If you have potting soil that has been used to grow something in the past sterilizing the soil before planting is always a good idea. Here is what you will need:
- Oven
- Potting soil
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Baking pan
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180 F
Step 2: If you want add compost or manure to you soil before you sterilize it. Make sure the soil mixture is moist, but not wet. You should be able to make it into a ball with your fist and the ball should fall apart a little when you open your hand.
Step 3: Put the soil into a metal pan of some sort and spread it out evenly. Make sure it doesn't get deeper than 4 inches.
Step 4: Cover the pan with aluminum foil very tightly. Stick the meat thermometer through the center of the pan so the tip sits about halfway into the soil.
Step 5: Keep an eye on the thermometer until it reaches 180 F. Keep it at about 180 F for about 30 mins (make sure it does not get above 200 F).
Step 6: Remove the soil from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
NOTE1: The soil will leave a bad smell after you bake it, so make sure you can ventilate the room.
NOTE2: Be aware that this method can kill bacteria beneficial for plants and break down nutrients so you will probably want to add compost or other nutrients to the soil after it has cooled.
Source:
http://www.ehow.com
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