essential that hemp be planted during its ideal growing season – planting outside this window could result in flowering happening sooner than intended, thus diminishing oil content and quality from your harvest. Do your research about your desired hemp crop’s genetics and climate before you plant.

Harvesting

Hemp can be harvested with relatively minimal effort; however, farmers should remember that harvesting it requires significant labor resources. Therefore, farmers must have access to funds available for hiring the necessary workers.

Hempirora and other diseases may also threaten hemp crops. Growers must be wary of potential risks and contract with a processor before planting to ensure there will be an outlet for their harvested product.

Hemp can be planted just like corn: in rows using a grain drill or no-till systems. Unfortunately, since no herbicides are approved in the US for hemp growing, tillage may be necessary to prepare a seedbed and control weeds. Because hemp plants have high nitrogen and phosphorus requirements, ideal conditions would include fertile soil with adequate drainage, sufficient organic matter content and good drainage systems; length also affects uptake/release; shorter varieties have higher grain yields while taller plants produce greater fiber harvests.