Post by airscapes on Apr 25, 2021 17:48:21 GMT -5
I mentioned this in a different thread but wanted to make it a thread of it's own. I have always had issues with gnats when using store bought potting soil no matter the band or cost. So last year I googles "How to sterilize garden soil for potting" and found it was rather simple. All you need is an old Microwave oven and digital thermometer. I happen to have saved the old microwave when I replaced it a few years ago. They can be had at yard sales, thrift stores, free cycle and other local used/free stuff websites.
Last night we had a good rain so this afternoon I prepped a 5 gallon buck of soil 3Qts at a time, microwaving for 4 1/2 minutes to raise temperature to around 180F. That's it, no more gnats and good native soil to transplant seedlings in.
I imagine if it is still really cold out when you need potting soil, the bags are much simpler, but to eliminate the gnat eggs, this process would still be of value. I am sure this is not for everyone, but to me it is worth a few minutes of time to have gnat free potting mix and even better if it is the native soil the seedlings will be living in for the rest of the season!
Last night we had a good rain so this afternoon I prepped a 5 gallon buck of soil 3Qts at a time, microwaving for 4 1/2 minutes to raise temperature to around 180F. That's it, no more gnats and good native soil to transplant seedlings in.
I imagine if it is still really cold out when you need potting soil, the bags are much simpler, but to eliminate the gnat eggs, this process would still be of value. I am sure this is not for everyone, but to me it is worth a few minutes of time to have gnat free potting mix and even better if it is the native soil the seedlings will be living in for the rest of the season!
