I am starting a few new seeds since my big bud autos didnt make it. The potting mix I have is my only option, and I have seen rarely some small bugs. I do not want that to develop over time, I was thinking about microwaving my soil or useing the oven to kill off all pests before my new seeds go in the soil. Please tell me what you think.
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It stinks but yeah you need to get rid of those the microwave is a ??? For me but the oven at like 210 for 30 min should do it just do small enough amounts it gets hot all the way through . Now if you can get some food grade D.E and mix it throughout all your soil you wont be killing all the beneficial bacteria but it will kill the bugs and larva either way good luck
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700watt microwave. But ill use the oven since i have one outside. The DE is very expensive so ill just bake the soil, thanks for the info. If i transplant my auto do u think it would hurt it? I need to sterilize its soil also
I have never grown a auto but they say if it is in flower not to mess with it . If you could post a pic of the bug @Hogmaster has been growing 20 years out and indoors so he has probably already dealt with them and since I tagged him he will be here to help next time he checks in .
I do not have a pic because i smashed it when i saw it, but i have not seen anymore. Its a seedling tht just sprouted, not in flower yet. I habe heard not to transplant autos but if i sterilize all the other pots soil and not do that one the bugs can transfer if there was a breakout. Thank you for tagging him, i need all the help i can get.
Are usually set my soil outside for a few days in the sun it will kill anything that’s in there especially when it’s 100° outside but yeah leave it in the sun for several days
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Thanks for the reply, what do you think about transplanting a seedling tht just sprouted? It is an auto so i am concerned.
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I transplant my auto’s every time I always start in a solo cup I don’t see it being an issue they don’t recommend it because of stress but I’ve never had a problem doing it you should be fine
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Ill go ahead an do it then. thanks.
Not a problem if you have any other issues feel free to tag me just make sure you put the @MarijuanaEngineer @Hogmaster in front of the name 
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I put soil in oven 30 min @ 150°
I’m not sure but I think you need to get the oven/soil temp to 165 deg. I’m thinking about the temp recommended for cooking food/meat to kill the bacteria and whatever else is in there safe to eat. I know you’re not planning on eating dirt/soil. Just spitballing here.
Oh and microwaving doesn’t kill small insects. They don’t have enough moisture in them to be affected. I tried killing ants in the MW and they just run around, like nothing.
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I found this on another gardening website. @Laurap
Sterilizing Soil with an Oven You can also use the oven to sterilize soil. For the oven, put some soil (about 4 inches deep) in an oven-safe container, like a glass or metal baking pan, covered with foil. Place a meat (or candy) thermometer into the center and bake at 180-200 F. (82-93 C.) for at least 30 minutes, or when soil temp reaches 180 F. (82 C.). Anything higher than that can produce toxins. Remove from oven and allow to cool, leaving the foil in place until ready to use. Sterilizing Soil with a Microwave Another option to sterilize soil is to use the microwave. For the microwave, fill clean microwave-safe containers with moist soil — quart size with lids are preferable (no foil). Add a few ventilation holes in the lid. Heat the soil for about 90 seconds per every couple pounds on full power. Note: Larger microwaves can generally accommodate several containers. Allow these to cool, placing tape over the vent holes, and leave until ready to use. Alternatively, you can place two pounds of moist soil in a polypropylene bag. Put this in the microwave with the top left open for ventilation. Heat the soil for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes on full power (650 watt oven). Close the bag and allow it to cool before removing.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Tips To Sterilize Potting Soil, Garden Soil And Soil For Seeds Sterilizing Soil: How To Sterilize Soil
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Thanks for correcting me sweet. Was at work and hurridly left remark.
You’re correct
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@Oldstoner @MarijuanaEngineer… I have done eXactly that… I took food grade DE and mixed it into my FFOF soil… Then planted my transplants in it and I haven’t seen anymore gnats… Worked great for me
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After my first grow ended up with spider mites and then gnats I mix the DE in as soon as I open the bag with extra perlite @Zombo and the only thing I see is the occasional gnat from outside but none in my tent to check just hang a cheap sticky strip in the back of the tent
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That stuff is amazing… I take it in water every night… I never heard about it until I read what it does here on ILGM @Oldstoner
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I hear you can run a mix of 1 to 4 parts hydrogen peroxide to water, and flush the soil. It should kill all living organisms and bacteria, wait a couple days and then flush with tap water. Then you will have to reintroduce pro-bacteria.
Thanks for all the info, i have one auto growing well and she is 3 days old. I want to sterilize her soil cause i saw a small red bug this morning in the soil. What age can i transplant her safely? Shes an auto so i am worried. I also have another sprout but it does not look healthy, it has a root but no leafs are coming out of it and the top tht usually pops open with leaves is dry and cracked. Idk if i should keep her or not, the thing is her root looks good. This is my 3 day old girl.
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Great idea with the de. Did you use a certain amount or by eye.