I've had good luck using #NeemOil spray to get rid of #FungusGnats [test on a small spot to make sure your plant doesn't have a bad reaction]. Removing decaying plant matter also helps. And using a #PeatFree soil mix helps as well -- peat attracts fungus gnats (and peat really belongs in the bogs, not in our flower pots).

How To Use Neem Oil For Fungus Gnats Control

Neem oil is a non-toxic, all-natural pesticide with insecticidal properties that kill many pests on contact and help you get rid of gnats.

https://plantcaretoday.com/neem-oil-fungus-gnats.html
#PesticideFree #Gardening #SolarPunkSunday

Crafting the Perfect [#PeatFree] Starting Mix for Seeds & Planting Success

"Seed Starting Mix Ingredients

- #CocoCoir - Coconut husk fiber is the main growing medium in this recipe. Pro-Tip: When purchasing coco coir, pay attention to the product's grade (or coarseness) and salt content. You do not want chipped shells or particulates in it. I recommend ultra-fine premium grade A compressed coco coir blocks that are already triple-washed to remove salt.

- Vermiculite - Vermiculite is critical in your seed starting mix. It is an expanded volcanic rock that is very porous, allowing it to hold onto water and nutrients so they don’t drain through the soil.

- Perlite - Perlite is an expanded volcanic glass used in high-quality seed starting mixes to prevent compaction and allow better drainage. There are different grades of perlite. I prefer using fine to medium perlite. Extra-fine will work, too, but you will need to add more of it.

- Water - Warm water works best and speeds up the process, but you can also use cold water if that is all you have available.

- Fertilizer - Most seed starting mixes do not contain fertilizer. Since we are making our own, we can add it right into the seed starting mix. Choose a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as Trifecta+ and/or a gentle fertilizer like worm castings." [I plan on using worm castings.]

Learn more:
https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/starting-mix-for-seeds/
#Gardening #SeedStartingMix #SeedStarting #SolarPunkSunday #PeatFreeStartingMix

#DIY - #PeatFree! Crafting the Perfect #SeedStarting Mix for Seeds & Planting Success

Written by: Luke Marion
Published on February 6, 2025

"I’ll tell you how to make and use an easy DIY starting mix for seeds that can give your plants an amazing boost, help them grow healthy, and save you money.

"Let’s grow bigger!

"Seed Starting Mix Ingredients

- #CocoCoir - Coconut husk fiber is the main growing medium in this recipe. Pro-Tip: When purchasing coco coir, pay attention to the product's grade (or coarseness) and salt content. You do not want chipped shells or particulates in it. I recommend ultra-fine premium grade A compressed coco coir blocks that are already triple-washed to remove salt.
- Vermiculite - Vermiculite is critical in your seed starting mix. It is an expanded volcanic rock that is very porous, allowing it to hold onto water and nutrients so they don’t drain through the soil.
- Perlite - Perlite is an expanded volcanic glass used in high-quality seed starting mixes to prevent compaction and allow better drainage. There are different grades of perlite. I prefer using fine to medium perlite. Extra-fine will work, too, but you will need to add more of it.
- Water - Warm water works best and speeds up the process, but you can also use cold water if that is all you have available.
-Fertilizer - Most seed starting mixes do not contain fertilizer. Since we are making our own, we can add it right into the seed starting mix. Choose a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as Trifecta+ and/or a gentle fertilizer like #WormCastings."

Learn more:
https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/starting-mix-for-seeds/
#SeedStarting #SolarPunkSunday #DIYSeedStartingMix #Gardening

RocketGro

RocketGro provide chemical-free, peat-free and 100% Soil Association-approved organic composts, mulch, soil improvers and liquid plant feed.

A perfect combination for healthy soil and sustained plant growth, RocketGro is entirely animal product free and natural.

RocketGro’s eco-friendly, natural fertiliser is as effective as chemical fertiliser without the negatives that using synthetic chemicals have for nature, waterways and wildlife.

Understanding that peat bogs store vast amounts of carbon, which must be kept in the ground to avoid contributing to climate change, RocketGro support peat-free gardening.

[Via Ethical Revolution]

Welcome to Little Big Compost, a compressed peat-free growing medium - no more heaving heavy sacks back from the garden centre! Available in many formulations.

#gardening #peatfree #compost #coir #houseplants #cacti #citrus #mulch

https://www.mandycanudigit.com/2025/03/06/little-big-compost-no-more-heaving-around-heavy-bags/

#gardening question - how can I best prepare a #compost mix for small containers for growing #salad?

Am in the UK, and have some used compost from last year, peat-free general-purpose compost, homemade compost and vermiculite.

I'm never sure what the best approach is. I tend to mix old compost with new and a bit of home-made and maybe some vermiculite. Often it's a bit course for my lettuce seeds. I sometimes sieve it. Sometimes hard to find #peatfree potting compost!

The tomatoes under the coloured light are coming on nicely #growYourOwn #peatFree

Design is a process, #CAD is a tool, *working with #nature* is the principle!

This means #NativePlants where possible, #FoodForest #ForestGarden for edible crops, #organic, #PeatFree compost etc.

I’ve created a #CAD for #GardenDesign online class for #wildlife & #FoodForest garden designers like myself, starting at the beginning & accelerating rapidly!

50% off for Mastodon folks

https://natureworksgarden.gumroad.com/l/cad/MastoMax