treating storebought media

[Brontosaurus]

I need to repot some succulents and plant some seeds. The dirt where I live is like clay, so I ordered some media that I think might be good. I've heard a rumor that before you use store-bought media you should cook it or something to kill any germs or pests that might be in it. Does anyone know about this? What should I do to ensure my media is safe? Thanks!

[teo]

The only case where you should sterilize (by cooking/heating) media is when you plant seeds and use the baggy method - otherwise you will end up with fungus/algae/mold in the closed environment.

[Brontosaurus]

So should I just put the dirt in a pot with some water and boil it?

[teo]

I use a microwave for that: wetting it (in a flat plastic seed tray container - not metal) and then full effect for 5 - 10 min. I have never tested boiling but I guess it should work also - otherwise heating it in the oven (but no plastic container ) should also work. I think the microwave method is the least messy