MTU

[dorcus]

Hi guys. I was wondering what soil should be used for MTU. I have a rough idea but I need to where to get it and what to get. Thanks!

 

[jake7917]

not an MTU but same genus, for my MPC i used half flake soil and half shredded decayed hardwood leaf litter. there's a few different places online you can get flake soil from, but making it yourself is the best option. hardwood leaves can be gathered from outside. try to gather the ones that look pretty well decayed rather than fresh ones. its important to sanitize them in the over before use, 200 degrees for an hour or so should be good enough. ideally you would also use some old beetle frass and maybe a bit of organic compost. 

 

[dorcus]

Thanks for the help. My beetles are probably arriving this week. I do not have enough time to make flake soil. For the leaves, where should I collect? I don/t know if there are pesticides in my yard or if I have hardwood trees. Also, what do you mean half shredded?

 

[jake7917]

Thanks for the help. My beetles are probably arriving this week. I do not have enough time to make flake soil. For the leaves, where should I collect? I don/t know if there are pesticides in my yard or if I have hardwood trees. Also, what do you mean half shredded?

Look up common trees in your area to key them. Many nature areas are not often sprayed with pesticides, so I would go there, or ask your neighbours if u can go to one of their trees lol. By half shredded, I just meant you should have a 50:50 ratio of shredded leaves to flake soil. It’s impossible to have too fine of leaves, so try to crush them up as much as you can. 

 

[Ratmosphere]

If there's a local landscaping company with leaf litter substrate, I would go that route.