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Weve included options for beginner gardeners, seasoned gardeners, and those looking for sustainable alternatives to peat.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
True, conditions are colder and darker outdoors.
But inside, not much stops you from kicking off your growing season weeks (even months) early.
The ideal seed-starting medium is fluffy and light, so its easy for seeds to sprout, Canino says.
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If the growing medium is too dense or chunky, seeds are going to struggle to germinate.
If the growing medium contains too much organic matter, seeds might also struggle.
A seed doesnt need nutrients to germinate, but the seedling needs energy to grow, Canino says.
Credit: Amazon
Look for seed-starting mixes that contain mild, slow-release fertilizers like kelp meal or high-quality worm castings.
The first thing you might notice about this seed-starting mix is the color.
Itsdark, likely due to root-boosting biochar.
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Next, you might notice that the pine bark finesadded to enhance drainagecould be finer.
Remove any larger chunks so your seeds dont run into obstacles as they sprout.
You wont find coconut coir in place of peat in this mix.
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Instead, a combination of bark and sand is used to provide fast drainage and aeration.
This makes the texture somewhat grittier than typical seed-starting mixes and may be more difficult to usefor soil blocking.
Additionally, because of how slow growing the moss is, its not considered a renewable resource.
Many gardeners prefer to use coconut coir, recycled paper fibers, or compost instead.
Many soilless potting mixes contain a 70/30 mix of coco coir for water retention and perlite for aeration.
What remains is light, fluffy, and freshideal conditions for a seed to sprout.
Once your seeds sprout, however, youll need to keep a watchful eye.
At this point, act fast to transplant them into4-inch potsfilled withnutrient-rich potting soil.
you’re gonna wanna add water to rehydrate the compressed pellets to get started.
Theyre essentially a growing medium and a pot all in one, making the pellets themselves all you need.
Because theyre dried and compressed, the pellets start out looking like gift-wrapped hockey pucks.
To use, simply add water.
Set your pellets in any containerwithoutdrainage holes, then slowly pour water over them.
Remove them from standing water, then tuck in your seeds.
The biodegradable netting makes this process gentle for delicate roots, causing minimal disturbance while repotting.
For each of these components, use the highest-quality materials you’re free to find.
Start with a solid base, like the Plantonix Coco Bliss and Pearlite Bliss bundle.
This set includes a brick of pre-rinsed and pre-screened coconut coir for drainage and spongy texture.
To use, soak it according to packaging instructions and break it apart until its fine and crumbly.
The set also comes with a medium-coarse perlite to prevent soil compaction and increase airflow.
Both materials are OMRI-listed as safe for organic gardening.
Choose worm castings, well-aged manure, or high-quality compost likeMalibu Compost Bus Blend Biodynamic Compostwhatever you prefer.
But soon after sprouting, seedlingswillneed nutrients to grow.
Perlite, a lightweight volcanic glass, is typically used to prevent compaction and promote airflow in seed-starting mixes.
Pumice and rice hulls are other natural ingredients that can be used for aeration, Canino says.
But you’re free to always DIY your own coir-filled mix.
Although seeds dont require nutrients to germinate, seedlings do need nutrients to grow.
To be certain, look for a seal that states the product is OMRI-listed.
But some plants, like succulents and microgreens, have different germination needs.
Always check your seed packet or research if your seeds require special considerations before you buy a seed-starting mix.
Your Questions, Answered
Whats the difference between potting soil and seed-starting mix?
The two big differences between potting soil and seed-starting mix aretexture and nutrient content.
Seed-starting soil mix is formulated to allow seeds to easily break open and release a root and a shoot.
Too much organic matter is going to negatively impact the seed, Canino says.
While its typically denser and coarser than seed-starting mixes, it should still be relatively fluffy and well-drained.
Can you start seeds in regular potting soil?
Regular potting soil can work in a pinch, Canino says.
But it’s typically too full of nutrients, too dense, and not the right texture forstarting seeds.
Still, using potting soil to start seeds may be a gamble.
They have enough strength to poke through some of the densest soils, Canino says.
Who We Are
Kate Puhalais a writer and gardener based in Portland, Oregon.
