7 DECEMBER 1956, Page 29

SCALDING COMPOSTS

Soil sterilisation is useful, particularly for potting and seed-growing purposes. There are different methods, but for small quantities scalding is perhaps the easiest. This is done by pouring boiling water into the already filled pots or boxes until the soil is completely heated through. An alternative is io place a can of soil in a bath of boiling water and bring the soil up to the temperature of the water by keeping a fire going under the. bath.