Where can I put this dirt?

October 29, 2008 6:56 AM

does anyone know of a good way to preserve/store dirt?

this isn't just any dirt - it's from shea stadium. i got about 3/4 cup at the mets' final game, and would like to store the dirt it in some sort of commemorative display dirt holder. any good suggestions for places where I can buy existing dirtholders or create/customize one? extra if i am able to customize this display.

posted by alice ayres to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

Go to a kitchen supplies store and get a nice looking jar.

And there are no preservation issues with dirt.
posted by bricoleur at 7:09 AM on October 29, 2008

Hey, I've got some from old Busch in St. Louis - maybe we can put them together and the matter-antimatter reaction can power a reactor!

I've still got mine in a soda cup from the stadium, with saran wrap on top in case the kitty gets curious.
posted by notsnot at 7:10 AM on October 29, 2008

Hows about you dry it out in the oven to remove any moisture, and then keep it in a mason jar with the air sucked out?

You can get an attachment for those seal-a-meal air pump that will fit a canning jar. (I would find someone who already had one, instead of buying one myself.)

That way when your pica friends want to open it, you can make the excuse that its sealed for preservation.
posted by wrnealis at 7:17 AM on October 29, 2008

There can be mold issues storing dirt in translucent containers. Definitely make sure it is dry first.
posted by fidelity at 8:39 AM on October 29, 2008

Make a hikaru dorodango . Might require some practice first.
posted by Phanx at 9:16 AM on October 29, 2008

Put it in an opaque plastic container with a good seal (aka Tupperware) and store in a cool dry place. Make sure you mark said container with a sharpie & not a paper label.

My uncles & brothers found several containers of dirt in my grandfather's garage after he died - no one knew what they were so they were tossed. A few months later, one of my uncles remembered that there was dirt various places but since none of it was labeled (or the labels had fallen off the jars) Babe Ruth's cleat clay was indistinguishable from Poland soil.
posted by jaimystery at 10:42 AM on October 29, 2008

The do-it-yourself sand art folks you see at craft fairs and such have bottles for just this purpose (garishly colored sand is pretty much like dirt). I would suggest this one. Although I really like the hikaru dorodango idea and may try that myself.
posted by TedW at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2008