Recycling Pro Mix

[Conchstoner]

I've made my own soiless mixes over the years but this year I started using Pro-Mix since it's finally available in my area. My first batches have been setting in a bin for the last few weeks and I'm wondering if anything special should be done to it before re use? Typically I add some lime to the mix prior to re use.

 

[whodair]

me too lime and reuse always works !!

 

[Conchstoner]

Ok, thanks

 

[PoisonedDart]

How much lime in what volume of soil?

 

[Conchstoner]

How much lime in what volume of soil?

I add 3 oz to a five gallon buckets worth.

 

[Scrappy4]

I am now using my first recycled soil mixed with new. I re-admended my soil after using it for a cycle. NOW I know to just give them some tea and EWC maybe some perlite, and leave it sit for a couple of months. For lime I will test and adjust by the results. The re-admended used soil is just too hot....scrappy

 

[headband 707]

I've made my own soiless mixes over the years but this year I started using Pro-Mix since it's finally available in my area. My first batches have been setting in a bin for the last few weeks and I'm wondering if anything special should be done to it before re use? Typically I add some lime to the mix prior to re use.

I typically use charcoal to sweeten the soil but if you had any bug /fungus problems I throw out the soil and I only reuse soil ONCE !!! lol.. peace out Headband707

 

[Conchstoner]

I typically use charcoal to sweeten the soil but if you had any bug /fungus problems I throw out the soil and I only reuse soil ONCE !!! lol.. peace out Headband707

I havn't had any pest problems,(Knock on wood) What you are saying is sound advise though. Why chance re-infecting your grow room?

 

[supermanlives]

i reuse my soil even if i had pests. i let it sit 2 months in the partial sun . pests gone. as long as the soil doesnt get cold enough to make a bug go dormant you break their cycle as they dont live long without plant matter. my last run i recycled soil for 5 years with the addition of wormcastings and a few other goodies perlite being one as the soil breaks down and gets heavier.your results may vary

 

[descivii]

edited....wrong thread

 

[Scrappy4]

I am now using my first recycled soil mixed with new. I re-amended my soil after using it for a cycle. NOW I know to just give them some tea and EWC maybe some perlite, and leave it sit for a couple of months. For lime I will test and adjust by the results. The re-amended used soil is just too hot....scrappy

Well now, I have tried to recycle soil by fully amending it (too hot) and with no amendments (not hot enough). Neither produced stellar results. I find it amazing that some recycle their soil immediately with good results.

My next plan is to just add the used soil to my compost pile(leaves,grass clippings, veggie waste), and let it sit for a couple of months to break down. Then mix new soil with compost and some homemade EWC, then lighten with perlite, then eventually just use compost mixed with enough perlite. (Or with some sort of perlite type product)
I have had several friends try to recycle their mixes and most gave up after once or twice, but I'm still going to keep trying, but I will let the microbes in the compost pile to the heavy lifting for me.....scrappy