Q: What steps are necessary when reusing one gallon pots when transplanting plants? Is it necessary to sterilize the pots from the previous soil source?

A: Do you re-use, without cleaning, a fork that drops to the floor during a meal? Or do you believe in the “3 second rule”? Just as with a fork, it’s not ^absolutely^ necessary to clean pots but you’ll be safer if you do. It only takes two steps: first, wash all soil out of the pots, then soak them in a 1part bleach to 9 parts water solution for 30 minutes.