Thanks for the tips. For tiny seeds I plant them in a tray just sprinkle on top and cover with soil if called for. Once they germinate and get the first set of true leaves I pick them out and place in individual cells. Thanks for the update on your soil blocking. Have a wonderful day.
Well that was the most perfectly timed video. Just picked up my first soil blocker after watching your videos and going to give it a go tonight! Thanks for the tips, excited to try out this new to me method
I soil block as well. I use a damp toothpick, I just push the seed down with the toothpick, and cover them with vermiculite. I learned to soil block many yr ago watching Elliot Coleman on PBS, he even showed how the roots stop growing once they hit the air outside of the soil. That was the best show ever, my word 30-35 yrs ago, they do have some here on YT, he also made his own seed starting soil, easy recipe too.
Perfect timing. My first round of soil blocks were a huge disappointment. I’ve never had failure on this level so I know it’s 100% user error. They were like over-baked super hard brownie chunks. LOL
Hey Janey! I first learned about soil blocking on Gardeners' World. Monty Don showed how to use something like the end of your skewer (moistened) to actually pick up a tiny seed to plant into the soil block. Then, he sprinkled a bit of soil across the top of the blocks for seeds that need covering. Might make it easier. Hope you have a terrific day!! 🌱🌱🌱
You and Nicole at Flower Hill Farm may have me convinced to give soil blocks a try this winter. For the foxgloves, I wonder if snipping them might be easier and less destructive than pulling. I have some small scissors I use to thin seedlings when I overseed microscopic seeds and Google is telling me they’re called lab scissors. Just a thought.
For tip #1- order in bulk from Amazon the little tables used in pizza delivery boxes to keep the cardboard from touching the cheese, in this case the dome from touching soil!
Looks like others had the same thought as myself. I've seen other YT cut flower gardeners use a moistened toothpick to pick up and deposit the super tiny seeds. Also I believe there is a particular formula for blocking mix that is different from regular seed starting mix. I wish I could remember the name of the person I watched. It's supposed to stay together better.
Janey, for those super small seeds… have you considered using channel trays? I got the idea from Nicole @ Flower Hill Farm. I’m going to give them a try this winter for my tiny lettuce seeds.
Hi Janey! How exciting is your new endeavor!!! Wondering if your 5 problems might be solved if you mix your own soil according to our soil blocking queen! She says the seed starting mix that you purchase is much fluffier and meant for individual cell trays. Therefore drying out more quickly, not holding its shape,etc. She has a podcast about that. Check it out.
That was so helpful Janey. I just started my first seeds indoors using soil blocks. When you are my age you’ll have to add a 6th tip to have your “readers” and a good light handy so you can see those tiny seeds! I think the skewer will be such a help with those seeds that need covered. Thank you for another great video! 😊🌺
Hello my friend. This is more than just a video, you put love and passion into it. Great job! Thanks for sharing this video! I love your channel and will support you all the way! Always believe in yourself and keep doing what you love, good luck! 🌷🌸🌻👍
Kitty Litter trays work well, and I generally split open a clear produce bag and tape it to one side. I’ve actually had better results from than than with the seed tray with humidity dome!
I actually found you don’t need humidity domes if you keep it moist enough indoors (and for me that was just watering 1x a day) I had nearly 100% germination I know Lisa uses wide weave burlap to keep moisture for hers. I also heard that the shorter trays (like your cafeteria) help with air flow. And when forming the blocks I always scrape off the bottom flat so that they don’t wobble. When you thin do you pull or chop? Might make a difference I also overseeded my home foxglove seeds but didn’t have an issue with the blocks falling apart-I also made my own soil mix though with Lisa’s recipe which was a lot of work and not that much cheaper
I also just put the seeds on the top and just sprinkle a bit of extra soil on top to cover if they need darkness instead of pre making a hole-much easier and works well But most 1/8 don’t really need to be deep (just good soil contact)
Great tips Janey! Here’s what I learned from LMZ. TIP 1 - Use open weave burlap to cover soil blocks. TIP 2 - Soil blocking mix should be a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3 parts soil blocking mix to 1 part water. TIP 3 - Use a small dish to hold seeds while sowing. And (somewhat gross) pick up single seeds using your saliva on the end of a toothpick. You can spit in the corner of the tray to repeat dipping the toothpick. TIP 4 - The toothpick allows proper seed placement and depth. TIP 5 - You are spot on with this tip!! Water soil blocks each morning. They will dry out somewhat by the next morning, but constant wetness can also rot seeds. Make sure that all soil blocks are getting water by tilting the tray if needed. Never let water stand in your trays longer than 5 minutes. If blocks haven’t soaked up water in that time you may have a soil issue. BONUS TIP - Remove trays from heat mat as soon as you see that 50% of seeds start sprouting.
#5 was my mistake. With my first round the soil blocks looked dark so I did not water enough in the beginning so my germination was spotty. My next round of soil blocking is today so your tips are so helpful. I also realized I need to make sure I’m not going on vacation because of the daily care required.
Tip #6 - you can't go out of town because the soil blocks need attention everyday. I prefer self-watering seedling trays.
Thanks for the tips. For tiny seeds I plant them in a tray just sprinkle on top and cover with soil if called for. Once they germinate and get the first set of true leaves I pick them out and place in individual cells. Thanks for the update on your soil blocking. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Janey 🌺 nice work ,the seeds grew very well and good informations . Have abeautiful day 🌺
Well that was the most perfectly timed video. Just picked up my first soil blocker after watching your videos and going to give it a go tonight! Thanks for the tips, excited to try out this new to me method
I soil block as well. I use a damp toothpick, I just push the seed down with the toothpick, and cover them with vermiculite. I learned to soil block many yr ago watching Elliot Coleman on PBS, he even showed how the roots stop growing once they hit the air outside of the soil. That was the best show ever, my word 30-35 yrs ago, they do have some here on YT, he also made his own seed starting soil, easy recipe too.
Perfect timing. My first round of soil blocks were a huge disappointment. I’ve never had failure on this level so I know it’s 100% user error. They were like over-baked super hard brownie chunks. LOL
Thank you for sharing! Never heard of this before.
Hey Janey! I first learned about soil blocking on Gardeners' World. Monty Don showed how to use something like the end of your skewer (moistened) to actually pick up a tiny seed to plant into the soil block. Then, he sprinkled a bit of soil across the top of the blocks for seeds that need covering. Might make it easier. Hope you have a terrific day!! 🌱🌱🌱
You and Nicole at Flower Hill Farm may have me convinced to give soil blocks a try this winter. For the foxgloves, I wonder if snipping them might be easier and less destructive than pulling. I have some small scissors I use to thin seedlings when I overseed microscopic seeds and Google is telling me they’re called lab scissors. Just a thought.
I use vermiculite on the top of my soil blocks. Help with mosture and also covers the seed that need it.
Good morning Janey. 😉😉
For tip #1- order in bulk from Amazon the little tables used in pizza delivery boxes to keep the cardboard from touching the cheese, in this case the dome from touching soil!
Hi Janey … hi everyone 😊
Looks like others had the same thought as myself. I've seen other YT cut flower gardeners use a moistened toothpick to pick up and deposit the super tiny seeds.
Also I believe there is a particular formula for blocking mix that is different from regular seed starting mix. I wish I could remember the name of the person I watched. It's supposed to stay together better.
I will have to try one of these 🥰
Janey, for those super small seeds… have you considered using channel trays? I got the idea from Nicole @ Flower Hill Farm. I’m going to give them a try this winter for my tiny lettuce seeds.
Hi Janey! How exciting is your new endeavor!!! Wondering if your 5 problems might be solved if you mix your own soil according to our soil blocking queen! She says the seed starting mix that you purchase is much fluffier and meant for individual cell trays. Therefore drying out more quickly, not holding its shape,etc. She has a podcast about that. Check it out.
Thank you for the great tips! How do we get one of your hats? Love it!!!
😍😍😍
That was so helpful Janey. I just started my first seeds indoors using soil blocks. When you are my age you’ll have to add a 6th tip to have your “readers” and a good light handy so you can see those tiny seeds! I think the skewer will be such a help with those seeds that need covered. Thank you for another great video! 😊🌺
Hello my friend. This is more than just a video, you put love and passion into it. Great job! Thanks for sharing this video! I love your channel and will support you all the way! Always believe in yourself and keep doing what you love, good luck! 🌷🌸🌻👍
Yup me to I’m tired of the hot weather except we don’t get cold weather in south Texas just hot Christmas where in the 80s 😢
Have you tried burlap to keep hydration in the soil blocks? You can order from the gardeners workshop.
Kitty Litter trays work well, and I generally split open a clear produce bag and tape it to one side. I’ve actually had better results from than than with the seed tray with humidity dome!
What seeds did you just sow??? Love hearing about the different varieties you are growing!
Janie, can't you just put your soil blocks close together to keep them from falling apart?
Thanks for the info....Where can I get your hat? 🍒M
I cannot wait to see your flower field
I actually found you don’t need humidity domes if you keep it moist enough indoors (and for me that was just watering 1x a day) I had nearly 100% germination
I know Lisa uses wide weave burlap to keep moisture for hers. I also heard that the shorter trays (like your cafeteria) help with air flow.
And when forming the blocks I always scrape off the bottom flat so that they don’t wobble.
When you thin do you pull or chop? Might make a difference
I also overseeded my home foxglove seeds but didn’t have an issue with the blocks falling apart-I also made my own soil mix though with Lisa’s recipe which was a lot of work and not that much cheaper
I also just put the seeds on the top and just sprinkle a bit of extra soil on top to cover if they need darkness instead of pre making a hole-much easier and works well
But most 1/8 don’t really need to be deep (just good soil contact)
Good job!
Muy bien
Great tips Janey! Here’s what I learned from LMZ. TIP 1 - Use open weave burlap to cover soil blocks. TIP 2 - Soil blocking mix should be a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3 parts soil blocking mix to 1 part water. TIP 3 - Use a small dish to hold seeds while sowing. And (somewhat gross) pick up single seeds using your saliva on the end of a toothpick. You can spit in the corner of the tray to repeat dipping the toothpick. TIP 4 - The toothpick allows proper seed placement and depth. TIP 5 - You are spot on with this tip!! Water soil blocks each morning. They will dry out somewhat by the next morning, but constant wetness can also rot seeds. Make sure that all soil blocks are getting water by tilting the tray if needed. Never let water stand in your trays longer than 5 minutes. If blocks haven’t soaked up water in that time you may have a soil issue. BONUS TIP - Remove trays from heat mat as soon as you see that 50% of seeds start sprouting.
#5 was my mistake. With my first round the soil blocks looked dark so I did not water enough in the beginning so my germination was spotty. My next round of soil blocking is today so your tips are so helpful. I also realized I need to make sure I’m not going on vacation because of the daily care required.
Never heard of soil blocking before watching you. Thanks for the tips.
How do you avoid gnats in house around your soil?
Love your tips!