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Shiva Grows

it does a little bit , not so much though . better than nothing
If you topdress with a solid inch or two of the stuff it is much better. I actually did a run with basically only sand as a growing medium as an experiment, i added some organic material but only for structure, in made sure it was fairly nutrient sparse, and only used ferts and pellets for nutrients, have not seen a single gnat at all, as in not a single one for months... Alot of great soil i have used in the past has been mostly inorganic material for what its worth. I think the way most indoor growing is done with mostly organic material can be a problem when it comes to pests
 

shiva82

Well-known member
the gnats in the uk have no problem dealing with layers of sand, perlite and such , the moment the organic material leeches into the sand or perlite , which is quick , then they just lay eggs in the sand.

the best method to combat gnats is weed barrier material

soap , rapeseed , and pyrethrum soak kills the larvae.

any organic matter in the north of uk is likely to have fungus gnat larvae

fugus gnats are can be year round

and fungus gnats are not the end of the world. the larvae are the major problem for young plants in small pots and such .

in the uk i have dealt with gnats for 25 years , and that is why i do not panic
 

shiva82

Well-known member
elastic top fabric pots with a tie system would do the job , have sets in various sizes and always lock off the substrate would be the solution full tie in a practical world
 

shiva82

Well-known member
soap , rapeseed pyrethrum as soak, sticky traps for adults on the tops of pots , and cover all pots in weed barrier fabric . job done .... but these are never always at hand you see , but that is the solution
 
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exoticrobotic

Well-known member
Screenshot 2025-01-06 at 09.08.38.png
 

shiva82

Well-known member
nothing works in the uk like it once did . the chances of the gritters being out and snow ploughs is very unlikely , and trying to drive on ice and compacted snow in a 2 wheel drive vehicle can be treacherous
 

strain_hunter

Well-known member
mulches hinder but they do not stop. the adult gnat will just lay larvae on the new surface , and they larvae will scurry anywhere

Maybe the gnats are just looking for protection with you 😊 These cute little creatures are also just looking for a way to survive. They've probably realized that you're a big cat lover and haven't given up hope that you'll take them into your heart 😁
 
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