Steralizing your own soil is risky...unless you have the proper tools...it smells bad, and you risk not sterelizing fully. Lots of people do it don't get me wrong...i just personally wouldn't. I buy some local soil that i know is good to use, use to work at the plant so i know the system they use...plus they add in worm castings for added benefit, and the other thing i like is have nute-free soil...hate that time release crap.