HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ( H 2O 2 )
A diluted 35 per cent hydrogen peroxide solution is required for sterilization . This product is not found at your local drug store . It is sold through foodservice retailers and may be available through hydroponics outlets . At high concentrations , H 2O 2 is an effective bactericide , virucide , and fungicide . ( Always use safety precautions when using concentrated hydrogen peroxide .)
HEAT TREATMENT
Heating is a popular method for pasteurizing and sterilizing soilless potting mixes . It will also kill seeds , insect eggs , and larvae . When using heat to kill pathogens , temperature and duration are critical factors in processes that can be pretty diverse :
OVEN
For oven pasteurization , the goal is to reach and sustain a temperature of 180 ° F for 30 minutes . Pasteurization is less aggressive than sterilization , which requires processing at a higher temperature of 212 ° F . Pasteurizing can be easier to tackle than sanitizing , though , and may be enough for the gardener who hasn ’ t had notable pest problems in the past . For example , pasteurization is effective at eliminating the funguslike organism pythium , responsible for fusarium wilt , but is less successful at combatting some pathogenic fungi known to cause damping-off and numerous forms of root and stem rot . If you plan to heat treat media in your kitchen , be forewarned . The procedure can produce a sour odor that lingers .
grow cycle 133