Yes store uncovered or with vent holes. It’s just going to grow mold and keep breaking down if you store it that way.

How long has it been stored this way?

When I originally made this soil, I let it sit for 2 weeks before repotting all my plants with it (i didn’t notice any moisture then). So after i used up most of that soil when repotting, there was actually only probably about 2 or 3 cups of soil sitting in this sealed bucket for just about 2 weeks. So I don’t think I’m in too much danger! I just made a new batch of soil and it’s now sitting uncovered.

Anaerobic (airless) decomposition causes formation of organic acids that can seriously lower pH to very unhealthy levels. Also, you should not store any soils that are moist when you have added controlled release fertilizers (like Osmocote or Dynamite). Allow them to dry completely in a tub or wheel barrow then store them in a dry place in an open container.

Al

Thanks so much!!

Hey Al- one more question for you.
How important is it to let my new soil sit for about 2 weeks? I use your 5:1:1 recipe (thanks so much for sharing that by the way). I just rescued a plant from Home Depot that’s in desperate need of repotting but I only made my soil this past Saturday. If I check the pH and it’s at an appropriate level, can I go ahead and repot? Or do I need to give it more time so that all the chemical reactions can run their course?