how will you sterilize the soil??

i refer you to the tomato forum .. i am sure they have killed this subject... in that regard ...

in relation to the herbs ... i would 'clean' the plant leaves ...

and then i would learn how to propagate the clean cuttings ... potting them into sterilized media ... and use those in the house ... see link below ...

when all is said and done.. it might be cheaper.. to go buy new clean plants ....

ken

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Soil/sterile.htm

I have never been able to successfully eradicate white flies on on my poinsettias before bringing them in without a systemic. That would be out of the question with edibles.

tj

Hi, Roderick! I don't think that it's a " should or should not" kind of question. More of a "would you or would you not" type of dilemma.

I wouldn't, even though I have plenty of plant lighting to augment their needs. I just know that whiteflies are extremely difficult to get rid of as are spider mites, and soap sprays won't do the job.

Also, herbs simply don't do very well inside, especially those that have been growing happily outside. Visit the Herb Forum for verification of the challenges that indoor culture poses. HERE, I'll take you there!

I agree with the others, you will just be bringing the white flies into the house. :-\

Since Whiteflies lay eggs on plant foliage, not in the soil, sterilizing the soil is not necessary. Whitefly is very difficult to control since most insecticides do not do a good job anymore. Insecticidal soaps can be used to aid in control and those may kill the eggs before they hatch, yellow sticky traps can be used trap some adults and prevent them from laying more eggs. Perhaps this from the University of California - Davis might be of some help.

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7401.html

kimmq is kimmsr