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sandy0225 · 10-11-2010, 07:14 AM

Just rinse all the soil off your plants before repotting for inside. Don't use potting soil from anywhere that is-or has been-sitting outside, where it could have gotten wet. If it's gotten wet, then it's likely to have algae in it which attracts fungus gnats. When you open the bag, look to see if the inside of the bag is slimy green or flaky brown, that means the soil has been wet. If so, don't use it. I haven't heard of Miracle grow soil being any more prone to having bugs in it than any others, but if it was handled improperly, sitting on pallets outside, then that may be the case. I know our local menards is starting to carry more of the promix potting soils now, so they will be more available to homeowners than before. Nearly any of them-except the ones designed to mix with soil outdoors to improve flower beds-mixed 50/50 with perlite will make a good winter potting mix for bananas because of the improved drainage that the perlite offers.
My still all time favorite is promix HP with biofungicide, but that can be hard to get if you're a homeowner. Try calling some local greenhouses to see if they have any.

10-11-2010, 07:14 AM	#14 (permalink)
sandy0225 Northern Tropics sandy0225's Photo Gallery Location: Muncie, Indiana zone 5 Find me on the map! Zone: zone 5 Name: Sandy Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,718 BananaBucks : 487,682 Feedback: 31 / 97% Said "Thanks" 38 Times Was Thanked 1,802 Times in 682 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 9 Times	Re: Looking for indoor soil? Just rinse all the soil off your plants before repotting for inside. Don't use potting soil from anywhere that is-or has been-sitting outside, where it could have gotten wet. If it's gotten wet, then it's likely to have algae in it which attracts fungus gnats. When you open the bag, look to see if the inside of the bag is slimy green or flaky brown, that means the soil has been wet. If so, don't use it. I haven't heard of Miracle grow soil being any more prone to having bugs in it than any others, but if it was handled improperly, sitting on pallets outside, then that may be the case. I know our local menards is starting to carry more of the promix potting soils now, so they will be more available to homeowners than before. Nearly any of them-except the ones designed to mix with soil outdoors to improve flower beds-mixed 50/50 with perlite will make a good winter potting mix for bananas because of the improved drainage that the perlite offers. My still all time favorite is promix HP with biofungicide, but that can be hard to get if you're a homeowner. Try calling some local greenhouses to see if they have any. __________________ Sandy Burrell Northern Tropics Greenhouse 1501 East Fuson Road Muncie, IN 47302 www.northerntropics.com specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~ check out our new online store at our website!