Many gardeners choose to clean and reuse plant pots as an eco-friendly practice. But just like dirty dishes, dirty plant pots are susceptible to carrying pathogens like bacteria and fungi.
Sterilizing plant pots is an important step that you can take to ensure a long life for both your pots and your plants. If you are preparing to repot and bring your plants inside for winter , it may be a great time to disinfect your pots! In fact, sterilizing plant pots can become a part of your fall garden cleanup as you get ready to store your pots away for the winter.
Before you sanitize any type of used flower pot, cleaning it is crucial. Cleaning is the process of physically removing dirt, debris and germs.
Cleaning plant pots is straightforward. Remove any dried or leftover soil in the pot, and then soak the pot in a solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent. Use either a sponge, scouring pad, piece of steel wool, or wire brush to remove any visible dirt or debris as needed for the type of pot you have. For clay (terracotta pots), be sure to scrub away any mineral or salt deposits
Clay (terracotta) pots are porous and more likely to keep pathogens than pots built from other materials, so soaking them in a sanitizing solution will offer thorough sterilization. You can use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to sanitize (or about 1 3/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water).
For a chemical-free, eco-friendly option, sterilize plant pots with vinegar. Use a solution of one part vinegar to one part water. Soak the pots for several minutes if using bleach, or up to 30 minutes if using vinegar. After soaking, allow your pots to air dry thoroughly in the sun before using or storing them
Your dishwasher is another effective tool to clean clay and terracotta pots. Keep in mind that some glazed clay pots may not be dishwasher-safe
After the dishwasher cycle finishes, make sure to open your dishwasher to reduce your pots’ exposure to humidity as they dry. Pathogens love water, so do your best to dry your pots in a moist-free environment.
Glazed ceramic pots can be cleaned and sanitized in much the same way as terracotta pots. The only difference is, when scrubbing the pot, you will want to use less abrasive options than what you might use for unglazed terracotta
Like clay and terracotta pots, plastic pots can be easily sanitized in the solution of your choice. Follow the same sterilization guidelines as for clay pots
Wooden pots, such as those made from cedar, are also porous and benefit from a short soaking in a sanitizing solution. Like clay pots, they should be dried very well after sanitizing to prevent mold or bacteria growth. Wooden pots will wear down naturally over time when exposed to moisture. A pplying a wood stain or oil to your wooden planter after you clean, sanitize and dry it can help to extend its life
Many wood stains contain chemicals that will leach into the soil and impact the health of your plants, so choosing the right stain is key. Opt for a chemical-free, non-toxic wood oil such as raw linseed oil or tung oil
With proper care, metal pots may be the least likely type of pot to carry pathogens
Cleaning and sterilizing plant pots can become a helpful part of your fall garden cleanup routine to make sure your pots are clean, disinfected and ready to go before spring arrives. Check out more Gardening Tips for Early Spring to learn how to prepare your container garden for spring planting.
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