How to Sterilize Pots for Plants

Old pots for plants that contain remnants of dirt, debris, and roots are harbingers for soil-borne fungi, diseases, and insects, and these problems aren't always readily apparent or visible. Simply rinsing used pots for plants isn't always enough to eliminate insects or prevent devastating problems. It's important to properly sterilize previously used planters before making use of them again to avoid easily preventable damage to indoor and outdoor plants.

Seedlings are extremely vulnerable to fungi, and damping-off can be a problem if you don't sterilize pots before adding plants. If you discover your newly planted seedlings suddenly wilting and looking damaged near the stem bases, damage to plants is more than likely the result of soil-borne fungi that could have been prevented if you had taken the time to sterilize used pots, saucers, and planter trays.

The following information provides step-by-step instructions on how to sterilize pots for plants including plastic, clay, and metal varieties. A few inexpensive supplies as well as a few minutes of your time can save a considerable amount of effort and expense in the long run.

Sterilize Metal and Clay Planters Using This Easy Method

If your pots for plants are made of metal or clay they can be made sterile by immersing them in boiling water in a kitchen sink, laundry tub, bathtub, galvanized metal trough, or in any other container that will withstand excessive heat. This is one of the easiest methods to sterilize clay or metal pots.

Alternately, clay and metal planter can be heated in the oven to sterilize. Simply place an oven thermometer on an oven rack, and sterilize the pots for a few minutes in temperatures ranging from 170 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This should kill any insects, fungi, and any soil-borne diseases. After you sterilize the pots, allow them to cool completely before adding plants or storing, and always store them in a sanitary, dry location.

Sterilize Plastic and Ceramic Pots for Plants Using These Simple Instructions

Pots for plants that are made of washable ceramic or plastic can be made sterile with a simple solution of bleach and water. Simply combine 5 gallons of warm water with ½ gallon of chlorine bleach in a bathtub, laundry tub, galvanized metal trough, plastic dishpan, or a child's wading pool. After cleaning away excess dirt and debris from pots, allow them to soak in the solution for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse them in clear water, and dry them before placing in storage. The bleach solution can be bottled, labeled, and saved for future use.