so, with our newest crop, we are growing indoor with compost mixed into the soil. we haven't planted yet because there seem to be a lot of bugs in the pots.

I know this is a hazzard of using outdoor soil, but I'd like to de-bug the soil before we plant if possible.

I've heard of using a concoction of garlic and peppers...I've heard to put the soil in the oven for 4 hours beforehand, and I've been reccomended an array of expensive products by my local indoor gardening store...

and I'm lost. I don't want any chemicals, because I'm trying to grow all organic, and I don't really want to pay $35 for some bullshit bug killer that's going to rape my soil...

any suggestions?

Go buy a bag of good soil. And let the bugs go back into the compost pile.

If it was compost that was aged there wouldn't be any bugs.

I agree with Mogie. That will be the easiest way to solve this problem. Just curious, where do you live, that bugs are a problem this time of year. There are many organic pest control product available for less than $30.00, more like less than $10.00. You may want to apply one and see if it solves the problem. If you are getting help from a gardenshop you may want to capture some of the little buggers, take them in for identification. And finger printing.
I guess it depends on if you want cheaper and easier or just want to have fun learning. Welcome to the forum Sister.

predator nematodes. they are released into the soil and eat the larvae of all the bad bugs. they are about $20 for 1 million. they are available online. the will completely clean the soil of ANY bad bug. including fleas. you can spray them around your yard, on the compost pile or and directly to your plants pots. i am picking up an order this afternoon. i use them in all my soil. never failed.

google----- PREDATOR NEMATODES----------

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and they arrived. they even gave me a tootsie roll.

good bugs.jpg

nematodes.jpg

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thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going to check out those predator nematodes...especially if there are tootsie rolls involved.

An alternative is to BAKE the soil for 1/2 hour at 180 Deg F in your oven before planting. This also kills 100% of all living things in the soil and you are left with nice stuff.. Although tootsie rolls are yummy too.

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Cant find help with this one...

I have pest problems too i think...

Something that works on most bugs??