Reuse of growing media.

[sativa jim]

I just finished a grow that was done in soilless media with a peat moss and perlite base. Can I shake the media off the root balls and reuse the same base material and just add my organic components or should I start with all new materials as to avoid any disease issues. I had read somewhere that it is o.k. to use your base materials 2 times if you are growing from seed and not clone. What is you guys opinion on this?

 

[amgprb]

I use soil, but what I do is put all my used soil in a large tupperware tote. I stir it and shake it a couple times a week for at least 3-4 months and then I re-use it for clones and young seedlings as it has very little to no nutrients.

 

[sativa jim]

I understand, but what if you add the organics back to the media? Is this not good for one more grow or do I risk disease? I am growing from seed.

 

[Doer]

Hmmm....Interesting. The problem with peat moss is that as it breaks down, it alters the pH randomly. When I was in buckets and water, I know had fouled roots in the pumps when the pH began banging around.

That is why I use totally inert media for soilless. I can reuse it. I would not re-use a mix with peat moss. Why? Save a penny but waste a dime later?

 

[tomascat]

i reuse soil and im organic. i do the rubbermaid thing and mix ewc, alfalfa,tomato neuts,bat crap,more perlite, bone meal, other stuf that i cant think of. i use 5 gal pots and have enough standing by so i can rotate it between harvests.

 

[CouchlockOR]

It's cheap. Why not be safe and just replace it?

 

[sativa jim]

You know Doer, you have a very valid point. Why risk a good grow just to save a few pennies. Yes couchlockOR, I got it. Thanks guys, I'm starting with new materials, no doubt.

 

[keifcake]

I always reuse my soil with no problems. If something happened and the ph gets off or whatever I'll dump it, but other than that I shake as much off the roots as possible. Some gets replaced this way as not all comes loose from the roots, and it also seems to need more anyway even if i do get it all off the roots.

 

[Doer]

You know Doer, you have a very valid point. Why risk a good grow just to save a few pennies. Yes couchlockOR, I got it. Thanks guys, I'm starting with new materials, no doubt.

It is all a matter I think, of proving it to ourselves. And how much risk can we afford? I took a lot of risks, cause I don't care. I lost maybe 20 plants at various stages. But, when I got my System going, it is not for experiments.

It is like that old saw. Practice new ideas at the driving range, not out on the golf course.