I never tried sterilizing dirt in the oven but I knew about doing it. Just never thought about doing it in the Microwave. I would think a grill would work, too. Idea is just to heat it high enough and long enough to kill off anything that might be in there.

I've read, too, that you can "overcook" your dirt, so you don't want to over-do things.

I can definitely imagine it catching fire on a grill.

Karen

Yep, me too, now that you mention it! How would you explain what's cooking when the neighbors look over the fence to see what that smell is...

LOL!

As long as you moisten the mix, it won't catch fire in the microwave (probably not on the grill, either), and the microwave is just so quick & easy! I usually do about 6 quarts of potting mix at a time, and I add 2 quarts of water to it. The steam from microwaving does a great job of getting the mix nice and moist, sort of opens up the peat -- you know how peat can sometimes really resist getting wet at first.

Well, if you tell them the truth about what you're cooking, I'm sure you'd never have to worry about them crashing your yard parties!

Linda