How to Sanitize Planting Pots

Gardening in containers is quite popular in America. Whether you intend to have the plant remain in the pot for life or if the pot is merely a stopover from seed to sapling in the garden, it is important that the pots you use are clean and sanitary. Mineral salts, fungus, diseases and pests could all be harbored in previously used planting pots. Cleaning and disinfecting these pots will only take a few minutes and will help to ensure the success of your plant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 large buckets
• Bleach
• Water
• Liquid dish detergent
• Steel wool

1. Fill one of the large buckets with 9 parts water and 1 part bleach. Fill another with warm, soapy water and the last one fill with clear water.

2. Drop the pot into the soapy solution. Use the steel wool to scrub away any caked-on or hardened soil.

3. Remove the pot from the soapy water, rinse quickly with water and place into the bleach and water solution. Soak for 15 minutes.

4. Remove the pot from the bleach solution and place in the clear water to rinse.

5. Leave the pot in the sun to dry. It is now ready for your plant.

References

• Iowa State University

Resources

• Learn 2 Grow