For best results to successfully germinate seeds, soil from the garden should not be used unless it is first sterilized to kill weed seeds and fungi. It is also safe practice to sterilize potting soil bought from the store prior to planting seeds, although theoretically you can purchase ‘sterile’ potting mixes for this purpose.
Why should I sterilize the soil before planting or germinating seeds?
Harmful bacteria or viruses can lurk in the soil and some soil is full of little creatures that can harm a seedling. While the sterilization process eliminates both the good and the bad bacteria in the soil, balance will be restored when the seedlings are finally planted in the garden (assuming a balanced soil in your garden!)
The procedure is pretty simple if you follow just a few rules.
How to Sterilize Soil or Dirt prior to planting and germinating seeds
Add soil or dirt to a baking pan
Cover the pan with aluminum foil
Bake at 180 degrees F (82 C)
When internal soil temperature reaches 180 F, Bake for 30 minutes
Tips:
Be sure that the soil is moist (not dry, not soaking wet). If dry, add a bit of water and mix it up. If wet, then let it evaporate out first. The soil should clump together somewhat, when squeezed in your palm.
Use a Jelly thermometer or Fry thermometer. Poke a hole in the foil and insert thermometer until it is about in the middle of the soil depth. Be sure to use a thermometer that is oven safe.
You can also use a non-oven-safe thermometer by sliding out the oven tray and occasionally check the internal temperature until it is 180 degrees F. Once at 180, then start a 30 minute timer.
My experience is that baking soil with 9
Why should I sterilize the soil before planting or germinating seeds?
Harmful bacteria or viruses can lurk in the soil and some soil is full of little creatures that can harm a seedling. While the sterilization process eliminates both the good and the bad bacteria in the soil, balance will be restored when the seedlings are finally planted in the garden (assuming a balanced soil in your garden!)
The procedure is pretty simple if you follow just a few rules.
How to Sterilize Soil or Dirt prior to planting and germinating seeds
Add soil or dirt to a baking pan
Cover the pan with aluminum foil
Bake at 180 degrees F (82 C)
When internal soil temperature reaches 180 F, Bake for 30 minutes
Tips:
Be sure that the soil is moist (not dry, not soaking wet). If dry, add a bit of water and mix it up. If wet, then let it evaporate out first. The soil should clump together somewhat, when squeezed in your palm.
Use a Jelly thermometer or Fry thermometer. Poke a hole in the foil and insert thermometer until it is about in the middle of the soil depth. Be sure to use a thermometer that is oven safe.
You can also use a non-oven-safe thermometer by sliding out the oven tray and occasionally check the internal temperature until it is 180 degrees F. Once at 180, then start a 30 minute timer.
My experience is that baking soil with 9