I am very happy about my first time seed starting using the soil blocking method. I am brand new to soil blocking and I learned about it from my garden group–yes, I’m in a garden group with fellow city gardeners here in NYC! You can truly find your people anywhere and everywhere if you just follow your own hobbies.
Today, I’m sharing my experience, tips, and everything you need to get started.
Easy Seed Starting with Soil Blocking
Why I start from seed
It’s cheap! Truly, that’s the biggest reason why. And with inflation and growing grocery prices, seed companies are reporting more business this year than ever before. So you’re in really good company if you’re new to gardening or even a seasoned pro who is new to soil blocking. Gotta start somewhere!
Another reason I seed start is because I don’t have easy access to a nursery. Seen any outdoor nurseries last time you were in Manhattan? Lol. I am very specific about my garden and I literally design it starting with the color palette and how I want it to feel. I’m a designer and creative and truly enjoy designing my 7×7 outdoor space.
Seed starting gives me full customization and I can buy from multiple vendors to get everything I want–a bonus for someone who has OCD and is a recovering perfectionist;-)
What is Soil Blocking?
Soil blocking is the process of loading wet soil into a metal soil blocker, then releasing the blocks of soil onto a tray for easy seed starting.
Sizing: many soil blocks are 3/4″ and 2″. I opted for the 2″ size so I wouldn’t have to disturb my seedling blocks at all; they can just keep growing as opposed to outgrowing the 3/4″ rather quickly.
The product linked below is the one I have and it forms 2″ blocks.
Benefits of Soil Blocking
It’s better for the roots. It aerates them since they are exposed to open air and it prevents them from wrapping around in a circle if you did the plastic cells.
Because you’re not handling the seedlings in the cells when it comes time to transplant, it is much softer on the roots with less disturbance because you’re basically just dropping the block directly in the hole outside. By not using plastic cells, you cut the middle man.
Soil Blocking Supplies
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to provide you with free resources and I am so grateful for your support!
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Sale!
Sterilite 16 Quart Basic Clear Storage Box with White Lid (Pack of 2)
Original price was: $18.40.$16.49Current price is: $16.49. -
Large potting mat 43×30
$6.79 -
Sale!
Strong Seed Starter Trays with Humidity Domes, Set of 5
Original price was: $27.99.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. -
Ladbrooke Authentic Soil Block Maker 2″ Blocks
$44.95 -
Blue Pink Floral Garden Gloves for Women
$9.99 -
Sale!
Grow Light with Stand, 200W 6000K Full Spectrum, 5 Dimmable Levels & Auto On/Off Timer
Original price was: $59.99.$49.99Current price is: $49.99. -
FoxFarm Bush Doctor Coco Loco Potting Mix, 2cu ft
$39.95
Note: The tray kit above is the most budget friendly I’ve found. They are a tiny bit smaller than the trays I purchased for myself (mine are 10/20 size and the ones above are 10/14). You can also purchase a mesh tray (also described as “tray with holes”) for the blocks to sit on, but I think you’ll be fine without it (even if you’re doing bottom watering). I specifically chose this kit because the bottom has raised bits so the soil blocks won’t be sitting in water.
The Method
As a complete novice, it took me about 10 minutes of some trial and error with getting the water to soil ratio just right, and then making 44 blocks!
My tips:
I was recommended the soil linked above and that is what I went with. Coconut coir is excellent for seed starting and I’ve been really happy with my other Fox Farms soil for my indoor and outdoor plants. I have kept my lavender and rosemary alive for the first time and I believe it is due to this soil.
I was told the soil should be mixed with enough water to be “mashed potatoes” consistency, which for me didn’t work and was confusing. So I say, it should have a feeling similar to wet sand. It will clump together but release water if squeezed hard. You want it to be wet enough that it will form blocks (like sandcastles).
When you use your soil blocker, form a mound of soil then place the soil blocker, pressing down, and rock the blocker back and forth before pulling up out of the soil. Check the underside to make sure all 4 squares of the blocker are full of soil. And voila! You’ve done it! You’re a seed starting soil blocking pro now.
Here’s my victory pic after my first tray was complete and my cat, Merlin, who is a very good micromanager:
Caring for Seedlings
You want to make sure that your seedlings are in a relatively warm environment (so not next to a drafty window if overnight temps are still in the 40s). You want to make sure the soil is moist, which means daily sprays with a water bottle. Once roots start to develop, you can water at the base of each block (the water will travel upward to the roots and it’s less messy!).
The guidance I was given by a member of my gardening group (and professional gardener!) was to have the grow lights on the seedlings for 14 hours per day.
Read your seed packet and it will tell you when the seedlings can go outside for planting (usually 1-2 weeks after your region’s frost date, which you can find here when you enter your zip code).
I hope this inspired you to try something new! Get that seed starting kit and go to town. I believe in you!