Useful Seeds

pthobson

Well-Known Member
That’s exactly why for the plants I grow in soil, I now pasteurize it in the oven. Let center of soil get to 140 for 30 min. It’s an absolute pain in the ass, but I haven’t seen one pest in my tent or in/on my soil. For extra insurance, I inoculate the medium with a small amount of molasses (1-2 mL/gal) and great white afterwords, and if possible, let the mixture sit in a clean environment (my tent with exhaust and a HEPA air filter running in only that room) keeping it lightly moist as the beneficials recuperate.

Even though it’s an absolute ass pain, and maybe a bit excessive, I don’t want to bring any unknown contaminants into my grow room. When soil sits on shelves both outdoors and in before being sold, there’s no telling what is growing in there by the time we, the consumer, purchase and use it. Decomposing organic matter is a fantastic medium for a whole lot more than just cannabis.
Nice. thanks for your suggestion. I’ll have to remember that. :eyesmoke:
 

DocofRock

Well-Known Member
Just keep in mind (he kind of hit on this topic) baking your soil kills all the microbes in the soil, good and bad. So it really needs to be treated after baking and given time to recuperate before using it.
Especially around the sides of the pans. You should do this process in layers no greater than 4”. If you attempt to do more, you’ll likely wipe out your microbes around the sides that reach greater temperature for longer periods, though pasteurization (low temps) aims to retain as many of the beneficial microbes as possible. The medium should also be moist going into the oven, uniformly if possible.

This process is different from sterilization, which requires much greater temperatures for either long periods of time or under pressure (such as an autoclave). The aim is to wipe out typical soil pathogens and larvae, which are much more susceptible to high temperatures.

This process will also facilitate a quick initial wet-dry cycle, ensuring moisture loving creatures like fungus gnat larvae are killed in the rapid drying of the medium during the time the soil is “being cooked”. Fungus gnats only live in the top 2” of moist soil.

I do agree though that this process does potentially put a strain on all the life forms in your soil (very important for organic). That’s why I have found success in adding a high quality innoculant like Great White with some molasses and letting the soil mixture rest for a bit if possible. However, I haven’t noticed ill effects from planting 24 hours after the pasteurization process.

I’m such many people in this thread have much more experience and knowledge than I do, but I’ve found this to be highly effective for me. I’d add that while we are on the subject of pests, for anyone struggling with them indoors, I’ve also not had a problem since maintaining a very tidy space. A shop vac and a bottle of bleach wipes and/or peroxide goes a long way. In fact, the shop vac has become a total essential for me.

Happy growing! I’ll snap some updated pics of the BBnC soon. Slowed down growth for about 24-36 hours after a decently aggressive topping, but I didn’t realize how rapidly she’s still growing until I looked at the last pic I posted here.
 

Amos Otis

Well-Known Member
I hear ya!! It reminds me of that fella referring to a Useful strain as Ricky and Ralph!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Sorry brother.....I just had to!!! lol
LOL.....but that's completely different. I always knew exactly what strain I was talking about !

I apologize for pissin with ya @Amos Otis .just couldn't resist. I was gonna follow up with a post recommending yer beans at DCSE...but they are completely sold out!!! :clap:
I know you joke because you love, mi hermano.

As far as DCSE is concerned: what's up with that guy ?? I keep sending beans thinking I'm buying a couple months time to make some more, then look up and they're all gone!
I've noticed you share the dilemma. :lol:

DDS
(Double Dipped Strawberries)
Another reason right there why this cat's a rock star. :eyesmoke:
 
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