I need some help finding a good product to keep pests away that I can order online. I sadly live too far from the grow store. I just watched Scotty and Jerin’s live smoke session and they mentioned some less harmful sprays to mitigate powdery mildew and insect issues. I grow in LOS 3.0 and use build a bloom weekly along with Scotty Real’s RealGrowers Recharge. I’ve never had a bug problem (since retiring from hydroponics), I’ve always monitored the small amount of “bad bugs” that exist in the soil and it seems to be a good environment but when Jerin said insurance I realized I needed to invest. Any help is appreciated.
The best line of defense for an indoor grow is to keep bugs and outside air out of the grow space.
Not everyone has that option with the location of their grow. Check the DGC Guides tab for all the IPM info you need. Or wait for responses from people who don’t mind repeating themselves.
I personally don’t treat preventatively with any sprays. I focus on keeping the room clean, the tools clean and I don’t take clones in.
I think it depends on the size of your grow, the area you live in and the present pest pressure in the area. Some people live in areas where they get spider mites or something every year.In those cases, yes, treat pro-actively not reactively.
But in the case of growing just one or two plants, with good cultural IPM practices, it hasn’t ever been necessary for me.
But I will say, if you choose an IPM application strategy, use 2-3 modes / methods of action for the products you use. Do not put your eggs in one basket with IPM treatments, you need a varied approach for maximum effectiveness. There is no half-ass in IPM.
This is on point. Believe it or not the little bastards can develop immunity to sprays if you only apply the same one. Good old neem oil works good on most pests. Captain Jack’s is a pretty good spinosad but it is not effective on russet mites (trust me). Lost coast plant therapy is a good one too. Sulphur spray can be an option since you are in veg. One or some of these also help with pm I believe. I have also recently discovered the benefits of silica thanks to the DGC. Hopefully it helps my future grow situation.
As far as mold and PM is concerned, watch your humidity levels, leaf to leaf contact (micro climates, sweat spots) and be sure you are moving air in the tent at a steady clip. Stale air is the main thing to avoid when talking about preventing PM.
Did you check the IMP kits offered on BuildASoil’s website
Opps IPM.
I think Jarin was talking about silica and more specifically Silicium but boy is it expensive. Happy Growing 🙂
The mildew is easy make sure humidity doesn’t get too high and that you have very good air circulation. That along with keeping the grow space nice and clean. As for the bugs well thats a bit more complicated. Theres a few things you can do if you don’t have any issues. The easiest would be to grow a few companion plants that naturally deters pest like pepermint, Lavander, and lemon balm. Theres alot more but can’t remember off the top of my head. If you bring in other bugs do think of plants they can use for secondary food so they survive when there are no pests. I’m not really a fan of using sprays and stuff. If you don’t have a problem now then its easy to make sure you don’t down the line. Prevention is easier than crisis management.