In nature, seeds sprout in any suitable soil. Many plant lovers therefore ask themselves whether it is really necessary to sterilize potting soil and thereby make it germ-free. But this is the only way you can safely protect the young plants from being destroyed overnight by rapidly spreading mold or rot.
How do I sterilize potting soil?
Growing soil can be sterilized by heat by moistening it slightly, spreading it flat in a container and heating it either in the microwave for 10 minutes on the highest setting or in the oven at 200 degrees top/bottom heat for 30 minutes. The soil should cool before use.
This is what you have to do:
Home-made sowing soil is most easily sterilized at home using heat. This can be done either in the oven or in the microwave. Proceed as follows:
- Wet the substrate slightly.
- Spread flat in a container.
- Heat in the microwave on high for 10 minutes. Stir a thicker layer of soil occasionally.
- The substrate is sterilized in the oven at 200 degrees top/bottom heat for 30 minutes.
Let the soil cool down well before use.
Tip
The previously black potting soil has white spots as a result of the treatment? These are tiny insect larvae or worms that have been killed and denatured by sterilization. They are made of protein that has changed color due to the heat. But this is no reason to worry, the material can still be used without any problems.
