Sterilising soil

[Baldy]

Does anyone do it - maybe in the process of doing DIY compost?
I're read that to sterilise soilyou'd need to heat it at 80 degrees for 29 minutes or so - I just can't see Mrs Balders letting me stick a casserole dish full of soil into her oven.

Can you microwave it - think I say that you couldn't / or shouldn't. Our current microwave is a bit tatty - I might be allowed to move it to the shed for this purpose - guess I'd have to buy replacement for domestic use...

[veggiechicken]

I don't - gardening's complicated enough without being sterilised

Try this http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ost_91319.html

[Alison]

I've never done it, too much fuss for me

[Baldy]

Yeah - I think it is too much fuss - I don't think I've come across anyone who has actually bothered - just wondered if anyone here did...

[Shooter]

If your fed up with seeds not germinating eventually you will try anything and yes you can and I have micro waved small amounts of starter soil/compost just to make sure there are no eggs or bugs in it but of course you must be very careful and I wouldn't be held responsible for any harm or damage caused by trying this

[Dynamo]

I've never sterilised soil but I figure that the best way to do it would be outside using a camping stove, or maybe in an old pan on a bonfire.

[Thelma Sanders]

Can you microwave it - think I say that you couldn't / or shouldn't.

Sterilizing Soil with a Microwave

Another option to sterilize soil is to use the microwave. For the microwave, fill clean microwave-safe containers with moist soil — quart size with lids are preferable (no foil). Add a few ventilation holes in the lid. Heat the soil for about 90 seconds per every couple pounds on full power. Note: Larger microwaves can generally accommodate several containers. Allow these to cool, placing tape over the vent holes, and leave until ready to use.

Alternatively, you can place two pounds of moist soil in a polypropylene bag. Put this in the microwave with the top left open for ventilation. Heat the soil for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes on full power (650 watt oven). Close the bag and allow it to cool before removing.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/gar...izing-soil.htm