Do You Have to Clean Packing Peanuts?

[Blondie]

I've seen a few threads about peanuts for moss on the boards, but I haven't seen an answer to this question. Since we go to great lengths to sterilize our cutting tools and such, do we need to worry about peanuts as well?

I know I should look for the white ones that don't have corn starch, but I'm nervous about collecting them from random shipments. What do you think?

[dave b]

I only lick the chocolate off first. Sorry, couldnt resist. I never clean mine, I just throw them in.

[Zoi2]

I just throw mine in too....I never even thought about cleaning them.
Joann

[RosieC]

I've just thrown them in when I've used them as well.

[SP2340]

I just soaked some in Physan 20 yesterday before potting... I did because I wanted to sterilize the pot. Last time I used the same type of pot and it started growing mold a few weeks later so I sterilized everything.

[Blondie]

Originally Posted by dave b

I only lick the chocolate off first. Sorry, couldnt resist. I never clean mine, I just throw them in.

OK, because I haven't had caffeine yet, I thought you meant licking chocolate off of packing peanuts for a second. But I get it now.

[Maree]

I was thinking the same thing

[Ray]

Sterilization is intended to prevent transfer of pathogens plant to plant. It is so unlikely that any would be on expanded polystyrene, that it's not worth worrying about.

[lily99]

I never clean them. I haven't had a problem with them yet.

[mojomick]

Be careful with peanuts. Many companies are going green and the peanuts are now made of baking powder. They melt on contact with water. I have switched to using wine corks in the bottom of my pots. I just asked a local establishment to save me the corks and I pick them up once a month. The orchids seem to enjoy, Betty