How to Sterilize Potting Soil: 8 Gardener-Approved Methods

Garden

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Heat It!

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Freeze it!

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Microwave it!

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Use Hydrogen Peroxide

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Garden

How to Sterilize Potting Soil: 8 Gardener-Approved Methods

Heat It!

To sterilize your soil, place foil on a baking tray and top with a layer of garden soil. Then put it in the oven for 20–30 minutes at maximum temperature.

Freeze it!

At freezing temperatures, most microorganisms die, but harmful bacteria can still survive. That is why it is best to freeze the soil twice.

Microwave it!

Put some soil in a bag, poke a few holes on the top with a fork and microwave on maximum power for 10–15 minutes.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Prepare a 3% mixture of hydrogen peroxide by adding 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide per 1 liter of water.