New Bagged Soil: Can It Be Inoculated Before Using?

Lots of bagged soils seem to come pre-loaded with bugs. Whether from the bagging facility or contamination at distributor, this seems common. The soils contain the micro herd, so you'd rather not heat treat, I suppose.

Does anyone dunk the soil before using? Some other precaution before planting?

Thanks!

a layer of Diatomaceous Earth on top of soil will prevent most bugs from becoming a problem.
its kinda hard to find, most hydro shops have it though and its always available on the internets.

Clam, you are coming to my aid all over the place! If the soil is pre-infected, wouldn't I be just waiting out the larval period with DE, sand or perlite on top?

Yeah, if you cover up the top of the soil then the larva can't get out so you just play the waiting game until they die off. If they can't make it to be adults they can't make more larva.

ClamDigger said:

a layer of Diatomaceous Earth on top of soil will prevent most bugs from becoming a problem.
its kinda hard to find, most hydro shops have it though and its always available on the internets.

Click to expand...

i didnt know DE was organic

thkas for the link, i looked it up once i replied. how ever we have some at work that is by far non organic. alot of stuff that says organic isnt pure organic. you have to look at the ingredients, how it was made, and what every thing was derived from

What makes the DE at work non-organic? There must be added compounds?

im not sure exactly what it was but i will try to look at it today and let you know

Just curious is all.

DE is merely the ancient exoskeletons of diatoms, a form of plankton. No need to add any other ingredients. it's MAIN use is as a filtering agent. each microscopic exoskeleton has thousands of tiny holes. A good place to buy DE is from a pool supply store. It's organic in that it's main composition is silica and calcium. It is also an effective pesticide because the little particles are razor sharp, and can get into he exoskeleton of the bugs.

Does DE need to be a complete layer on top of soil or simply in the top dressing?

It's pretty fine, not a whole lot coarser than talc. A "complete layer" would be a bit of overkill I think. Just top it a good bit and scratch it into the first inch or two of soil. That's what I do anyway.

Great, great information Jack. Thanks much!

I mix mine up with my soil.I want it through out the entire pot.