How
to sterilize potting soil in the oven
If you need small
amounts of sterilized potting soil, you can sterilize it in
your oven at home. But be aware that potting soil can create
a pretty strong smell (and not a good one!) so be prepared
for the smell and keep the windows open while sterilizing
and afterwards to air out your kitchen.
In a deep baking
pan, spread your soil evenly in the pan, to a maximum depth
of four inches deep. Then cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Insert a candy or meat thermometer through the foil top and
into the soil in the center of the baking pan. Heat the oven
to 180-190F, heating the soil to 180F. Do not allow the soil
temperature to rise above 200F, as this can produce plant
toxins within the soil. Once the soil reaches 180F, maintain
this temperature for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to
cool, and keep the foil on top to maintain a sterile potting
soil environment until you are ready to use it.
If you end up heating
your soil higher than 200F, or you have reason to suspect
it might have not been sterilized properly, you can check
to see if your potting soil
is toxic.
Related
articles:
How to sterilize potting
soil in the microwave
How to check if your potting
soil is toxic
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