gmom - hey there! I know that hydrogen peroxide will kill the mold, but this may not be an option for you. I'm wondering if you could bake it in the oven (on low) in reasonable quantities? That might work....

EG

Not sure maybe someone knows for sure...how about putting it outside in the freezing weather? Or maybe don't take any chances and get new soil.

Luke

Hi EG
The soil was frozen when I bought it about 2 weeks ago. I know I could take it back but it is a 150 mile trip. Not something I do often. No stores closer. I have read about bleach, and baking soda to clear it up. I did think of baking it outside in a fire. I could use my pit for maple syrup for the baking. That sounds the best to me so far.

Thanks to EG and luke for your suggestions. I need the right weather for the baking so will be taking it one day at a time unless I hear a better idea.

What about the top of my wood butning stove in the house? Would that smell?

gmom

Could you maybe boil it in a pot? Would that work? Might smell like boiling dirt but.....

gmom,
I had that happen too. Don't worry It will die in the freeze. I know it was frozen, and then it came in the house and molded over right? Don't worry. It will die again and come spring the fresh air and sunshine will keep it dead. Mold grows in nice warm dark places. Not in sunny airy places.
You're good to go in your zone.
Just make sure right after seeding it goes right outside.
:)Laura

Auntyara,
So you are saying for me to go ahead and use it?
Also I had gotten a good deal on fall bulbs. I was going to pot up the bulbs and let them root in the house. But should I put them outside rightaway? Should they be out in the air or should I put them in the garage where it freezes but is dry.

gmom

I have nothing to contribute here... don't know if you should use it or not. I was just amazed that you don't have a store any closer than 150 miles! I can see why you don't make that trip often.

gmom,
yes. use it for winter sowing. I'm not sure about the bulbs in the garage though. I never did that.
:)Laura

gmom, it should be fine to use it for WSing.
If you're still worried though, you can just pour some boiling water through it and then let it cool before use.
:)

Thanks to all that has responded to my question on moldy soil. I will be trying all of the methods at one time or another. I have 3-3 cubic bags of potting soil, so I have plenty to work with.

I'm wondering, how is the best way to store the soil over the summer to have plenty for next winer sowing? I would like to buy it in the spring when it is on sale for 99 cents a bag, or better.

Storing it on a pallet, off the ground. With or without a cover over it. In my garage or outside? We have lots of critters that can get into it.

Thanks to all responds.

gmom

I buy my soil in bulk, a pickup load at a time. I store it outside with a tarp over it and under it, too (kind of wrapped up in tarps). That keeps it off the ground and helps prevent weed seeds and critters from getting in, but if you have heavy winter freezes that probably wouldn't work too well for you. I have one of those huge storage containers on wheels that I put it in to take it into the cold frame for planting. Several years ago when I had the nursery going, I just kept bags of soil in the greenhouse all the time. It kept very well there and stayed dry so there wasn't a mold or freezing problem.

When I sterilize potting mix for inside seed sowing, I put it in a casserole dish, moisten it, cover, microwave, then stick it outside for just a short while to cool. Clean microwave with liquid cleaner and leave the door open for a while. Limits the stench in the house.

Karen