Make potting soil sterile in the oven

Potting soil from the discounter or from your own compost

Both variants are feasible, whereby the use of your own compost is associated with a little more work, as this soil also has to be sieved.
Both soils should be free of weed seeds, larvae, molds and pathogens so that seeds and young plants have a good start. All of these "soil additives" are for the human eye not visible and you might think an expensive or self-produced one Potting soil be optimal.
Usually this is not the case. Germs, fungi, etc. withstand little heat and should die in the hot rotting (60 to 80 degrees) in the compost container. Unfortunately, such high temperatures are not reached in private compost.

Make potting soil sterile in the oven

Heat treatment in the oven is a good way to combat soil organisms that are harmful to plants. Always carry out the treatment shortly before using the soil. If you wanted to stock up, keep the germ-free soil in an airtight bag so that it remains germ-free.

1. First heat the oven to 200 ° C.
2. Put some water over the soil, but not so much that it drips.
3. Put the potting soil in a fire-proof container or spread it out flat on a baking sheet.
4. Place the tray / container in the oven for 30 minutes.
5. You should stir larger quantities once.
6. The sterilized soil must be allowed to cool well before it is used.
7. If you need a larger amount of soil, you should sterilize several servings.

Optimal temperatures for pest control

Very high temperatures in the oven are not always necessary. Most viruses are killed at 90 degrees, fungi are destroyed at 70 degrees. Most insects and their larvae do not survive 60 degrees.
If you sterilize your soil in the oven for about 30 minutes at 70 degrees, most of the weeds, fungi and pests should be killed.