Can you cycle “cook” soil in a bin rather than in the pots you’re using?

Kind Sir

Well-Known Member
So I don’t have the fabric pots I’m using yet but want to start cycling my soil. Granted my soil is just coots mix from buildasoil. Any suggestions on what I should do?
 
The reason I ask is because I’ve seen people say that they do it in the containers because it disturbs the soil web.
When I used to grow I’d just do it in Rubbermaid’s, I was either going to do that again or do it in a big fabric pot.
 
Why not? After a harvest I toss the root ball into a big ass 60 gal tote bin and hydrate it. I add EWC, fertilizer, and amendments and then gently break it up with a rusty old shovel. Leaving the roots mostly intact usually makes big clumps which I try to leave as they are as much as possible. The stems dry out and break off in time or are left to slowly decompose.
 
Go to the dollar store (or the supermarket or Walmart) and buy a couple of re-useable fabric shopping bags. They do the job. Cook and grow, bro.
 
Go to the dollar store (or the supermarket or Walmart) and buy a couple of re-useable fabric shopping bags. They do the job. Cook and grow, bro.
I know what you’re talking about. Those ones they say to use for groceries instead of plastic ones? Like I said it’s the coots mix, I dont think there’s anything that HAS to be cooked (maby I’m wrong,) but I know it’d help. I have some ocean forest (for my gf plants,) not sure what I’m going to use for seedlings. Could just use sphagnum, my coast if Maine lobster compost and perlite.
 
I know what you’re talking about. Those ones they say to use for groceries instead of plastic ones? Like I said it’s the coots mix, I dont think there’s anything that HAS to be cooked (maby I’m wrong,) but I know it’d help. I have some ocean forest (for my gf plants,) not sure what I’m going to use for seedlings. Could just use sphagnum, my coast if Maine lobster compost and perlite.
The only need to cook comes when you reammend. I personally like a no disturb cook. But if you go from a Rubbermaid to your pots not a huge deal.
Rubber maid are perfect. Lid off.
I just leave entire root system. It will break down fairly quickly to npk and condition soil.

For seedlings and clones. I start my youngins in promix straight up( after plugs) and top with ewc in my "solo" cup size pot. Then right into recycled non- amended mix.

Good luck !
 
I add a seedling heat mat under my totes,gets the soil nice and warm to give it a boost.
 
I add a seedling heat mat under my totes,gets the soil nice and warm to give it a boost.
I'm not sure this Is helpful. "Cooking" soil or compost has nothing to do with actually adding heat. N sources and microbes break down those elements are what's creating heat.

If your trying to boost the breakfsown process than I would add extra alfalfa or just dried cannibus leaves. Plus a nicely airated compost tea can help jump things into gear.
 
I'm not sure this Is helpful. "Cooking" soil or compost has nothing to do with actually adding heat. N sources and microbes break down those elements are what's creating heat.

If your trying to boost the breakfsown process than I would add extra alfalfa or just dried cannibus leaves. Plus a nicely airated compost tea can help jump things into gear.
My garage is cold so by itself it won’t compost or heat up. My soil is ready much quicker I found with the added heat. Thanks.
 
I used to grow mushrooms, and I cook my soil in a bin similar in design to a monotub — essentially a storage tote with some polyfill stuffed holes for gas exchange. The only difference is the tub I cook soil in is opaque.
 
I used to grow mushrooms, and I cook my soil in a bin similar in design to a monotub — essentially a storage tote with some polyfill stuffed holes for gas exchange. The only difference is the tub I cook soil in is opaque.
I’m a mushroom grower myself, so similar to a modified monotub? That’s not a bad idea, your reason being is that a Rubbermaid with the top of may be too much air? And then the pollyfill holes let off enough exchange?
 
I'm not sure this Is helpful. "Cooking" soil or compost has nothing to do with actually adding heat. N sources and microbes break down those elements are what's creating heat.

If your trying to boost the breakfsown process than I would add extra alfalfa or just dried cannibus leaves. Plus a nicely airated compost tea can help jump things into gear.
I like the idea of dried cannabis leaves,plenty of those around.Grind them up I assume,how much per cu/ft? Thanks.
 
I've never used containers, personally. Excluding fabric pots, containers for prepping soil just tends to beg for anaerobic conditions.

I just throw everything in a pile outside on the dirt, water and mix daily. Having a little bit of dirt from your environment included within your soil mix is never a bad thing.
 
I would be careful composting in a garage. If the garage is air tight it could possibly be putting methane or something explosive into the air and be explosive. I don't ultimately know if this is true, but just thinking that could be a possibility
 
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