Steam Sterilizer
We built this homemade steam sterilizer for cleaning our hydroponic trays for our tulip forcing program. But now we see some nice implications for other tools and supplies that can fit in the can- pruners and clippers, trays, pots, etc.
Last year we did an experiment with some of the plugs we brought in. We suspected that a number of them were bringing in disease (especially fusarium on the lisianthus plugs) from the supplier. Our suspicions were confirmed based on the number of them that went sour after being planted in sterile potting mix and isolated from potential disease introduction. We see fewer problems with lisianthus when we use a product like Rootshield.
Anyhow this video is about hygiene— because we bump those plugs up into cell trays that are larger (50 cell trays) and that we re-use here for other plantings- it’s important that we clean them properly and make sure we get rid of the fusarium. This is one great use for a steaming machine. It’s important to take caution and care when working with steam and hot water. We chose a van with a nice, tight-fitting lid and we monitor our temperatures carefully. We always check the thermometer before we open the can.
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