Cooked Soil Anyone ?

[Nullis]

Sounds great, where can I find more info on or evan purchase Hypoaspis mites and nematodes ? thanks...J.L..

If gnats are the primary concern you can very easily get some Mosquito Dunks (or Bits). Dunks are sold at virtually every home improvement store. What is in them is Bti which is a kind of Bacillus bacterium and it produces a toxin that will kill mosquito and fungus gnat larvae (without hurting anything else). Your grow store probably has the Bits, but the dunks work as well you just have to break the dunk up some and then soak in a water for several hours. You could also mix crushed dunks or bits into the soil directly and then water. These work best before you have a problem so now would be the time.

Predator mites and nematodes you should be able to get online, or through the grow shop perhaps but they may have to order them for you. The nematodes you wouldn't even be able to see without a microscope, and they are kind of expensive but they parasitize some 200 different kinds of pest insects.

I have so many mites that I'd be willing to ship them out personally to anyone (in the US) that asks and is willing to pay for the shipping. The only issue there would be thinking of a creative way to ship them so that they both survive and also cannot leave the packaging.

 

[Jack Larson]

If gnats are the primary concern you can very easily get some Mosquito Dunks (or Bits). Dunks are sold at virtually every home improvement store. What is in them is Bti which is a kind of Bacillus bacterium and it produces a toxin that will kill mosquito and fungus gnat larvae (without hurting anything else). Your grow store probably has the Bits, but the dunks work as well you just have to break the dunk up some and then soak in a water for several hours. You could also mix crushed dunks or bits into the soil directly and then water. These work best before you have a problem so now would be the time.

Predator mites and nematodes you should be able to get online, or through the grow shop perhaps but they may have to order them for you. The nematodes you wouldn't even be able to see without a microscope, and they are kind of expensive but they parasitize some 200 different kinds of pest insects

I have so many mites that I'd be willing to ship them out personally to anyone (in the US) that asks and is willing to pay for the shipping. The only issue there would be thinking of a creative way to ship them so that they both survive and also cannot leave the packaging.

Do you know if the dunks/bits are organic ? the whole purpose of the cooking idea was so I wouldn't be adding anything.The predatory mites just seems more natural. I'll check with my local guys on availability. may be PMing you soon. Thanks for your advice, it has been very helpful.....J.L..

 

[Jack Larson]

i think he meant for u take the plastic bag off

Ya think ?.............!

 

[Jack Larson]

here you go
View attachment 1655286

Right On ! thanks Baensly! thats what I was looking for.+ rep.!

 

[Vindicated]

I've never baked so before, but I would be worried about the smell. Wouldn't it be easier to mix Diatomaceous Earth into the soil or to do a soil drench with neem oil?

 

[treedoctor]

I wouldn't want to put soil in my oven!

Consider making a solar hot box with a cardvoard box and aluminum foil. You can cook hotdogs with those things! Just place your soil in a container and place that in a plastic bag. Put that in your solar oven and leave it out on a sunny day. Let t sit a few hours in the box, turnig it once in the middle of the time its in there

 

[Jack Larson]

I wouldn't want to put soil in my oven!

Consider making a solar hot box with a cardvoard box and aluminum foil. You can cook hotdogs with those things! Just place your soil in a container and place that in a plastic bag. Put that in your solar oven and leave it out on a sunny day. Let t sit a few hours in the box, turnig it once in the middle of the time its in there

I thought about that too , but I live in the north west and so far this year we've only had one day that it even got to 80.I'm thinking maybe I'll look around for a good used oven.I didn't like the thought of using my oven, that I cook food in either. Thanks for your response. Its a good Idea. I just don't get the sun\heat, and I grow year round. ......J.L..

 

[Jack Larson]

I've never baked so before, but I would be worried about the smell. Wouldn't it be easier to mix into the soil or to do a soil drench with neem oil?

I get what you're saying,I'm just trying to start with a mix that I don't have to add any products to. I always thought that Diatomaceous Earth had to be dry to be effective. Am I wrong ? it wouldn't be the first time ....thanks ...J.L..

 

[althor]

Gnats are easy to deal with. Its the other stuff like spider mites that really worry me.

 

[personified]

Gnats can easily be solved with adding top dressing of coffee grounds which will make the top acidic. The gnats do not like the acidity and go away in a few days.