Sterilized Soil
By Laura Pottorff, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension horticulturist and plant pathologist ...
STERILIZED SOIL -- A rather misleading term, as steam- or chemically sterilized soil is only partially sterilized. Harmful organisms have been killed but helpful bacteria have been spared.
STERILIZED SOIL - It is soil that is steam- or chemically sterilized. Harmful organisms have been killed but helpful bacteria have been spared. Sold commercially.
Propagate from new-growth cuttings taken in late spring, or start from root cuttings in moistened sterilized soilless mix. Fertilize it with fish emulsion, prune judiciously during the growing season, and prune well in early fall.
Nearly-fill each compartment of your tray/mini-pots with sterilized soil. Sprinkle a few seeds into each compartment/pot and cover with a little soil. Water well and cover each tray/pot with clear plastic. Store in a warm place.
Use care when purchasing transplants. Only those certified as nematode-free or grown in sterilized soil should be planted. Check the roots of purchased transplants for the telltale knobs nematodes leave behind.
Step 3 ...
You can then insert your cuttings, 3-4 in a 3-inch pot or numerous cuttings in a planting try, into a moist growing medium like sand, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, or sterilized soil.
 See also: Plant, Soil, Container, Peat, Light
  
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