Very often, potting soil, whether from the supermarket or garden store, is riddled with undesirable soil organisms. If you then pot your flowers in this soil, after a while a swarm of fungus gnats may fly through your living room. That doesn't have to be the case.
How do I sterilize potting soil in the microwave?
To sterilize potting soil in the microwave, place the soil in a microwave-safe container, lightly moisten it, heat on high for 5-10 minutes, turning the soil halfway through and allowing it to cool.
The potting soil is alive
Microorganisms and soil organisms are usually important for good soil, but only when used outside in the garden. Worms, mosquito larvae, etc. are welcome here because they feed on dead plant parts and excrete important nutrients in their feces that can be used by the plants.
There is not enough space for them in the flower pot or small planter a large number of soil organisms. They cannot eat or can only eat inadequately. So they start eating the roots of the potted plants. The plants die after a short time. In the living area, it is therefore an advantage to use sterile potting soil. This has the advantage that there are no more pests.
Sterilize your own potting soil
Before you pay a lot of money for germ-free potting soil at the gardening store, it's better to put up with a little more work and sterilize your potting soil yourself. This process requires heat, which kills mites, larvae, bacteria and fungi.
The oven or microwave are best suited for sterilization.
Sanitizing in the microwave
The microwave is particularly suitable for small portions of potting soil. It achieves the necessary heat and works quickly.
- First you need a flat container that is suitable for the microwave.
- Put in the soil to be treated.
- Moisten the soil. Take a little soil in your hand and press it together. No water should escape.
- Switch the device to the highest level.
- Heat the soil for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the soil halfway through.
- Let the soil cool down thoroughly before using it again.
Since the microwave produces temperatures over 100 degrees on the highest level, you can be sure that mold, bacteria, larvae and worms have been killed. If you do not use the sterilized soil immediately, store it in an airtight container to prevent new soil organisms from entering it.
