Starting seeds with soil blocking lets you skip all the little plastic pots and get healthier seedlings.
When starting seeds indoors, skip the little pots andsingle-use plastic clogging landfillsby using a technique called soil blocking.
Besides eliminating waste from the seed-starting equation, soil blocking will result in stronger seedlings that resist becoming root-bound.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Here’s how to make and use your own soil blocks for starting seeds.
Rob Cardillo
What Is Soil Blocking?
Soil blocking is a simpleseed-starting techniquethat involves compressing a specialized soil mixture into cubes.
Credit: Carson Downing
Investing in a quality soil blocker, also called a soil block maker, is key to yourseed-starting success.
These devices come in a number of sizes, typically making 34-inch to 4-inch square blocks.
Give your soil blocking tool a quick rinse between each extraction to help keep the block shape uniform.
As strange as it may seem, do not cover the seeds with additional soil.
Depending on your climate zoneand soil block size, watering needs will vary.
It’s important that the blocks don’t get overly damp, but also don’t dry out.
Dryer, warmer growing conditions, as well as smaller soil blocks, will dry out the quickest.
Once your seedlings have several sets of true leaves, they’reready to harden off and transplantinto the garden.
Then water well andapply a layer of compostaround your transplants.
You’ll be amazed how quickly they will take off from there.
Here’s to stronger, more sustainable seedlings this growing season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your seeds need to have several leaves before transplanting.
Plants roots dont like to be disturbed and that may compromise their health.
Soil blocking isnt a complex project, but it does require time and effort.
Corn, carrots, and tomatoes are also doable, but youd need a bigger space for them.
