TLO: For dummies, from a dummy.

[Power.P]

X, I got a plastic container I have mixed the soil in, should I leave it open or closed? Wouldn't really like to leave it open due to flies that may possibly leave eggs there

 

[X]

X, I got a plastic container I have mixed the soil in, should I leave it open or closed? Wouldn't really like to leave it open due to flies that may possibly leave eggs there

It needs to be well aerated, so leave the top off unless it rains. The fresh guanos can attract flies but the cook seems to help with that. If it a real concern in your area, just put a dry layer of DE on the top... just enough to cover it. If you have to re-moisten, just let it dry enough to apply another layer.

 

[Power.P]

What's DE? I keep seeing it mentioned here and there but couldn't find any explanation.

 

[officinalis]

What's DE? I keep seeing it mentioned here and there but couldn't find any explanation.

Diatomaceous earth It has microscopic sharp edges that cut the bodies and eggs of insects and kills them. I've found that it can be hard to get a hold of in certain parts of the world (at least where I am). Somebody correct me if wrong here, but you could just put some sort of screen or even a sheet or something over the container so it's still open to the air but keeps out any flies.

 

[X]

Diatomaceous earth It has microscopic sharp edges that cut the bodies and eggs of insects and kills them. I've found that it can be hard to get a hold of in certain parts of the world (at least where I am). Somebody correct me if wrong here, but you could just put some sort of screen or even a sheet or something over the container so it's still open to the air but keeps out any flies.

I had some trouble finding it at first... not because stores didn't have it but mostly because it would be under a "market driven" name and the sales clerks don't know what DE is. I found it by looking for something that said "organic pest control" in a powder form... I looked on the ingredients and it was DE.

The screen should help. It might help enough to eliminate the issue. Well done, officinals.

 

[officinalis]

Oh man, I didn't even think of that! I'll have to take another look around. Thanks X.

 

[Power.P]

Thanks, the market name is an issue everywhere.
Here they seem to sell it as filtration matter for pools.

 

[officinalis]

Thanks, the market name is an issue everywhere.
Here they seem to sell it as filtration matter for pools.

Apparently, the stuff for pool filters is not quite the same.

From here:

This DE is not the same thing as the DE used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica!

 

[Power.P]

Yeah, I already found the one which is marked as food supplement for humans =)

 

[officinalis]

Cool! I just found that it is a common supplement for horses where I am, so there's another place to look.