I think the most important thing is just to let them dry out. Most mold that's growing on the pots/soil isn't really a hazard to the plants (though it is an indication that it's too wet, and since they've come through the mail they probably haven't had very good circulation.) So just take a deeeeep breath and keep them by that window. It sounds like you're off to a rocky start this year, what with the weather and your berry plants! Best of luck, I'll be following your saga, though I probably can't offer much advice.

Let's be clear here......mold or fungi growing on potting soil is NOT harmful to plants. It is a perfectly natural process that is reflecting the decomposition of the organic matter in the potting soil. Not all fungi are harmful - most are just natural decomposers and are essential elements of successful gardening. Decomposing fungal organisms - like what you may find growing on potting soil - do not infect plants so there is no need to remove. If the fungi/mold concerns you or you dislike the appearance, try addressing the causes rather than the symptoms. And the causes are a less-than-ideal potting medium with inadequate drainage and porosity and improper watering practices. The soil is simply staying too wet and warm, encouraging the visible growth of the fungal organisms. And it is not the mold or fungi "destroying the plants at the root and stem level" - it is the conditions that allow them to proliferate: poorly draining, excessively moisture retentive potting soil and too frequent watering. Peroxide is NOT the best option - a better potting medium is. FWIW, I grow extensively in containers, both indoor and outdoor plants. But I use a very high quality, fast draining durable potting mix (like Al's 5-1-1 or gritty mix) and I have NEVER had mold or fungal growth appear on the soil.

Believe me the hard work is worth it, it all pays off in the end. If you feel you cannot go through all the cleaning process and have no place for all that soil then I would buy some new soil and mix it with what is in the pots. I would take off about 4 inches off the top layer and get rid of it, then mix in the new soil on top. Once the plants are planted use a anti-fungal spray on the roses and spray the dirt and around the rim and edge of the pots maybe that will help keep the fungus down. Do not water at night, water in the morning's and do not over water, also keep the water off of the rose leaves. If you buy new soil have the garden center guy help you take it to your car, then when you get home have someone help you take it out of your car. But I must stress NEVER, NEVER use soil from the ground in your back yard there are soil borne disease's in the soil from the ground. If you feel you want to go through the process of cleaning the pots then here is an easier way and How I would do it if I had all those pots to clean, since they are so big an easier way would be to: Take out all of the old dirt and dispose of it (since it had fungus in it) and rinse out all the old dirt from the pots with the hose on a high blast. I purchased a scrub brush on a long handle at Home Depot for $4.89 which helps at scrubbing down into a large pot, if you want to. I think you can get away with out scrubbing. Fill a large bucket with 9 parts water and 1 part household chlorine bleach, you might need larger parts since your pots are so large. Pour some of the solution down the inside of the pots make sure all of the inside of the pot is covered with the bleach solution. Let sit, if your pots are plastic a 1/2 hour is good but, if they are made out of a porous matieral clay,or cement longer would be better. You can scrub the pots with a long handled scrub brush, if you can't, I am sure the bleach will kill everything in the pot. Rinse the pots with a high blast of clear water. Let dry. As far as putting the fungus infected soil into your composter I am not to sure about that, I would think it could contaminate your compost. I don't compost because I have no room to do it so I cannot answer that. I would love to be able to make my own compost. There is a compost message board here you might want to go there and ask them that question, because that is a lot of soil. As far as using the fungas soil on other plants in the garden I would'nt but, you have alot of soil. What plants did you have in mind to put the soil on. Most plants are susceptible to fungus and/or mildew. Since you have limitations in your gardening because of your health. I would just mix the soil with half fresh soil and the soil in the pots already. Like I said above take off the top part and mix in some of the new soil and use a anti-fungal spray on the plants and soil. Because moving all that dirt is alot of work for you. I wish I lived closer so I could come and help you but I live in Arizona and you are in Canada so that is out of the question. If it is too much for you to take all the dirt out and clean the pots, don't do it, you have to do what you have to do. I believe the fungus came about because the rose's are in the garage and they are not getting any sun. I would not do this now, wait until you are ready to put them outside for the spring and summer, because it might come back if they stay in the cold garage with no sun. Good luck Carrie

Cheap solution - get yourself a pair of latex or any household gloves to protect your hands. Dip a piece of paper towel into rubbing alcohol and try to wipe the stain. Second option - 1:3 bleach to water solution. If it is some kind of mold - you will kill it, if it is a salt accumulation - you will be able to remove at least some of it. I agree with you - if it looks yucky - you do not want to display your beautiful blooming violet in it. What you can do - just repot it to a plastic pot with wick with the size that will fit your ceramic one. Soak the ceramic pot - top and bottom in a strong bleach solution until all the stain is gone. You can drill a bottom hole in an upper part of a ceramic pot and use the bottom part as a water/weak fertilizer solution reservoir for the plant. I promise you - if you use the light soil Barbara mentioned - you would be amazed how well it works plus you can always disassemble the contraption - and clean your ceramics squeaky clean. Physan 20 is a good preventative for powdery mildew and a mild fungicide for orchids. It has a couple more brand names with the similar active ingredients - I think Consan is one of them. I.