Aero Pots Smell Like Mildew

[Granger2]

Growers,
[If this isn't the right place for this thread, sry.]
I'm using 3 gal EJ Aero Pots with Coco80%/ perlite20%.

Because of the recurring problem I have with Root mofo Aphids, I emersed the pot and all in Cedarcide PCO Choice for 15 mins, let them drain, flushed them heavily [for fear the cedarcide might cause root damage]. I let them dry till the pots were noticeably lighter [as usual] then continued with normal feeding/watering.

Couple of weeks later, I emersed the pots in Botanigard for 15 minutes. It took 3 days before they needed watering/feeding. In the meantime, they started smelling like mildew.

I was wondering if possibly it is the smell of the Botanigard [medium dwelling insecticidal fungus].

I'm considering spraying the bottoms and sides of the fabric with 3% peroxide [straight], but not so heavily that it penetrates very far into the substrate. I don't believe that this will do much damage to the microherd and Botanigard except on the edges. But I'm not sure if mildew on the fabric will cause harm to the roots.

It's really an affront to walk into my room and be hit with the smell of mildew.

Anyone have opinions? Thanks. -granger

 

[Granger2]

After a bit more drying, the mildew smell is gone. I've been feeding/watering as usual, which alllows the fabric to mostly stay dry. I'm ready to apply Botanigard a second time, but will not emerse, just water heavily with it. Will report back if mildew smell returns. If it does this will probably indicate that it is the smell of the Botanigard. -granger

 

[Chunkypigs]

not unusual to get some mildew on my smart pots... wash 'em in the machine and they are good as new. try bayer complete at 5ml/gal, 1 app in early veg works for me...

 

[Granger2]

Applied botanigard drench [2nd app], no mildew smell. -granger