How Is Raw Soil Baked?

Raw garden soil can harbor pests, diseases and fungal spores that damage seedlings or potted plants. If you want to add the raw soil to a homemade potting mixture, you must first bake it to destroy these harmful organisms. The heat sterilizes the soil and makes it better suited for container use. If you are making a potting mixture, add any organic amendments, such as compost, before you bake the soil. Add inorganic materials, such as perlite or vermiculite, after baking.

Metal pan
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Fill a metal pan with a 4-inch layer of raw soil. Remove any racks or large pieces of organic matter, such as wood chips. Water the soil until it's slightly moist throughout.
- 3
  Cover the soil with aluminum foil. Poke a hole in the center of the foil and slide a meat thermometer into the soil so you can accurately gauge the temperature during baking.
- 4
  Bake the soil until its internal temperature reaches a minimum of 180 F. Continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, maintaining the soil temperature between 180 and 200 F so any harmful organisms are destroyed.
- 5
  Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Remove the cover and use the soil after it has cooled to room temperature.

Soil Mixture Instructions for Wooden Grow Boxes

How Do Annelids Help Your Lawn?

Soil