FrugalWorld

How to make sterilized potting soil.When starting seedlings in the early spring, it is a good idea to use some form of sterilized soil devoid of bug eggs, weed seeds and especially fungi that can lead to the dreaded “damping-off disease.” You can sterilized soil or starting mixture at garden centers, but if you wince at the idea of spending money for dirt, you can also make your own. The Oregon State University Extension Service recommends heating your oven to 250 degrees, lining a pan with soil and then baking it for a half-hour or so. If you have a thermometer, the goal is to raise the temperature of the soil to 180 degrees for a full thirty minutes. Don’t over cook the soil, as this can affect its structure. Cool and use for your starters.

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