Steam compost for germ-free cultivation soil
Seedlings and young plants need nutritious but germ-free soil to really thrive. You can of course use potting soil from a hardware store for this. You can also make the substrate yourself by steaming the compost.
also read
- Fertilizing plants with compost - what should be considered?
- When is compost ready and ready to use?
- What is the compost temperature?
The Compost soil heated to kill germs, bacteria, weed seeds and pests.
Only steam as much soil as you actually need. Heating also kills many useful microorganisms. They do not play as much of a role for young plants as they do for the later plants that you will be with Fertilize compost want.
How to steam compost
There are three ways to steam compost:
- oven
- Steamer
- microwave
Fill the earth in a refractory container. If it is very dry, spray it with water and then cover it with aluminum foil. Use the microwave for steaming, do not use aluminum foil, but special containers.
Steam compost in the oven
Set the oven to the desired temperature and steam the compost for about ten minutes.
Steam in the microwave
The earth is heated at 600 watts for about ten minutes. The earth has to steam.
Steam in the pressure cooker
Fill the pot with water as instructed and hang the container with the soil. Steaming takes place at high pressure for about 15 minutes.
What temperatures have to be reached when steaming?
the Temperatures depend on what you want to use the earth for later. Most bacteria and germs are killed at around 70 degrees and ten minutes of steaming time.
For tomato and tobacco plants, you should steam the substrate at over 100 degrees. Under no circumstances should it get hotter than 200 degrees.
Tips
The steamed earth gets very hot and holds the heat for a long time. Let them cool down well before handling and using them. Store unused substrate in a well-sealed plastic bag.
