Nematode in SuperSoil mix?

bertiswho

Active Member
Can i do my first watering of the supersoil, just before i cook it, with a predatory nematode water mix to be proactive on fungus gnats? iam using roots and i just wanna make sure i dont have any bugs.
 
My understanding is that many add Steinernema feltiae nematodes. Good for fungus gnats. I was going to use nematodes also, but the nematodes don't deal with very nasty root aphids, and they're by bigger concern. For aphids, Beauveria bassiana fungus is really supposed to be great, but it's damned expensive.

So I'm mixing the SuperSoil with Organic Pyrethrum and adding one more dose when I stir the SS after a week. I'm going to treat the Roots soil on top as well. Then I'm top dressing the pails with food grade Diatomaceous Earth. If I find the fungus cheaper (Botanigard or Naturalis-O), I'll add that also. Hit these pests from many angles.
 
I added some to mine just before i pulled my tubs back into the garage. They baked for about 60 days first, every 2 weeks or so. Added for final storage just because they are not 100% sealed
 
I would be afraid that the composting temps of the supersoil "cook" would kill them. Adding them into individual pails after the 30 day cook would ensure they survive
 
A garbage can sized pile doesn't seem to be enough volume to create that much heat. I'd add the nematodes up front. Also, nematodes will eat eggs in addition to larvae, so they'll have a jump on things.
 
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