Bagged potting mixes for containers arent dirt cheap.
Heres how to prep used soil to produce again next season.
But thislightweight mix of compost, peat, perlite, and other materialsdoesnt last forever.
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Can You Reuse Potting Soil?
Heres How
Its generally fine to reusehigh-quality potting soilif whatever you were growing in it was healthy.
But can you reuse potting soil thats been home to pests?
First, remove roots, grubs, leaves, and other debris from the old potting soil.
Then, decide on the best method for banishing microbes and insects.
Solarize the Soil
One technique for sterilizing soil is called solarizing.
The heat builds up inside the buckets or bags just enough to kill bugs and pathogens.
Treat in the summer when high temperatures and intense sunlight radiation are most effective.
Sterilize in the Oven
You also can sterilize old potting soil in your oven.
When its done, remove the soil from the oven and keep it covered until it cools.
Oven temperatures higher than 200F produces toxins.
Microwave the Microbes
Microwaving is another option.
Put old, moistened potting soil in quart-size, microwavable containers.
Heat at full power for about 90 seconds per two pounds of soil.
Besides addingnutrients that plants need, fresh potting soil and compost will help keep the mix from compacting.
How Can You Reuse Potting Soil Youve Sterilized?
Reuse your clean potting soil incontainers for vegetables, flowers, houseplants, or whatever youd like to grow.
It can be dumped directly out of your containers and into established beds and borders.
you might use it inraised bedsor wherever your yard has holes or eroded areas.
It can also bemixed into compost piles.
The old potting soil you reuse can help you save money for what all gardeners want: more plants.
