Using soil blocks for seed starting

Bjørn Johansen
3 min read2 days ago

Soil blocks are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pots, promoting healthy root growth and reducing transplant shock. They are easy to make and can be reused, making them a sustainable choice for starting seeds indoors.

They are exactly as they sound: dense, nutrient-packed cubes of earth designed specifically for germinating seeds.

Why Use it?

The first benifit is to eliminate the need for plastic containers. The methoid also avoids root circling — a common problem where roots become entangled at container edges, hindering growth. Instead, it encourage roots to grow outward upon transplanting into the garden bed, promoting vigorous and healthy root development.

Advantages :

  • Zero Plastic
  • Enhanced Root Health
  • Seedlings thrive in their custom-tailored microenvironments from day one, ensuring a vibrant and robust start to life.
  • No need to buy new pots every planting season.

Boosted Root Vigor

Soil blocks is a way of doing “air pruning,” which naturally stops root growth when they reach the block’s edges. This prevents the common problem of root circling found in plastic containers.

Here are a video from Organic Backyard Gardening Channel showing the difference:

Seamless Growth Transition

Transplant shock can significantly set back plant growth for weeks. Seedlings raised in soil blocks experience a seamless transition to the garden, allowing them to adapt quickly with minimal root disturbance and resume growth effortlessly.

Cost Savings Over Time

Investing in a soil blocker may seem pricier than plastic pots at first, but think long-term: no need to buy new pots every season! With a durable soil blocker, you can create endless blocks using simple materials like compost or potting mix.

By selecting this over traditional methods, you choose a sustainable practice that not only enhances plant health but also yields considerable savings — a truly intelligent approach for any committed gardener eager to optimize their planting outcomes.

Where to buy the tool

You can get the tool from $16.99 at Amazon right now

Check latest price for soil block tools on Amazon

How to make soil blicks

  1. Find a good Soil Block Maker
  2. Get Optimal soil mixes blend ingredients such as peat moss or coconut coir with finely-sifted compost, perlite or vermiculite, and occasionally green sand or other micronutrients to enhance fertility.
  3. Use a spray bottle or a watering can that allows you to moisten lightly without causing erosion before the roots take hold.
  4. Shallow trays helps organize efficiently and catch any overflow water, ensuring no drop goes wasted.
  5. Find seeds that match your local climate conditions and garden environment to maximize plant health and growth potential.
  6. Get Plant Labels or Markers, it can be a good way to organnize the seedlings

Optional improvments

  • Consider adding kelp meal to enrich nutrient levels in your blocking mix.
  • Lime might be needed with peat-based mixes to adjust pH levels for optimal growth environments.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Mix Preparation:
  • Initiate by lightly moistening your seed starting mix until it reaches a damp, crumbly consistency akin to a well-squeezed sponge. This specific moisture level is vital as it allows the mixture to bind together while remaining sufficiently aerated.
  1. Packing the Blocker:
  • Load your dampened mix into the soil blocker, compressing firmly to ensure each section is densely packed. This step is crucial as it helps forge and hold their shape effectively and support robust root growth for your seedlings.
  1. Forming:
  • Align your soil blocker above your chosen tray or surface and activate its release mechanism — typically by pressing the handle . See how perfectly shaped blocks are formed, each providing an ideal micro-habitat designed for optimal plant development.
  1. Planting Seeds:
  • put one or two seeds into each block depending on size and germination expectations; gently press them into the center top of each block before sprinkling with a light coating of potting mix for secure coverage.
  1. Moisture Management:
  • Ensure to evenly moist yet not excess water — a spray bottle proves invaluable here for maintaining this critical balance during germination stages.

Pro Tip:

  • For a lighter mixture density, try adding perlite or vermiculite. It can make a big difference in certain situations.

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Bjørn Johansen
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Building a garden community at Leafgreen Gardens Passionate about cultivating greens in all forms and creating high-quality soil by utilizing household compost