Soil storage?

Any suggestions as to how to store your bagged soil? I have the remains of a 40# bag of composted cow manure and humus and want to make sure it remains "clean" for next use. I recently glanced into the bag and noticed a small spider hanging out, and at least one white flea like bug (looking at the two insect descriptions I gave... I'll assume the second is a spider mite :jointsmile:). I lightly sprayed the soil surface with a neem oil solution and left the bag open so it gets air. I don't want to store infested soil indoors, but it seems more succeptable to insects if stored outdoors. Also, if it is inevitable that the soil will become a home for pests, is there something you can treat it with prior to its next use? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Some growers put their soil in a steel pan and bake it in an oven for 15-30 minutes @ about 350 degrees.

That works OK for potting soil.

It might have been a different type of spider than a Mite. I think it may be very hard to spot a mite walking on soil...they are teeny.

I have stored bags of soil for over a few months in basements and not had a problem.

I use a rubbermaid tub and the soil keeps fine for at least 6 weeks..

I am actually recycling my soil from my recent grow. It's in a 60 gallon plastic drum with a cover. I added some grass clippings and beer (I'll empty an half finished beer into it and mix). It will be ready to use after my next grow, for which I have fresh soil ready.
I'll add bone meal, blood meal and more vermiculite. Right now it's working well.

Shov

Don't be wastin' da beer shovel...drink da beer...

Store it in a garbage pail. Snap the lid shut and Relax... Good Luck!!!! GL

Thanks people. It's kind of one of those things that you think is probably straight forward, just put the bag somewhere and make sure it's clean before you use it again... but it can't hurt to ask. I was concerned that there would be a lot of moisture build up inside the bag. I have recurring nightmares where I get all my plants going, then check on them one day and see an ocean of insects coming out of each pot. There should be a disclaimer in the beginner grow section.

Warning: Entering the world of growing is not for the impatient or those weak of heart. Side effects may include loss of sleep, mood swings, and an increase in saying strange words like "Cotelydon" and "Lumen." Patients may have a problem with noticing lightbulbs in public places and imagining it in their grow room. Additional urges to go to Home Depot/Wal-Mart/Lowe's at odd hours of the day will subside over time. Please consult the Sticky's before you incorporate Growing into your daily life. Inform your guru's before you plan on changing your grow regimen, as this may lead to an increase in unwanted side effects.

Stay :D and Keep :jointsmile:

i used to store mine in rubbermaid tubs, but its too hard to move around

i started to store in 50 gal garbage tubs with wheels. its easy to move around, and dont have to bend over most the time

That's nice a 50 Gallon Roll Around!!!!!

Hope to have 1 or two of those in 60 days... LOL