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Starting Seeds Using Soil-Blocker

This is a "tray-less" way for starting seeds.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Keyword: starting seeds
Author: P.K. Weiland

Equipment

  • Hand-held soil blocker
  • Seed starter
  • Compost, worm castings, worm compost
  • Water
  • Shovel or mixing tool
  • Seeds of choice
  • Containers

Instructions

  • Take a container, preferably a rectangular one to fit the soil-blocker, and fill it with 4 parts potting soil (preferably 3 part peat to 1-2 parts perlite (known as peat-lite). If the peat has not been limed, throw in a handful of dolomite lime. Mix together 4 parts of the peat-lite to 3 parts compost, worm castings, or worm compost.
    In my example, I went to the nursery and found seed starter mix and worm castings, and followed the above proportions for my mix.
  • Add water to your mixture so it's the consistency of oatmeal.
  • Start creating soil blocks by using the soil-blocker tool. Press the soil blocker into the soil mixture 2-3 times to fill the block chambers. Using a twist motion can help ensure chambers are full.
  • Scrape the blocker across the side of the mixing tub to remove excess from the bottom of the blocks.
  • Depress the plunger to eject the blocks.
    Each block has a small indentation for one seed. The seed will sprout on the surface of the soil block. No water is needed for the first 2-3 days as soil blocks provide adequate moisture at first if the temperature is adequate.