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I just got a brainstorm! I thought about pouring boiling water on the soil on my raised garden bed next year to get rid of the soil-borne fungi in it. My veggies were inflicted with ailments this year and I want to start with nice, sterile soil next year. I read on-line that someone did this to her soil before planting seeds. (she's been gardening for 4 decades she said) I have a small raised garden bed so I think I wouldn't have any problem pouring boiling water on the soil to kill the fungi living in it. IS THIS A GOOD IDEA?? Can I do this? Thanks!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Wavy,

I don't know if that would hurt or help the situation. I do know you can sanitize the soil by using clear plastic over it for months on end. The sun solarizes it. You should be able to google and find articles on this.

I read about "solarization" whereby you cover the soil with plastic for a long time ~ several weeks. If I do that in the summer, I won't have any summer left to plant. I was wondering if there were some other way to sterilize a not too large area of outdoor soil without having to cover it for weeks? I'm reading on-line, and there is so much mixed info. it's hard to make heads or tails of it. They mainly speak of sterilizing potting soil. Potting soil is cheap, I don't need to sterilize potting soil. I just want to get rid of the fungi in it and start with fresh, nice soil without having to dispose of this soil. (I only used it one spring/summer and it's expensive to get rid of right away and replace it again next year).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Wavy,

Just one problem with both things...you kill all the good stuff in your soil too! You have good bacterias & fungis that work in there and of course, your earth worms.