once everything is mixed up and i am about to let it sit for 3-4 weeks is it ok to cover the container? i am using a 7 gallons storage tote to hold the soil mix, should i cover it to prevent bugs from getting in? or will that make it mold up or something? then should i leave it uncovered?
Do not cover, air exchange is very important in a "plastic" environment, if anything drill some holes under the lip of the tote and the lid then put it on. No such thing as to many holes in this case! Bugs aren't always a bad thing, and depending on your soil mix, may even help to futher decomp. If your mix "molds" up (see:mycelium) with nice thick, complex white growth, pat yourself on the back and hold on, you've enter organic territory! Stickies man, read em. Check sig for books, looking for Soil Biology Primer.