Microwave soil?

Question

This might seem like a really stupid idea, but could I microwave soil from my backyard to get rid of insect eggs and then put a plant in it without problems with bugs or is this completely ridiculous?

Answer 1

Some people like microwaving the soil before sowing to eliminate microorganisms. If you plan on doing this, make sure the soil cools before sowing and microwaving live sphagnum moss is not a good idea if want it to stay alive.
http://members.fortunecity.com/zongyi/SeedsSoil.htm
The temperature and duration of the process are quite critical. Cook soil for too long and its structure and chemistry will be altered, and all life will be killed. It is important to reach the required temperature as quickly as possible. The soil should be damp (but not wet) to ensure it heats up well. It is also important to cool the sterilised soil, spread out and uncovered, as quickly as possible. This allows ammonia produced in the process to escape; otherwise germination and seedling growth can be inhibited.

From an American organic gardening magazine `Up to 10lbs of soil can be treated at a time. Place it in a plastic bag used for baking or in a large, loosely covered bowl. Leave the top of the bag open. With the 650 watt oven turned to full power, a 2lb batch of soil will need 2.5 minutes, a 10lb batch 7 minutes. Remove any stones from the soil beforehand, as these may explode in the mircrowave.

One site says:
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Soil/sterile.htm "After treatment close the top of the bag and allow the soil to cool before removing."
Another site says "after sterilisation let the soil cool uncovered, then store in a sealed container." After microwaving soil, thoroughly clean the oven.

The most efficient method is to use a purpose built steam steriliser which hold approximately 2 gallons.

Good luck! 650 watt microwave ovens are cheap & if you get one at a garage sale, you can use it just for sterilizing soil! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You can. However, consider the smell. If you want first-hand experience with the smell, microwave a small container with a lid containing about a 1/4 cup of soil for about 30 seconds. Open lid. Sniff. Gag.

Imagine your whole kitchen smelling like cooked bug eggs.

If you have a gas grill, a better solution is to do this outside in a camping pot or discardable foil pan, like the discardable turkey roasting pans they sell in the grocery store.

Answer 3

I made the same mistake as 'LaWeezle' gagag! Tried various methods after that, all outdoors. Now I have a soil sterilizer I bought at auction for $5, nobody knew what it was. It's a metal box that holds 6cu.ft. of soil that is heated with electric coils, controlled with a timer and t-stat. I've seen similar ones in greenhouse catalogs for $500, what a deal! What's odd is the sterilizer hardly gives off any odor. RScott

Answer 4

Cool idea,not ridiculous. I think I will try it too!