How to Sterilize Soil for Planting

The best way to insure success when planting seeds is to start with soil that's free of bad bacteria, pests, fungi and weed seed. Garden centers everywhere sell sterile potting mixes but home organic gardeners can sterilize their own mix using a method that's safe, easy and chemical-free.

Moist garden soil
Oven roasting bag
Meat thermometer
Cookie sheet

Instructions

- 1
  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Fill an oven roasting bag with soil that's moist but not wet, and free of clumps or noticeable plant debris.
- 3
  Tie the bag shut with the provided twist tie.
- 4
  Poke a small hole in the bag and insert a meat thermometer.
- 5
  Set the bag on a cookie sheet and place it in the center of the preheated oven.
- 6
  Heat the soil to between 160 and 170 degrees for 30 minutes. Check the thermometer throughout the half hour. Turn the heat down if the thermometer registers above 170 degrees.
- 7
  Remove the soil from the oven and let it cool thoroughly before using.

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