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How to Microwave Potting Soil
How to Microwave Potting Soil. Seeds and plants do best when grown in sterile soil. Sterile soil doesn't contain weed seeds, fungus spores or diseases. Store-bought potting soil often comes sterilized, but if you are making your own soil mix or reusing old mix, it requires sterilization before use. You can do it in your microwave quickly and easily...
Seeds and plants do best when grown in sterile soil. Sterile soil doesn't contain weed seeds, fungus spores or diseases. Store-bought potting soil often comes sterilized, but if you are making your own soil mix or reusing old mix, it requires sterilization before use. You can do it in your microwave quickly and easily without the need for special tools.
Things You'll Need
Ziplock plastic bag
Potting soil
Lettuce seeds
Fill a ziplock plastic bag with 2 pounds of potting soil. Leave the bag open to vent and place inside the microwave.
Microwave at full power at 650 watts for 2.5 minutes. Open the microwave and seal the bag closed when the cooking time is complete.
Allow the soil to cool completely before removing from the microwave. Use the soil immediately or leave stored in the bag until ready to use.
Check for toxicity in the treated soil. Toxicity is formed when the temperature gets too high and causes toxins to be produced. Plant five lettuce seeds in the soil and wait for germination. If the seeds do not germinate within five days, the soil must be disposed of. Try microwaving at a lower power the next time you sterilize.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid recontaminating your soil by using sterile planting equipment. Wash pots and spades in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to sterilize before use.
Compost in potting soils may produce an unpleasant smell when being heated; this is normal.
Do not heat soils containing vermiculite, as this causes the vermiculite to change properties and possibly affect the plants.
Avoid further contamination by storing the soil in the sealed plastic bag or moving it into a larger container with a tight-fitting lid.
