Sooner or later in every hobby garden everything revolves around the question: What to do if potting soil molds in the bag? This guide explains how you can easily get rid of the moldy problem. Tips worth knowing about preventive measures against mold formation in potting soil bags.
What to do if potting soil is moldy in the bag?
If potting soil molds in the bag, you should open the bag and let the soil air dry to push back the mold spores. The potting soil can then be used normally, or to be on the safe side it can be sterilized in the oven at 180-200 degrees for 30 minutes.
What to do if potting soil molds in the bag?
It's best to cut the bag open so that the moldy potting soil candryin the air. Hardware stores, garden centers and discounters often store the potting soil in an airtight plastic bag outside without rain protection. A warm, humid microclimate is created in the bag, which plays into the hands of mold spores. By airing the moldy potting soil, the spores retreat again and the fluffy white coating disappears.
Can you use moldy potting soil from the bag?
If you ventilate moldy potting soil and let it dry, nothing stands in the way ofnormal use for houseplants or in the garden. Mostly harmless mycorrhizal spores are responsible for the formation of mold. They play an important role in the ecosystem in the decomposition of organic substances, including the humus in potting soil.
Sterilize moldy potting soil
With this pretreatment you can be on the safe side when using moldy potting soil:
- Pour soil into a fireproof bowl and moisten.
- Put the bowl in the oven.
- Sterilize at 180-200 degrees for 30 minutes
How can I prevent potting soil from molding in the bag?
By storing it in a cool, dry, dark andprotected from the rain you can prevent potting soil from molding in the bag. Unheated basements and windowless garages are suitable storage locations for potting soil in bags.
Tip
Mineral substrates – goodbye to mold
If you don't want to have to deal with mold growth any longer, cultivate your houseplants in clay granules (€7.00 on Amazon), pumice or lava granules. Mineral substrate is the ideal alternative to potting soil because it does not contain peat or other organic components that cause mold to sprout. Pests such as fungus gnats are also a thing of the past in the inorganic substrate. Good to know: The porous beads can be reused.
