How do you sterilize old potting soil?

gardeningknowhow.com - Tips To Sterilize Potting Soil, Garden Soil And Soil For Seeds

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Since soil can harbor pests, diseases, and weed seeds, it’s always a good idea to sterilize garden soil before planting to ensure the most optimal growth and health of your plants. While you can go out and purchase sterile potting mixes to meet your needs, you can also learn how to sterilize soil at home quickly and efficiently.

Methods for Sterilizing Soil for Seeds and Plants

There are several ways to sterilize garden soil at home. They include steaming (with or without a pressure cooker) and heating the soil in the oven or microwave.

Sterilizing Soil with Steam

Steaming is considered one of the best ways to sterilize potting soil and should be done for at least 30 minutes or until the temperature reaches 180 degrees F. (82 C.). Steaming can be done with or without a pressure cooker. If you’re using a pressure cooker, pour several cups of water into the cooker and place shallow pans of level soil (no more than 4 inches (10 cm.) deep) over top of the rack. Cover each pan with foil. Close the lid but the steam valve should be left open just enough to allow the steam to escape, at which time it can be closed and heated at 10 pounds pressure for 15 to 30 minutes. Note: You should always practice extreme caution when using a pressure for sterilization of nitrate-rich soil, or manure, which has the potential of creating an explosive mix. For those not using a pressure cooker, pour about an inch (2.5 cm.) or so of water into the sterilizing container, placing the soil-filled pans (covered with foil) on a rack over the water. Close the lid and bring to a boil, leaving it open just enough to prevent pressure from building up. Once the steam escapes, allow it to remain boiling for 30 minutes. Allow the soil to cool and then remove (for both methods). Keep foil on until ready to use.

Sterilizing Soil with an Oven

You can also use the oven to sterilize soil. For the oven, put some soil (about 4 inches (10 cm.) deep) in an oven-safe container, like a glass or metal baking pan, covered with foil. Place a meat (or candy) thermometer into the center and bake at 180 to 200 degrees F. (82-93 C.) for at least 30 minutes, or when soil temp reaches 180 degrees F. (82 C.). Anything higher than that can produce toxins. Remove from oven and allow to cool, leaving the foil in place until ready to use.

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 2 pounds (1 kg.) 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.

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Where are Derksen Buildings made?

We manufacture Derksen Portable Buildings here in Amarillo Tx. We are located at 9325 S. Georgia St. Our swing sets are manufactured in Lancaster, PA right in the heart of the amish country.

derksenfactory.com - FAQs - Derksen Factory

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DO YOU OFFER RENT TO OWN ON ALL OF YOUR PORTABLE BUILDINGS, SHEDS AND SWING SETS?

We offer rent to own on portable buildings, storage buildings, sheds, carports, and swing sets. We have different packages available to fit any budget. We offer rent to own from 24 months up to 60 months depending on the product. Unfortunately, we don't offer rent to own on our trampolines.

WHAT SIZES DO YOU OFFER IN PORTABLE BUILDINGS?

We offer any Portable Buildings and storage buildings width from 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet wide. Our width is measured from corner edge to corner edge of the platform which gives you more room. A lot of companies measure from the eave of the roof! This makes your building smaller. We build any length of building in 2 feet increments from 12 feet long up to 50 feet! If you are looking for a small building we offer a metro shed. The metro shed can be as small as 5 feet by 8 feet.

DO I NEED PERMITS FOR MY BUILDING?

Different cities and different neighborhoods require different permits and have different restrictions for Portable Buildings. The city of Amarillo Texas requires that any builidng over 200 square feet in floor space requires a permit for your buildings. Please check with your local code enforcement or homeowners association to find out what regulations they have.

DO YOU MANUFACTURE ALL OF YOUR PRODUCTS?

We manufacture Derksen Portable Buildings here in Amarillo Tx. We are located at 9325 S. Georgia St. Our swing sets are manufactured in Lancaster, PA right in the heart of the amish country. They are built by amish crafstmen and we are proud to import their product to Texas!

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