Roland wrote, >Did any try to heat small amounts of potting mixture to heat in the >microwave ?? Depending on what is in your potting mixture, this seems like a dangerous experiment. Mine contains pumice, which would probably explode if microwaved. Some contain Perlite, which would probably melt if not explode. It would probably be all right to microwave very clean peat or leafmold, but as with heating it in the kitchen oven, it would smell bad. If I need to sterilize soil, which I rarely do, I pour boiling water through it. Kathleen's idea of using a steam mop on weeds is brilliant, I am going to buy one. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA