Post by southbaytraps on May 6, 2015 11:02:11 GMT
Hey!
I have been posting blogs lately on techniques that I use to grow my carnivorous plants however it does not get many visits... Input from the community would be appreciated! The goal is to help people new to growing carnivorous plants with simple techniques that are common sense to long time growers but overlooked by newbies. Link goes to my blog post that includes pictures
Illustrated Guide to Prepare Peat Moss for Carnivorous Plants
Many people do not wash or soak their peat moss and use it straight from the bail with good results. Even when using the highest grade professional peat moss, we still follow a soak and rinse process which helps kill any fungus or bacteria spores that might be inside the peat. Our process also removes any extra nutrients, lowers total dissolved solids (tds), and the left over peat moss tea can be very useful for you carnivorous and non-carnivorous plants.
We use Sunshine Professional Peat Moss since it rarely has twigs and for the most part it can be used right out of the bag. From our experience, soaking and rinsing results in better growth and less pests! If you are using store bought bails such as Lambert Brand Peat Moss, following the process below will greatly increase your success.
You will need a trash can or a large container with a lid and lots of distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water. We use a 30 Gallon Black trashcan and have an RO filter nearby.
Start by placing chunks of peat moss in your container. Break it up by rubbing the chunks between your hands. Remove twigs as you flush up the peat moss. Next, you will add your water. Do not simply hydrate the peat moss. If you filled your container ¼ of the way up, then use enough water to fill it to the ½ way point. Mix thoroughly and allow it to sit for a few minutes. More twigs should float up and can easily be removed now.
Once everything is mixed, simply place the lid on top of your container and allow it to sit for 2-5 days. During this period, bacterial and fungal spores will germinate making them easy to kill with a weak fungicide. Excess nutrients will be leached out as well, which makes your peat moss better for carnivorous plant applications.
After a few days of steeping, you will need a clean microfiber rag, a mixing bowl or large pot, and a container for your peat moss. Optionally, keep another container handy for collection of your peat moss tea.
Place the microfiber rag in your bowl and begin removing handfuls of peat from your "trash can" and plopping it on the microfiber rag. When there is a decent sized pile of peat on your rag, you can pick it up from all four corners and twist to remove excess water. Optionally, you can add some extra distilled water before twisting it out for a better rinse or use a diluted solution containing distilled water and a fungicide such as daconil. Skip the fungicide if you want to use the peat tea to add organic matter to a vegetable garden.
Peat Tea for Adjusting the pH of Carnivorous Plant Soils
(on the blog or I will make a separate post)
Happy Growing
~ Southbay Traps ~
I have been posting blogs lately on techniques that I use to grow my carnivorous plants however it does not get many visits... Input from the community would be appreciated! The goal is to help people new to growing carnivorous plants with simple techniques that are common sense to long time growers but overlooked by newbies. Link goes to my blog post that includes pictures
Illustrated Guide to Prepare Peat Moss for Carnivorous Plants
Many people do not wash or soak their peat moss and use it straight from the bail with good results. Even when using the highest grade professional peat moss, we still follow a soak and rinse process which helps kill any fungus or bacteria spores that might be inside the peat. Our process also removes any extra nutrients, lowers total dissolved solids (tds), and the left over peat moss tea can be very useful for you carnivorous and non-carnivorous plants.
We use Sunshine Professional Peat Moss since it rarely has twigs and for the most part it can be used right out of the bag. From our experience, soaking and rinsing results in better growth and less pests! If you are using store bought bails such as Lambert Brand Peat Moss, following the process below will greatly increase your success.
You will need a trash can or a large container with a lid and lots of distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water. We use a 30 Gallon Black trashcan and have an RO filter nearby.
Start by placing chunks of peat moss in your container. Break it up by rubbing the chunks between your hands. Remove twigs as you flush up the peat moss. Next, you will add your water. Do not simply hydrate the peat moss. If you filled your container ¼ of the way up, then use enough water to fill it to the ½ way point. Mix thoroughly and allow it to sit for a few minutes. More twigs should float up and can easily be removed now.
Once everything is mixed, simply place the lid on top of your container and allow it to sit for 2-5 days. During this period, bacterial and fungal spores will germinate making them easy to kill with a weak fungicide. Excess nutrients will be leached out as well, which makes your peat moss better for carnivorous plant applications.
After a few days of steeping, you will need a clean microfiber rag, a mixing bowl or large pot, and a container for your peat moss. Optionally, keep another container handy for collection of your peat moss tea.
Place the microfiber rag in your bowl and begin removing handfuls of peat from your "trash can" and plopping it on the microfiber rag. When there is a decent sized pile of peat on your rag, you can pick it up from all four corners and twist to remove excess water. Optionally, you can add some extra distilled water before twisting it out for a better rinse or use a diluted solution containing distilled water and a fungicide such as daconil. Skip the fungicide if you want to use the peat tea to add organic matter to a vegetable garden.
Peat Tea for Adjusting the pH of Carnivorous Plant Soils
(on the blog or I will make a separate post)
Happy Growing
~ Southbay Traps ~