Home & Garden Trees & Houseplants

How to Sterilize Potting Soil in the Oven

By Home & Garden Last updated Friday, May/03/2024

1). Put moist, but not wet, potting soil in a large, oven-proof container.
2). Cover the container with aluminum foil, pinching it around the edges to make sure it is sealed.
3). Tear a small hole in the center of the foil cover.
4). Insert meat or candy thermometer into the hole, burying the bulb end about halfway into the soil.
5). Place the pan of soil into a 200- to 250-degree Fahrenheit oven.
6). Check the temperature periodically until the temperature in the middle of the soil reaches 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The time will vary based on the amount of the soil.
7). Remove the soil from the oven when it reaches this temperature. Allow it to cool and then use as you would any other potting soil.