Homemade Soil Sterilizers

Soil sterilization is an important chore that every gardener should be doing. It consists of killing plant pathogens and weed seeds. All soils should go through this process especially if the soil is from the garden or from an old bag of potting soil. Make sure to only sterilize what is going to be needed in the near future or store sterilized soil in a tightly closed container. If this is not done, the soil will need to be re-sterilized to kill any contaminants.

Oven

Non-plastic containers such as clay pots, metal or glass pans 5 inches high

Garden or potting soil

Hand spade or shovel

1 roll of aluminum foil

Meat thermometer for each container used

Oven mitts

Resealable plastic bag, optional

Marker

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Collect containers that are going to be used for the soil sterilization. Fill containers with 4 inches of garden or potting soil. Smooth the surface of the soil so it is even in the containers.

Cover each container with aluminum foil. Crimp the edges of the foil all the way so a tight seal is formed.

Poke a meat thermometer through the foil into the soil in the center of the container.

Once the oven has reached 180 degrees, place containers in the oven.

Heat soil until it reaches 180 degrees. Once this temperature is reached, time the soil for 30 minutes.

Turn off the oven and open the door. Let containers completely cool before removing them from the oven.

Store soil in the containers until it's needed or remove it from the containers and place it in plastic, sealable bags that have been labeled.

Heated soil gives off an odor, so do not remove the foil until it's ready to use.

Do not let soil go above 200 degrees. When this happens, plant toxins are released into the air and contaminate the soil.