soil sterilizers

From: Lester Kallus <lkallus at earthlink.net> on 1997.09.01 at 21:11:21(1141) After reading the Aroideana volume 19, I realize that I'll have to begin mixing some loam with the artificial potting mix I've used in the past if I want to be successful with some amorphophallus species. I read about the stench created by sterilizing soil in an oven and also heard some passing comments about soil sterilizers. Is there such a thing as an electric soil sterilizer? What I'm hoping for is some device I could put out in my potting shed. I'd dump soil oak leaf mold and loam into it, push some button and come back several hours later to see some steaming, sterile soil ready to mix with the soilless mix. Is there such a thing? If so, can someone recommend a brand? Les Kallus +More http://www.i2.i-2000.com/~lkallus/aroids/plnthome.htm

From: grsjr at juno.com (George R Stilwell, Jr.) on 1997.09.02 at 01:28:39(1143) Les, The electric soil sterilizer is commonly called a 'crock pot'. They used to be very popular so you may find one stored somewhere around the house. If not, Kmart or Walmart should have them. You also need a meat thermometer to measure the soil temperature so you know when to start timing the treatment. Actually the soil shouldn't be sterilized, rather it should be pasteurized. As I recall, it should be at 180 deg. F. for at least 20 minutes or something like that. I've used crock pots for years, ever since I nearly got divorced for smelling up the house with soil in the oven. I keep the crock pots safely in the garage where a slight odor is permissible. Ray +More

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