Looking for indoor soil?

blownz281 · 10-08-2010, 05:41 PM

I need some thoughts on bags of indoor potting soil people have used. Looking for something bug free. Bringing my nanners inside this year to overwinter in pots. Brought nanners inside over the winter last year and tiny bugs called springtails were crawling all over. So want something bug free if possible. Thanks

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-08-2010, 05:55 PM

Go to an actual greenhouse nursery and ask for a bag of STERILE soil-less mix...this will solve your soil pest problems and banana plants grow excellent in it.

I use Sunshine Pro-Mix #4 and #1.

Never cheap-out when it comes to soil...it can make or break your plants.

: )

blownz281 · 10-08-2010, 05:59 PM

SO no home cheapo or Blowes? I always used peters or MG cactus soils for years and loved them. For the cactus and dry climate types. Thought maybe there might be something decent there?

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-08-2010, 06:03 PM

Miracle Grow soil is loaded with pests and their eggs but cacti aren't especially prone to bug problems so you may not have noticed.

I always recommend sterile soil to all indoor growers as it can be a true disaster and failure otherwise...most especially with the types of plants I tend to grow...edibles and flowers.

Cheap soils never pay.

: )

blownz281 · 10-08-2010, 06:07 PM

Alright. good to know. Thanks for the help!

Patty in Wisc · 10-08-2010, 11:03 PM

I always liked MG potting mix w/ added perlite. I didn't know of any bugs or eggs in it before. I thought bugs got in thru drain holes when put outside, so now I put pieces of screen at holes in hopes of keeping bugs out.
Sometimes I sterilize my own soil by baking it at about 400f in the oven in large roasting pans, for about 20-30 minutes. It really STINKS so be ready LOL.

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-09-2010, 07:33 AM

Any soil that is not sterile unfortunately, has bugs and their eggs present....and miracle grow soil is one of the worst.

I use it only for outdoor plants where beneficial insects can keep things in check. If you're not growing plants that are prone to pests though, you may not notice any bothersome damage.

Indoor growers who are concerned about their plants being attacked by pests should bother to put out for a good clean sterile soil...especially if you're growing edibles inside.

: )

xavierdlc61887 · 10-09-2010, 08:02 AM

i think if your worried about bugs and eggs being in your soil then you should either grow in hydroponics or not at all :P

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-09-2010, 08:35 AM

True, but I was referring to folks who want to grow using a soil medium.

Hydroponic growers are not without their pest problems however...

I had a friend who grew hydroponically and he had a worse spider mite problem than I'd ever encountered! A severe whitefly infestation at one point too!

I just wanted to point out, especially to unsuspecting new gardeners, that using cheap soils can bring with them many unwanted and preventable problems.

Don't get me wrong though, because I'm kind of a fan of MG soil...just not inside my apartment.

Only my opinion and my way of doing things...but doesn't mean it's everyone else's.

: )

turtile · 10-09-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blownz281

I need some thoughts on bags of indoor potting soil people have used. Looking for something bug free. Bringing my nanners inside this year to overwinter in pots. Brought nanners inside over the winter last year and tiny bugs called springtails were crawling all over. So want something bug free if possible. Thanks

You'll have to use insecticide on the plant and the soil if you want to avoid problems. The best way to manage springtails is to keep the medium from staying wet. A fast draining planting medium is a must but it's hard to find (look for one high in perlite).

A mix of perlite and sand will have no problem managing springtails since it does not contain any organic material for them to feed on except for plant parts. Miracle-Gro is filled with pine bark and other organic materials which springtails can feed on.

1aday · 10-09-2010, 06:19 PM

My potted bananas and I like Fafard 52, which has peat, perlite, vermiculite, and pine bark pieces. It drains really well. (and needs to, because I like to overwater...)
Try Cross Seed in Wilmington.

blownz281 · 10-09-2010, 07:56 PM

I thought about the oven deal! How bad is bad smell wise?

Where is that in Wilmington,never heard of it? Are you a local as well?

The Hollyberry Lady · 10-11-2010, 12:11 AM

Whatever you do, please...

DO NOT BAKE SOIL IN YOUR OVEN!!!

It will put the most disgusting, foul stench into your home that you can imagine...and you won't get rid of it for weeks!

: o

It's not something that should be recommended to anyone. Boiling water can be a good alternative though, and pouring it into a pot of pest infested soil a few times will usually kill whatever's in it.

: )

sandy0225 · 10-11-2010, 07:14 AM

Just rinse all the soil off your plants before repotting for inside. Don't use potting soil from anywhere that is-or has been-sitting outside, where it could have gotten wet. If it's gotten wet, then it's likely to have algae in it which attracts fungus gnats. When you open the bag, look to see if the inside of the bag is slimy green or flaky brown, that means the soil has been wet. If so, don't use it. I haven't heard of Miracle grow soil being any more prone to having bugs in it than any others, but if it was handled improperly, sitting on pallets outside, then that may be the case. I know our local menards is starting to carry more of the promix potting soils now, so they will be more available to homeowners than before. Nearly any of them-except the ones designed to mix with soil outdoors to improve flower beds-mixed 50/50 with perlite will make a good winter potting mix for bananas because of the improved drainage that the perlite offers.
My still all time favorite is promix HP with biofungicide, but that can be hard to get if you're a homeowner. Try calling some local greenhouses to see if they have any.

notrecruiting · 01-22-2011, 12:25 AM

is a springtail infestation detrimental to the living plants in your soil or is it just a neusance?

turtile · 01-22-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notrecruiting

is a springtail infestation detrimental to the living plants in your soil or is it just a neusance?

They usually cause no damage to plants.

David Harritz · 06-04-2012, 10:17 AM

To keep your system bug free You need to use anti bug liquid or fertilizers which are available in the market. It is necessary if such a kind of thing happens to your plant.

*dim* · 06-10-2012, 10:02 AM

go to your nearest hydroponic store, and check their composts ... they have specialist imported composts that are primarily geared for 'medical cannabis' growers

Here in the UK, I use plagron bat mix .... it's very rich, has different types of peat and also has worm humus and bat guano ... It also has perlite, which makes it drain well ... all I add is a bit more worm humis (vermicompost), and I also use rootgrow (Mycorrhizal Fungi)

I have never seen any bugs when using this ... I have also used biobizz all mix which is also very good

10-08-2010, 05:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
blownz281 Location: Coastal NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b coastal Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,373 BananaBucks : 362,784 Feedback: 6 / 100% Said "Thanks" 440 Times Was Thanked 756 Times in 534 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 14 Times	Looking for indoor soil? I need some thoughts on bags of indoor potting soil people have used. Looking for something bug free. Bringing my nanners inside this year to overwinter in pots. Brought nanners inside over the winter last year and tiny bugs called springtails were crawling all over. So want something bug free if possible. Thanks

10-08-2010, 05:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,327,753 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Go to an actual greenhouse nursery and ask for a bag of STERILE soil-less mix...this will solve your soil pest problems and banana plants grow excellent in it. I use Sunshine Pro-Mix #4 and #1. Never cheap-out when it comes to soil...it can make or break your plants. : )

10-08-2010, 05:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
blownz281 Location: Coastal NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b coastal Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,373 BananaBucks : 362,784 Feedback: 6 / 100% Said "Thanks" 440 Times Was Thanked 756 Times in 534 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 14 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? SO no home cheapo or Blowes? I always used peters or MG cactus soils for years and loved them. For the cactus and dry climate types. Thought maybe there might be something decent there?

10-08-2010, 06:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,327,753 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Miracle Grow soil is loaded with pests and their eggs but cacti aren't especially prone to bug problems so you may not have noticed. I always recommend sterile soil to all indoor growers as it can be a true disaster and failure otherwise...most especially with the types of plants I tend to grow...edibles and flowers. Cheap soils never pay. : )

10-08-2010, 06:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
blownz281 Location: Coastal NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b coastal Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,373 BananaBucks : 362,784 Feedback: 6 / 100% Said "Thanks" 440 Times Was Thanked 756 Times in 534 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 14 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Alright. good to know. Thanks for the help!

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10-08-2010, 11:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
Patty in Wisc tropical nut Patty in Wisc's Photo Gallery Zone: 5 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,115 BananaBucks : 349,001 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,946 Times Was Thanked 2,510 Times in 1,203 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 69 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? I always liked MG potting mix w/ added perlite. I didn't know of any bugs or eggs in it before. I thought bugs got in thru drain holes when put outside, so now I put pieces of screen at holes in hopes of keeping bugs out. Sometimes I sterilize my own soil by baking it at about 400f in the oven in large roasting pans, for about 20-30 minutes. It really STINKS so be ready LOL. __________________ Got a lite? Patty ____ Patty in Wisc has sadly passed away 9/05/11. We will miss you Patty.

10-09-2010, 07:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,327,753 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Any soil that is not sterile unfortunately, has bugs and their eggs present....and miracle grow soil is one of the worst. I use it only for outdoor plants where beneficial insects can keep things in check. If you're not growing plants that are prone to pests though, you may not notice any bothersome damage. Indoor growers who are concerned about their plants being attacked by pests should bother to put out for a good clean sterile soil...especially if you're growing edibles inside. : )

10-09-2010, 08:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
xavierdlc61887 xavierdlc61887's Photo Gallery Zone: 9b Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 870 BananaBucks : 10,296 Feedback: 19 / 100% Said "Thanks" 379 Times Was Thanked 343 Times in 183 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 107 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? i think if your worried about bugs and eggs being in your soil then you should either grow in hydroponics or not at all :P

10-09-2010, 08:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,327,753 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? True, but I was referring to folks who want to grow using a soil medium. Hydroponic growers are not without their pest problems however... I had a friend who grew hydroponically and he had a worse spider mite problem than I'd ever encountered! A severe whitefly infestation at one point too! I just wanted to point out, especially to unsuspecting new gardeners, that using cheap soils can bring with them many unwanted and preventable problems. Don't get me wrong though, because I'm kind of a fan of MG soil...just not inside my apartment. Only my opinion and my way of doing things...but doesn't mean it's everyone else's. : ) Last edited by The Hollyberry Lady : 10-11-2010 at 12:13 AM. Reason: damn spelling!!!

10-09-2010, 06:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
1aday 1aday's Photo Gallery Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 224 BananaBucks : 43,178 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 184 Times in 105 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 24 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? My potted bananas and I like Fafard 52, which has peat, perlite, vermiculite, and pine bark pieces. It drains really well. (and needs to, because I like to overwater...) Try Cross Seed in Wilmington. __________________ Susan

10-09-2010, 07:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
blownz281 Location: Coastal NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b coastal Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,373 BananaBucks : 362,784 Feedback: 6 / 100% Said "Thanks" 440 Times Was Thanked 756 Times in 534 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 14 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? I thought about the oven deal! How bad is bad smell wise? Where is that in Wilmington,never heard of it? Are you a local as well?

10-11-2010, 12:11 AM	#13 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,327,753 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Whatever you do, please... DO NOT BAKE SOIL IN YOUR OVEN!!! It will put the most disgusting, foul stench into your home that you can imagine...and you won't get rid of it for weeks! : o It's not something that should be recommended to anyone. Boiling water can be a good alternative though, and pouring it into a pot of pest infested soil a few times will usually kill whatever's in it. : )

10-11-2010, 07:14 AM	#14 (permalink)
sandy0225 Northern Tropics sandy0225's Photo Gallery Location: Muncie, Indiana zone 5 Find me on the map! Zone: zone 5 Name: Sandy Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,718 BananaBucks : 365,180 Feedback: 31 / 97% Said "Thanks" 38 Times Was Thanked 1,801 Times in 682 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 9 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Just rinse all the soil off your plants before repotting for inside. Don't use potting soil from anywhere that is-or has been-sitting outside, where it could have gotten wet. If it's gotten wet, then it's likely to have algae in it which attracts fungus gnats. When you open the bag, look to see if the inside of the bag is slimy green or flaky brown, that means the soil has been wet. If so, don't use it. I haven't heard of Miracle grow soil being any more prone to having bugs in it than any others, but if it was handled improperly, sitting on pallets outside, then that may be the case. I know our local menards is starting to carry more of the promix potting soils now, so they will be more available to homeowners than before. Nearly any of them-except the ones designed to mix with soil outdoors to improve flower beds-mixed 50/50 with perlite will make a good winter potting mix for bananas because of the improved drainage that the perlite offers. My still all time favorite is promix HP with biofungicide, but that can be hard to get if you're a homeowner. Try calling some local greenhouses to see if they have any. __________________ Sandy Burrell Northern Tropics Greenhouse 1501 East Fuson Road Muncie, IN 47302 www.northerntropics.com specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~ check out our new online store at our website!

01-22-2011, 12:25 AM	#15 (permalink)
notrecruiting notrecruiting's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 170 BananaBucks : 12,349 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 61 Times Was Thanked 118 Times in 68 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 4 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? is a springtail infestation detrimental to the living plants in your soil or is it just a neusance? __________________ If it'll hold soil or grow don't throw it out

06-04-2012, 10:17 AM	#17 (permalink)
David Harritz hydroponics Location: USA Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 2,038 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? To keep your system bug free You need to use anti bug liquid or fertilizers which are available in the market. It is necessary if such a kind of thing happens to your plant. __________________ Find the LED Grow Lights easily

06-10-2012, 10:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
dim Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 11 BananaBucks : 736 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? go to your nearest hydroponic store, and check their composts ... they have specialist imported composts that are primarily geared for 'medical cannabis' growers Here in the UK, I use plagron bat mix .... it's very rich, has different types of peat and also has worm humus and bat guano ... It also has perlite, which makes it drain well ... all I add is a bit more worm humis (vermicompost), and I also use rootgrow (Mycorrhizal Fungi) I have never seen any bugs when using this ... I have also used biobizz all mix which is also very good

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