Scott's "Premium" Potting Soil Disaster

hoss12781

Well-Known Member
I'm really glad I only used Scotts on one of my plants. I usually use MG Moisture Control which as always worked well for me. Saw some Scotts on sale at Home Depot figured what the hell.

FLIES EVERYWHERE! Literally overrunning my fucking closet. Tried fly tape but there were just too many. After about three weeks I had to move the plant with the Scott's soil outside where it was eventually killed by a combination of severe weather and slugs. So, a friendly word to everyone - unless you're growing a Venus Fly Trap, you should probably avoid Scott's Premium Potting Soil.

I'm just grateful I only lost one plant.
 
MG tends to have them too.... I've even had them in FFOF .......most brands at wally world and home depot have some sort of pest (as I have tried about 5 brands now) I used a layer of sand atop my pots to "smother the eggs" or so I've been told, it hasn't gotten rid of them completely but I do see a substantial difference and they seem to be dying off gradually by use of sand and Palmolive.
 
MG tends to have them too.... I've even had them in FFOF .......most brands at wally world and home depot have some sort of pest (as I have tried about 5 brands now) I used a layer of sand atop my pots to "smother the eggs" or so I've been told, it hasn't gotten rid of them completely but I do see a substantial difference and they seem to be dying off gradually by use of sand and Palmolive.

Yeah, sand does do the trick, It smothers them, my second grow I used sand and it worked....
 
Weird, I also use Scott's straight up potting soil without any fertilizers and have no problems. 5 plants, first time grow. I wonder what happened to yours? Good luck!
 
I don't think potting soil leaves the manufacturer with gnats/flies, I'm sure most of those are sterilized with heat when mixed. The problem is the home centers that place them outside in the weather. Damp soil attracts those things like magnets attract metals. I used to grow soil, and when I did, I looked for bags that were light feeling and dry. Grabbing soil bags from a new pallet can help too. Also, some of them will carry the soils inside or in the greenhouse as well, try to get it from there.
 
I don't think potting soil leaves the manufacturer with gnats/flies, I'm sure most of those are sterilized with heat when mixed. The problem is the home centers that place them outside in the weather. Damp soil attracts those things like magnets attract metals. I used to grow soil, and when I did, I looked for bags that were light feeling and dry. Grabbing soil bags from a new pallet can help too. Also, some of them will carry the soils inside or in the greenhouse as well, try to get it from there.

I agree, weather must have a lot to do with it, I purchased my soil in February, stored inside the store near the cold garden center and no issues.
 
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