Can i re-use soil???
- Thread starter danwxm
- Start date
smokeymarine
Member
Sure, just don't leave any of the roots behind and remember that most of the nutes are gone.
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
Yes - nature 'reuses' soil all the time.
bob harris
Well-Known Member
Sure...you can re use toilet paper too...Me I'd rather have fresh......
woodsusa
Well-Known Member
It happened to me as well. I just repotted some plants that I had started in used soil. Several just quit growing. I doubt I can save them. I did flush but they were pretty small. The leaves take on an odd light green color when it happens. At least in my experience. So I will no longer reuse soil.
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
No No No .... Toilet paper cannot be reused. Unless you fold it over and use the other side.
bamfrivet
Well-Known Member
I don't think this is really an accurate example. After you use your soil, you can still add nutes. Toilet paper could be reused after wiping your ass with it, but you'll probably make a huge mess instead of cleaning anything up. Your soil (assuming that it isn't infested with bugs) can be reused with no problem.
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
also,
since soil is mainly composed of 'rotten' organic matter it can hardly be called 'fresh' however many times its used.
bob harris
Well-Known Member
My point is that although you can re use soil, it's awfully hard to judge what value is left in it. It may have bugs, be barren of nutritional value,or be heavy in nutrition. Without re composting and mixing with a substantial amount of other soil...you just don't know what you have after it's been used once...
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
IMHO Using soil once is a joke.... Anyone you starts growing with soil just has to learn how to treat it before reusing it.... Left over salts can be flushed and pests die with either freezing or baking. Its all good, try it if you havent already!
bob harris
Well-Known Member
So..all I have to do is flush all the used soil, then bake it to kill anything, then re mix it with fresh fertilizers? How does that save me time, energy or money?
Of course i'm talking soil..as in organic. If your talking "growing medium" as in just needing something to hold the roots while you pour chemical nutes through it...yea..re use away...
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
Thats not what I said ...... IF you feel you have left over salt in your soil flush with water ... It shouldnt be too hard for you, if it is you should find an easier hobby.
also, IF
you have crawling pest they can be frozen. In certain parts of the world this can be done by leaving outside over a cold snap..... some people do put soil in the freezer, I applaud them. Some DO stick the soil in an oven although I wouldnt since I have a new kitchen and wouldnt get infested with such pests where I grow.
i think the main problem here is that you get water dried up in your pots which leaves salts behind. this is bad. but if you treat your soil a little bit yeh you can use it again... is it worth the extra effort rather than buying a new bag for 3 quid ... hmmm no probably not.
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
I hear what youre saying, soil is dirt cheap.... But its really environmentally unsound and for me thats a consideration. It took a load of Hydrocarbons to dig it out the ground then transport it to the shop etc.... Yes, I know someone will point out "what about your 2x600w HPS on 24hrs a day? True, but I try where I can.
bob harris
Well-Known Member
0011StealTH
Active Member
nah i rather use news paper to wipe my ass instead.
dannyboy602
Well-Known Member
I reuse soil a couple times/grows. I just enrich it. Salt build up hasn't been a prob yet
Monkeyfloss
Active Member
hmm interesting. Broadsheet or Tabloid?
