reghatesschwag
New member
i gave up using alfalfa meal because every time i did i got fungus gnats. any one else have this problem?
Reg
Reg
quite by accident i discovered using neem seed meal, oyster shell flower, and fish bone meal, mixed in equal quantities and spread over the top would harden to prevent access to the soil by pests, yet water flows through without pooling. it becomes like permeable concrete,Just top dress some neem seed cake on top and walla no more gnats!!!
Down to Earth Neem Seed Meal is a five pound box of all natural fertilizer with 6-1-2 formula and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production
An excellent all natural fertilizer for enriching garden and agricultural soils and encouraging optimum plant development and provides benefits for crops while improving soils' organic matter content
A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer that is cold pressed from the seeds of the fast growing Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica), it is also referred to as neem cake
Can be mixed into soils or potting media, used as a top dress around established plants or steeped to make a potent liquid solution that is good for both leafy greens and young plants
Carefully blended from organic nutrients in the ideal proportions without the use of synthetics, growth stimulants or low quality fillers
thanks for the advise. i do water better these days so maybe i will try again. the interesting thing was that other mixes at the time didnt attract the gnats so i wonder what it was about the alfalfa that did? someone above mentioned that it and frass are fungus foods. any thoughts?I've never had a problem and I use alfalfa meal and many other things. Quit over watering and have a media that drains properly for cannabis and you won't foster gnats.
dank.Frank
quite by accident i discovered using neem seed meal, oyster shell flower, and fish bone meal, mixed in equal quantities and spread over the top would harden to prevent access to the soil by pests, yet water flows through without pooling. it becomes like permeable concrete,
pests can't get through and it's got nutrient value.
i do not water till it runs out the bottom.
another trick is, i use milk cartons to start plants and poke only a small hole for drainage. this works to drain if top watering and to absorb water by wicking if watering from the bottom (inside a tub).
well happy birthday then! its good to see the passion never diesI use a lot of organic matter in my pots and was constantly bothered by fungus gnats.
Would hammer the gnats with a neem spray and it was very effected in dealing with the flyers with no problem with the plants.
Seeing this neem cake readily available and making my pots up before hand outside I would sprinkle about a tbsp on the top surface of a 6 x 6 inch pot and then cover them with a breathable cloth until i needed them which is usually around 10-16 days.
When uncovering there would be a huge growth of fungi a good kind being i never had any problem with these pots.A scraping up of this fungus and a hard top was all i do.
I never had any more gnats after that and i have been doing this for a few years.
Oh by the way i double water both times to run off.
I showed you where the water is but it is up to you to drink it or not.
RatZ loving all you
PS I turn 77 tomorrow so old I am!