Soil Users HELP!!!

[Jwrap]

FFOF was love at first sight. A reputable company and great additives to the soil. Problem is I CONSTANTLY run into bug problems...mostly thrips. They're not the worst bug to have, but they're no picnic either. Always a constant battle it seems. I clean my tents, religiously, with both organic sprays and Clorox spray. 2" of sand on top of the soil or diatamacious earth does the trick when I have any sign. I have good air flow etc. Combat with foliar sprays and powder when all else fails. I don't understand why I keep getting them, other than soil type...Has anyone else had this problem with FFOF? Any soil, you great people, have maybe changed to from related experience? I want to go with coco but I don't think the time is right...Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks GWE crew

[DoctorJohnson]

I haven't ever used FFOF, but it seems logical that as a name brand product (and an expensive one at that) that they must be steam sterilizing it. I would have to guess that your thrips are coming from elsewhere. Have you thought of contacting the the people at FF at their website?

[Chefbjy]

I've used ffof for 2 grows now no problems from the soil. It holds water well and is a great breeding ground but it doesn't contain bugs, despite what some may say. Any soil can be a breeding ground with bad watering practices and exposing it to pests. Fans over the top of your soil and canopy will help keep them off. The brand of soil doesn't matter to bugs.

[Jwrap]

I haven't actually...I should do that. Thank you I'm guessing they'll pass the buck, but it doesn't hurt to ask. I've heard some of the same issues with FF. Not any specific bug, but definite bug problems. Consumers do extra baking and so forth...I'll be honest I don't have time for that, or I would! Eventually...when life permits, I want my own "super soil" or switch to coco. In the meantime, I'd love soil guidance on reputable companies others use

[Jwrap]

I hear ya Chefbyj! I've had excellent results! That's why I'm so stubborn to change. I've had no thrips on veg and flower a few times, but have had them 75% in veg....relation? I don't know honestly! Its why I'm putting it out there. I love that soil lol

[Jwrap]

I've put more airflow....Chefbyj. Currently have 2 6" clip fans and a large circulating fan (don't know the diameter) 4" exhaust. Only water when they're absolutely dry! We're definitely on the same page with your post! Maybe its how the supplier stores it? Just wanted to bounce ideas on the issue. I want them GONE lol

[Chefbjy]

If you see bugs in the store chances are they're on their products. I'm guessing there's something in ff that attracts unwanted pests. Keeping your plants contained and not bring in the outdoors with you is good practice. You take them outside you expose them to pests. If you go straight from the outside to your grow area there's chances they can hitch a ride on you. The only bugs that would actually live in the soil before use are gnats and that can be any soil. But I believe it's the growers fault if they get bugs not the soil. If you contact ff and tell them they sold you buggy soil they will probably tell you the same thing I am. And defend that they sale soil not bugs.

[Jwrap]

Need to do more research on where they actually come from like Doctor Johnson said. I'm baffled. If anyone has can guide me better than a random Google search, it would be much appreciated! Thanks for the responses!

[GreenhouseEffect]

I've had some bad bug problems with FFOF before, no problems, then pot up with ffof, then aphid infestation, one time was spider mites, white flys another. Times I have used Happy Frog I did not have the bug issues. My experiences at least, I know some growers have great results with it.

[OzBud]

do you have screens on your intake?

[kingfish]

I switched to Roots Organics for the same reason you described. Have used FFOF for 3 grows and all of a sudden I started getting Spider mites, 3 grows in a row. Since I switched to RO. I hav'nt had any.

[MarkyJ]

I use coco loco and no bug problems so far but I’m only on my third grow.

[Ell]

never used FFOF . Had good luck with lucky dog bales last couple years. Might be made by the same company though.

[D.A.A.S.69]

FFOF = BUGs.