Simple Mulch question?

[freshtodeath]

Hi guys,
I have some coco soil here and some perlite from previous grows, but im currently growing in soil, can I use either of these things as a 1-2" crop cover? mainly for gnat prevention tbh.
Thanks

 

[green_machine_two9er]

Not sure it would benefit much. Go with compost/ castings under straw for a good mulch layer.

 

[warble]

A half inch layer of perilite could help prevent gnats. I use BT and yellow sticky traps. It helps for a few days, but after a watering they come back. I spray again. Neem oil seems to knock them back longer, I just don't like the smell.

 

[freshtodeath]

A half inch layer of perilite could help prevent gnats. I use BT and yellow sticky traps. It helps for a few days, but after a watering they come back. I spray again. Neem oil seems to knock them back longer, I just don't like the smell.

Thanks, I just thought of Coco as a layer because when I previously grew with it, gnats wasn't one of the problems I had.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Thanks, I just thought of Coco as a layer because when I previously grew with it, gnats wasn't one of the problems I had.

Fungus gnats are attracted to decomposing organic matter. Coco with hydro nutes, doesn't have decomposing organic matter, so the gnats aren't as attracted to it.

 

[freshtodeath]

Fungus gnats are attracted to decomposing organic matter. Coco with hydro nutes, doesn't have decomposing organic matter, so the gnats aren't as attracted to it.

Ok, thanks, so in theory, a top layer of coco, with no nutes, could also be used as a barrier for them too?

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Ok, thanks, so in theory, a top layer of coco, with no nutes, could also be used as a barrier for them too?

I doubt it. They'll still be able to detect the decomposition. Fungus gnats go with the territory, when it comes to organic growing. Get some mosquito bits, Predator mites, etc. You could try putting a shower cap over the top of the container.

 

[PopAndSonGrows]

Play sand will work.

 

[freshtodeath]

I doubt it. They'll still be able to detect the decomposition. Fungus gnats go with the territory, when it comes to organic growing. Get some mosquito bits, Predator mites, etc. You could try putting a shower cap over the top of the container.

Ok, thank you.

 

[freshtodeath]

Play sand will work.

Oh ok, and that's ok to top feed etc?

 

[PopAndSonGrows]

Oh ok, and that's ok to top feed etc?

Yeah but you might water some thru, also fine.

 

[Refoliate America]

Sorry but no. The top of the soil will still be a breeding ground for the gnats as they like moisture. Mosquito Bits (contain BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis)) can be used but take a few months to be effective. Alternative mulches: sand, straw, or my favorite arborist wood chips!

 

[Medskunk]

For the top you may as well have something that decomposes and gives back to the soil. Gnats come with the compost. Everytime i add it baby gnats pop out after a few days. But they re mostly gone by the end of the cycle with the yellow traps

 

[Phytoplankton]

A layer of DE on the top of the soil will put a big dent in the gnat population.

 

[HydoDan]

I've tried everything over the years.. A 1" layer of sand works the best for gnat control..
It creates a impenetrable barrier.. No eggs, no larvae..

 

[TCH]

Fungus gnats are attracted to decomposing organic matter. Coco with hydro nutes, doesn't have decomposing organic matter, so the gnats aren't as attracted to it.

Please tell that to the gnats that have been driving me bananas this grow. Lol

 

[Budzbuddha]

Must ….. not … say …. Pee

*runs away

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Please tell that to the gnats that have been driving me bananas this grow. Lol

Have you had a gnat problem recently, before this grow? When I started my 1st coco run, after doing living soil, I had gnats. I used mosquito bits, and eradicated them. Now I have no gnats. No anything for that matter.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Must ….. not … say …. Pee

*runs away

You can say it to me..... just don't do it on me. Lol

 

[Budzbuddha]

You can say it to me..... just don't do it on me. Lol