Thread: Sterile Soil
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Old February 28, 2010   #11
nctomatoman
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Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7
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Big problem with using soil/dirt instead of soilless mix for seed starting as well as transplanting in my view is possible presence of plant pathogens, as has been noted in this thread - which can lead to damping off of young seedlings - but, especially, the density/heaviness of some soils, which can prevent adequate air to the roots....in heavy rain, you can get to drowning your plants once the soil compresses down, and in the event that the drainage holes don't work well.

So the baking thing is not a solution to this - there is no substitute to purchasing a good quality soilless mix. Otherwise, all of your efforts could quickly go to waste!
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