Soil Storage

I like to pre mix my soil so I have some ready to use, in case I get a notion to do some planting or transplanting. I been using some organic soil lately, and storing it in a clean rubermaid trash can with lid. I get mushrooms and mold/fungus growing on it whenever I open the lid. Is the dirt pretty much "no good" if I see mold on the dirt? Is there a better way to store the soil?

Make sure whatever you have it in breaths well, and don't store in a dark area.

hmmm...so leaving the lid off would be a good idea. Thanks for the reply. Guess I will have to leave a light on as well.

Smoking Loon said:

hmmm...so leaving the lid off would be a good idea. Thanks for the reply. Guess I will have to leave a light on as well.

Click to expand...

That's funny! No, you don't need to leave a light on. You want it moist, but not wet. If it's just a little too moist, leaving the lid off will work.

The mold and mushrooms are normal in organic soil. Go by smell. If it smells nasty, it's too wet and went anaerobic. Still be ok, you just need to dump it out and let it air out. Wheelbarrow, kiddie wading pool, whatever you have. Turn/mix with a shovel every day or 2. A few days in the sun will set it right, don't toss it.

I use the same or similar cans, 32 gallons with lid. $10 from HD. Drill a few holes in the bottom for any excess water to run out if you get your mix a little too wet and a bit of air. Not like drainage holes in a pot, but enough where it won't hold water. I do ~10-12 1/8" or so holes.

You'll be fine.

Wet

Exactly. If moist and not wet you can put a lid on the can for months. Smell is the key.

Oh, and it's SOIL. Dirt is what is on the floor and on your car.

A white fuzzy grow is generally a health bacteria so I would not freak about that. Now to much fungal grow would indicate to me that you soil may be to wet. But opening it up would allow to much water the over drying. Take a picture and post so people can see exactly what is happening.

snew

Thanks all! Perfect responses and info. Rep to all