How to Freeze Potting Soil to Kill Gnats

Gnats and other pests that live in potting soil can cause significant harm to your flowers, vegetables and herbs by eating the roots, stalks and leaves of the plants. When you discover that insects are inhabiting the soil, it's common to remove the plants and dispose of the soil. If this process is not an option for you, freezing the potting soil is one method of killing the gnat larvae.

Planter
Garbage bags
Freezer

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the plants that are growing in the potting soil and temporarily transplant them into your garden or into another planter with fresh, new top soil.
- 2
  Place the planter of potting soil in a large garbage bag and tie the top.
- 3
  Clear a space in your freezer and carefully set the bagged planter in the freezer. Deep-freeze styles of freezer work best for this task, especially if the planters are large. Leave the planter in the freezer for at least 24 hours before removing it. Open the bag, allow the dirt to thaw and replant the plant.

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