Will this help prevent algae from growing on soil?

**jerichojews** · 07-28-2012, 07:56 AM

So, I'm noticing some algae growing on the top of the soil of a couple 2 weekish old plants. If algae needs light and water to grow, would it make sense to sprinkle some dry soil on top of the existing soil after waterings? This way, the top of the soil stays dry, and the wet soil is not exposed to the light.

**smokinrav** · 07-28-2012, 10:21 AM

Stop it from growing by letting your medium dry out between waterings, increasing air flow or both.

**jerichojews** · 07-28-2012, 12:39 PM

I feel like I'm already doing those things. I'm watering about every 3 days (it seems pretty dry before I water). Plus, I have a fan and a dehumidifier blowing in the direction of the plants.

**monkeybones** · 07-28-2012, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by jerichojews

I feel like I'm already doing those things. I'm watering about every 3 days (it seems pretty dry before I water). Plus, I have a fan and a dehumidifier blowing in the direction of the plants.

sorry, the plant doesn't feel that way

algae cannot grow without constant moisture, so you are keeping the top of the soil constantly wet

which takes some dedicated over watering or really bad air flow or more likely a combination of both

get a moisture meter for your soil and make sure things are actually starting to become dry before you water

**jerichojews** · 07-29-2012, 07:26 AM

The top of the soil cannot possibly be constantly wet. I don't give it more water until it feels dry a couple inches down. I must have the kind of algae that likes dryness (10).

Anyway, to go back to my original question: Would sprinkling some new dry soil on top help control the algae?

**jman23** · 07-29-2012, 07:42 AM

listen to what theses guys are telling you your either watering to much or not enough airflow either that or your using soil dug from your back yard

**jerichojews** · 07-29-2012, 07:47 AM

Yeah, I didn't mean to be contrary, but I really do think that I've been addressing the things that were mentioned. I guess I can try to start watering less often (once a week???), and maybe get another fan going.

... and, both plants are in FF light warrior, not dirt from my yard.

**jman23** · 07-29-2012, 07:50 AM

yea well im wasnt tryn to be a dick but everything they said will prevent it id say more airflow i had the prob when i first started growing just try throwing a fan up in there may do wonders my do nothing let us know good luck hope you figure it out

**smokinrav** · 07-29-2012, 07:59 AM

Get a moisture meter.

You don't tell if the plant needs watering by sticking your finger in the top of the soil. There are no roots there. Roots are at the bottom of the container, so stick your finger in a drain hole to test for dryness.

Or get a moisture meter, insert it so the tip of probe is 3/4 of the way down, and read the results. They're like $5 at Wal-Mart. I still have and use the $5 one I bought a decade ago.