Making New Soil Out Of Old Soil #urbangardening
22After loosing several vertical cucumber plants to squash vine borers I needed to kill off the eggs. What I did not feature in the short was after boiling I allowed the soil to properly cool.
Then added some Bacillus
thuringiensis (BT) to ensure that any hatching larvae would die. Next I will add a add in a 511 (NPK) fertilizer mix to add nutrients back to the soil before planting anything new.
Sterilizing soil is not something I do often but I have found this method effective when combating squash vine borers. Unfortunately, by boiling the soil I am killing off helpful microbes as well, but in this particular situation the rewards outweighed the risk in my mind.
Most of the soil used throughout my garden and houseplants is about 2-3 years old as most of it is created through vigorous composting.
Sterilizing soil with boiling water can be an effective method to kill weed seeds, pathogens, and pests present in the soil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sterilize soil using boiling water:
1. Gather the materials: You'll need a large pot or container, enough water to completely saturate the soil, a stove or heat source, a soil thermometer (optional but helpful), and the soil you want to sterilize.
2. Choose the right soil: Not all soil types are suitable for sterilization with boiling water. It works best with sandy or loamy soil that allows for good water drainage. Clay soils, on the other hand, can become compacted and hard after sterilization. Additionally, avoid using soil that contains sensitive plant roots or delicate beneficial organisms.
3. Prepare the pot or container: Select a pot or container large enough to hold the amount of soil you want to sterilize. Ensure it is clean and free from any chemicals or residues.
4. Fill the container: Fill the pot or container with the soil you wish to sterilize. Leave some space at the top to prevent boiling water from overflowing.
5. Heat the water: Place the pot on a stove or heat source and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
6. Pour boiling water over the soil: Carefully pour the boiling water over the soil, ensuring that all parts are thoroughly saturated. Use enough water to ensure the entire soil volume is treated. Be cautious and avoid splashing hot water on yourself.
7. Allow the soil to cool: Once the soil is saturated with boiling water, allow it to cool naturally. This process will take some time, so be patient.
8. Reuse or store the sterilized soil: After the soil has cooled, it is ready to be used or stored. If you're planning to use it immediately, ensure it is dry and free of excess moisture. If you want to store the soil, place it in clean, airtight containers or bags to maintain its sterilized condition.
Note: Sterilizing soil with boiling water may have some limitations. It may not effectively kill all soil-borne pests or pathogens, and it can also destroy beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, consider this method as one option among others, such as solarization or using commercial soil sterilization products, depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
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