I feel like the tools matter so much more than lots of other aspects of gardening! I bought a cheap soil blocker and the blocks don't come out cleanly. WIsh now I'd spent a little extra for a proper one. I also used 10x20s since my blocks were bigger but the biggest issue I had was that the watering channel doesn't fill evenly since the trays aren't rigid. I got one side pooling and the other side dry. Lesson learned: flat bottom trays, you make the blocking world go 'round.
I’m about to start soil blocking for the first time this weekend, so the timing of this is PERFECT. Super helpful info, crossing my fingers for my seedlings!
Great information. I know I'm making at least 2 of these mistakes. I am happy it is early in the season so I can correct that. Thank you for helping us grow better.
Thank you for this video. I have the 3/4” and 2” soil blockers and recently got the 1 3/8” Mini 5 blocker based on your recommendation. Home gardener ‘now’ and needing less plants, so enjoying the 1 3/8” blocker. Good to know that my soil mix isn’t wet enough when making blocks. But I’m doing something right when 22/30 Godetia seeds germinated within 2 days, expecting them to take 14-21 days!
Great video!! Because of you, I made my first soil blocks a couple of days ago, using a mama-bear-sized swiftblocker! And I also added the wool pellets.
Such great info! I tried soil blocking last year and was only partially successful....After seeing your video, I think the soil mix AND not wetting it enough were the biggest culprits. I think I'll try again this year with at least some of my starts - thanks! 🙂
Oh man sos toked! You have this all refined so nice! Thank you! I agree on 1.5 in blocks.. smallers are so finicky!... not to mention MASSIVE CPI influence with bigger blocks... good stuff!
Last year was my first year soil blocking and I made most of these mistakes. I don’t mind learning the hard way… except the money I spent on the wrong trays 😩. I really love yours! But yes, as a home gardener the 1.5” is my favorite block!
Thank you so much for this video - and your other ones too! I’ve found local wool pellets and am including them in my soil blocking mix for the first time today - very excited to see how they do.
Thank you sweetheart…this is my first year trying soil blocking and I turned to you to educate me. You have provided me with so many valuable lessons I am so appreciative of…and I grew up on a farm with a 1 ac garden every year….so I am adding great knowledge to that base I had instilled in me from parents. ❤
I'm totally on top of all of this. I'm just wishing now that I would have bought the 1 1/2 in soil blocker. As I can see, I would use it the most. I don't have nearly as many starts as you do, but waisted space and soil is important no matter what. 4inch is good but uses way too much soil and only really need it for a few things. Great video.Thanks for sharing.🥰
I'm going to try using some old baking trays and see if that works. Will experiment, but this video helpfully mentioned the importance of shallow sides to ensure air circulation. Apparently fungal growth can be a thing here.
This was SO helpful, especially the first tip! Mine usually find their way down but I never realized why they just sit on top. I've been using Light Warrior on its own for the 3/4" blocks and it holds alright, but now that I'm using larger blocks I need a new recipe. Off to watch that video....
Thanks for the video! I love your videos because you give such great information in a quick way. You seemed extra spunky/happy/energized in this video....is that because Spring will soon be here? Lol.
Great video! We used to start lots of lettuce in the mini blocks when we were market gardening. They only stayed in for a few weeks before planting outside so it worked. Most other crops didn't work well in those but in the bigger ones.
Soil blocking seems nice, but definitely some extra work and the tools would end up costing as much as buying some nice trays like the neversink winstrip air pruning ones that should last a lifetime. Pros and cons, I guess
Thank you for your very informative and inspiring seed starting videos. Your detailed, thorough presentations inspire me to try again. I stopped trying to start seeds indoors as they always damped off. I analyzed, researched, watched, and adopted every good practice, primarily clean/sterile pots and tools and used lightly damp soil. All with no success. So I gave up! Your practices sure work! Certainly wet soil was one of the main causes of damping off (using plastic starting cells anyway. I don’t have an understanding of how you are so successful avoiding this. I’m thinking the soil mix you use and maybe the blocks allow for better air circulation? Could you expound a bit on this? Thanks!
Got myself a 2" soil blocker to try with my tomatoes. For the last 2 years I've been using leaf mold and vermiculite as a seed starter for plants I plan on potting up like peppers and tomatoes. To be honest, the leaf mold has been out performing the peat. I do plan on potting up the tomatoes into paper pots before going out in the garden. I am trying to be a self sufficient gardener, not relying on stores for my soils. I'm now thinking after watching your video that I should mix some compost into my mix for the soil blocker. Question? Should I add vermiculite into the potting medium? Do not know if it would cause the block to crumble. Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!
So obsessed! Love this new passion project of soil blocking. Your channel, and Insta, have been so helpful on this journey. I cannot find this answer in my quest so hoping you might see this: do we cover our blocks with saran after planting? If so, when do we remove? I noticed a snippet in your video showing saran covering a tray but don't recall it being addressed. If you have, will you remind me which video you made that speaks to this? Again, thank you for being such an amazing Soil Block Guide!!!
THANK YOU for pointing out you can start seeds in good quality but not stupid expensive potting soil. I've done this for years. Do you know if just straight raw wool is a good amendment for the garden? I can source wool but not the pellets.
Thank you for taking the time to create these soil blocking videos. They are very helpful. I do have one question. After making the soil blocks, putting them on trays on top of a heat mat and covering them with saran wrap. Is the condensation generated enough to keep the blocks moist thru the germination process.
Somewhere else they said the smallest soil "potted up" into the larger blocks and that there was a whole that size in the larger block. Is this just a different kind and is it a good idea to pot up into bigger soil blocks?
I wasn’t clear from your video - were the leaves actually composted or did you just use finely chopped leaves? If the leaves weren’t already composted then you didn’t use leaf mold. And like you said, that would leach nitrogen from the rest of your mix.
Just started soil blocking this year. How do you separate blocks when they grow a mat of roots on the bottom? Or maybe I'm doing something wrong that they aren't air pruning underneath? I have mine on solid bottomed trays like you do.
I'm going to try soil blocking again - with all your advice! Thank you! How tight do you put the plastic over the tray? It looked like it was loosely over the top - I've been wrapping it on the sides so it's completely air tight. Thanks for your advice!
Thank you for this video! I’m going to start soil blocking for the first time next week, and this is great info to have as I start. Have you tried the soil blocking trays from Johnnys? Curious what your opinion is of them. Thanks. :)
excited to switch over to blocking next season, thanks for all of the advice! A couple questions I haven't found answers to. For those extra long cafeteria trays, how do you cover those for germination? I am struggling with matching cafeteria trays to humidity domes. Also, where do you buy your wool pellets? I'm only seeing small packages on Amazon.
Thanks for the overview! With the soil that moist, do you ever have issues with fungus gnats or damping off? What strategies do you use to mitigate those issues?
Help, my seedlings are suddenly starting to die!😫 I used the coco coir recipe, and my flowers and veggies were doing really well until suddenly my tomatoes & tomatillos have started getting oedema and losing all their leaves! Have you ever had this happen? I'm wondering if the coco coir I used was too salty - the blocks seem to get a salty crust on the top after a few weeks. They're in 2" blocks and are 3-6" tall. Stocky, not leggy at all. I moved my dehumidifier into the room and increased how long the fan is on, but it has continued to spread. I really don't think I'm overwatering 🤔
Very random, but what kind of oil do you use to care for your soil blocking tool? I have the 1.5 and it’s squeaky! I’d love to make sure I’m taking care of it for the long haul!
Great video. I needed the extra tutorial to fine tune this soil blocking adventure! However, I saw someone else mention mold. The mold I'm getting is white and fuzzy. Not on the soil blocks but on some peat pots I used prior to learning about soil blocks. Any ideas or advice? I have turned up the fan running in my grow room. Help help help Thank you!!
Definitely up the circulation, try popping outside for a couple hours on a warm and sunny day! But I wouldn’t be too concerned. Usually doesn’t do too much damage. :)
Just got my soil blockers in today! Plan to start this weekend. Was planning on a coco coir, worm castings, and potting soil mixture for blocking. Would this be both viable and yield worthy results? What ratios of each would you recommend? Thanks!
I am using low sides and still get algae on side or top. Should I be concerned and what todo about it? As well I sometimes get mold - how do I prevent that?
Great advice, thx! You didn't mention the heat mats or grow lights. Is that because you have a greenhouse in the sun? I use a bedroom upstairs, with heat mats till 50% germination in the tiny blocks and grow lights 16 hrs a day. Are they not necessary?
How many medium soil blocks do you get out of the wool mixture in the videos demontrating mixing with the jar? I am trying to start 70 2 inch blocks and trying to determine how much wool to buy, any advice?
Thanks for the helpful video! I was wondering how you water your seeds before they sprout to keep the blocks moist? Do you bottom water even at the beginning or do you mist the tops? I see a pump sprayer in the background so I figured maybe that’s what you do, but I’m struggling with watering mine after planting the seeds and need some help! Thanks!
Do you have any videos or advice on LABELING your starts? I'm always so frustrated with single use plastic labels, missing labels, mixed up labels, etc
I bought the small and the large tool because I thought you would always bump the small one's up before planting out....sounds like not really. Do you need to worry about starting them too soon? Could they outgrow the small size before you are ready to plant out?
Would you recommend the "seed block propagation tray" over the flat bottom tray? Do the roots get matted together on the flat bottom tray/how to they air prune on the bottom? Thanks
I know I didn't dream it. I watched multiple videos on soil blocking and what mix to use. I was ready to buy the coco loco until I saw a vid where she says pitt moss is fine so I ordered that instead. Now I can't find that video. Can someone help?
Pitt moss will work, don’t worry. I’m just unclear on whether it contains PFAS but they say it was lab tested and came back negative for the most common PFAS chemicals
Hi Bree, currently devouring your videos ❤ question about soil blocks… can I put them on a capillary mat? I’m worried will they dissolve or the roots will grow into the mat 😅 Thanks for great videos. 👋 Nanna from Denmark 🇩🇰
I'm looking seriously at soil blocking for the first time. As far as trays go, would it be bad for any reason to use 1/2 aluminum baking sheets for the blocks instead of the cafeteria trays?
I have to confess: I'm addicted to up-blocking. I really love starting (yes, tomatoes) in the micro-20 blocks, then up-blocking those that sprouted into the mini-4 blocks. Yes, they take more room, but remember it doesn't have to be expensive. (You only need seed-starting mix for starting seeds. Once germinated, you can up-block or up-pot into regular compost or garden soil. The seedlings just need medium to grow into.) One thing I like to do is make a batch of compost tea (AACT; I have the boogie brew kit) and use diluted compost tea instead of just plain water for my up-blocking mix. I also include some of my garden soil. I'm about to watch your other video (in Description) about seed-starting soil mixes to see what you have to say about that. Just curious: Have you seen the hannahleeduggan youtube channel??
Nobody can seem to answer my question. I've posted this in a couple of online forums, but still nobody seems to have an answer for this question. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME??? Question : Can you cold-stratify seeds using soil blocks, for the germination process? So you'd put the seed(s) in each soil block, then put the soil blocks (with their respective seeds already inside them) in the refrigerator, in a resealable plastic food storage tote? Or do you have to wait for the seeds to germinate/sprout BEFORE putting them in the soil blocks?
@Regenerative Gardening OMG, you're (LITERALLY) the first person to reply to my question!!! (Thank you Sooooooooo much BTW!!!). So.....****WHY**** do you prefer to do it your way???? PLEASE TEACH ME. :)
Why issue is I never have any 'good' compost. I do cold composting and tend to just dump it into the garden every few years. It's not really compost. Wait.... $17 plus shipping for ONE tiny tray? oh - that's a no.
I’ve never seen green sand here that you put in your mix. If I just used promix organic fruit and veggie mix would that work or should I add something else.
White, but I investigated more and I think it is not mold but something in the Vermont Compost blend. I noticed my begonias are sprouting. I have high hopes for soil blocking. Thank you- I’m learning a lot from you.
Are you serious in what you say about planting in a conventional seed tray? I've grown both ways. The roots are going to grow similarly in both settings. It's up to you as the gardener to pay attention to you seedlings and their timing to up-pot or transplant. Soil blocking is just another marketing scheme. Do your due diligence when starting seeds.
You’re welcome to your opinion but I’ve started over 45,000 seedlings by hand and there’s a clear difference, even with potting up. Soil blocking is not only healthier for the seedling, it requires much less plastic junk to store in the off season. To each his own, but no need to come on my channel and be negative. ✌🏻
I soil block thousands of seeds every year and I used to use conventional trays, soil blocking is SO much better and the roots definitely don’t grow the same way in both scenarios. Have a lovely day 🌸
Soil blocking is definitely not a marketing scheme. I have been growing seeds for 20 years. I used cell trays most of those years. About 3 years ago I started soil blocking and there are so many benefits to soil blocking verse seed trays. I still use trays sometimes, but 90% of my seeds are started in soil blocks. Soil blocking was a game changer for me. I am able to start thousands of seeds in a small greenhouse.
Eh? Marketing scheme? Hmmmmm..... not sure I'd make that correlation it's ok for ppl to have strong opinions It doesn't threaten my choices....I don't soil block (yet) and.... Don't see someone's strong preference as a marketing scheme. I'd spend LESS money than I do by soil blocking. My 2cents. Be well.
I have seen MANY soil blocking videos by different you tubers for many years. She is simply showing people why it works for her. No need to be disrespectful. You seem to have your favorite way which is great. She DID emphasize the need for attention for watering or did you not watch the whole video?
You mentioned the 2" soil blocks are big enough for tomatoes. I'm an organizer for a mutual aid group who distributes seedlings and we are going soil blocks this year. I'm slightly worried the 2" blocks will be a bit small for our tomatoes. We are in MT, so tomatoes are in the greenhouse for a while (typ start early april to be planted in late may/early june). Plus often times it takes us a couple weeks to distribute hot crops after last frost, so the tomatoes are in the greenhouse a week or more than I would like. Under these circumstances would you still recommend the 2" block? There is a larger one too (2.5"). That one is over double the volume of soil though. Love to hear your thoughts! TY
You can up-pot or up-block easily. I always start my tomato seeds in the micro-20 blocks ONLY for germination, immediately up-block to mini-4 (2") soil-blocks then if I can't get them in the garden right away, I'll up-pot to a red SOLO cup. You can go to the 8oz cup, or the 12oz or 20oz. (The color of your SOLO cup is actually irrelevant. Any color will do.) This doesn't need to be expensive. Remember that you only need the sterile seed-starting mix for germination. Once the seed is sprouted, you don't have to use more seed-starting mix. You can use compost or potting soil or just fill your cups with garden soil. It just needs some soil for the roots to grow into. OR if you don't want to use plastic cups (understandable) you can invest in the 4" soil-blocker. (It's already on my own wish-list!) Of course, you'll need more room and more trays for this, but the 2" blocks drop right into the 4" blocks exactly the same way the micro-20 (3/4") blocks drop into the mini-4's when you use the square dibble. IMO, it's a worthy investment. (And honestly, just-plain fun, even if it is work.) I notice this is 11 months after your comment. I hope this is still helpful.
i am currently using a potting soil (pro mix ) and finding it has too much perlite which is interfering with blocks firmly holding together and with them setting up into a solid block initially too. gonna experiment with half that and non-sterilized worm castings added and might sift the promix too.😊
I've learned so much from these videos on soil blocking! Many of my plastic trays were wearing out, and wanting to get away from buying more, I bought the medium soil blocker, Coco Loco, and wool pellets you recommended. I already had some heavy duty plastic cafeteria trays (bought to start microgreens) so am using those for now. Planted my first seeds in them 7 days ago and have quite a few seedlings up! However, after watching this video, I need to wet them more. My initial mix was wet enough, but I've only been misting with a spray bottle since. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these videos--it is much appreciated!
Last year I tried soil blocking for the first time. I used the smaller size block and found that most of my seedlings had severely stunted growth once planted out. Is it possible they were root bound? How long do you keep seedlings in the small blocks?
Really good too learn how to soil block , also fun to experiment. Last year was my first time , so I’m looking for ways to improve, I came across your video an it’s interesting about using wool pellets don’t hear that too much thank you gonna try this season
So I’m big into rare house plants which grow under grow lights atm I don’t have a greenhouse…is it possible I could bring pests inside if I soil block and prop next to my houseplants indoors under the same grow lights? :)
I feel like the tools matter so much more than lots of other aspects of gardening! I bought a cheap soil blocker and the blocks don't come out cleanly. WIsh now I'd spent a little extra for a proper one. I also used 10x20s since my blocks were bigger but the biggest issue I had was that the watering channel doesn't fill evenly since the trays aren't rigid. I got one side pooling and the other side dry. Lesson learned: flat bottom trays, you make the blocking world go 'round.
Try wetting the blocker before pressing out blocks :)
Hahahaha! Love the humor! ♥️
I just saw your comment after making my own.
GMTA.
I rinse my blocker in a bucket of water between each packing, makes a huge difference.
I’m about to start soil blocking for the first time this weekend, so the timing of this is PERFECT. Super helpful info, crossing my fingers for my seedlings!
Super helpful. Thank you for your knowledge!
Great information. I know I'm making at least 2 of these mistakes. I am happy it is early in the season so I can correct that. Thank you for helping us grow better.
Thank you for this video. I have the 3/4” and 2” soil blockers and recently got the 1 3/8” Mini 5 blocker based on your recommendation. Home gardener ‘now’ and needing less plants, so enjoying the 1 3/8” blocker. Good to know that my soil mix isn’t wet enough when making blocks. But I’m doing something right when 22/30 Godetia seeds germinated within 2 days, expecting them to take 14-21 days!
Thank you for the tips! This is my first time soil blocking and I pretty much made all the mistakes you mentioned. I’m glad it was only one tray, lol!
You agree the 1 3/8” is better than the 2”? I bought the 2” and wondering if I should by the 1 3/8?
Can’t wait to try blocking . Love your knowledge ❤
Great video!! Because of you, I made my first soil blocks a couple of days ago, using a mama-bear-sized swiftblocker! And I also added the wool pellets.
That is awesome!👏🏻
"I want you to SUCCEEEEEED" no pun intended ;D!!!! Sitting here and taking notes! Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful information...I'm trying to encourage friends to soilblock and this is good to know.
Such great info! I tried soil blocking last year and was only partially successful....After seeing your video, I think the soil mix AND not wetting it enough were the biggest culprits. I think I'll try again this year with at least some of my starts - thanks! 🙂
Oh man sos toked! You have this all refined so nice! Thank you! I agree on 1.5 in blocks.. smallers are so finicky!... not to mention MASSIVE CPI influence with bigger blocks... good stuff!
Last year was my first year soil blocking and I made most of these mistakes. I don’t mind learning the hard way… except the money I spent on the wrong trays 😩. I really love yours! But yes, as a home gardener the 1.5” is my favorite block!
Thanks for your information sent here by epic garden❤️💞
OK, this is exactly the information I was looking for! Thanks!
Wow you're so helpful. I love how you test things and you're so thorough.
Thank you so much for this video - and your other ones too! I’ve found local wool pellets and am including them in my soil blocking mix for the first time today - very excited to see how they do.
You are amazing. Thank you. I have learned so much in just a few minutes!! Thank you.
Thank you sweetheart…this is my first year trying soil blocking and I turned to you to educate me. You have provided me with so many valuable lessons I am so appreciative of…and I grew up on a farm with a 1 ac garden every year….so I am adding great knowledge to that base I had instilled in me from parents. ❤
I'm totally on top of all of this. I'm just wishing now that I would have bought the 1 1/2 in soil blocker. As I can see, I would use it the most. I don't have nearly as many starts as you do, but waisted space and soil is important no matter what. 4inch is good but uses way too much soil and only really need it for a few things. Great video.Thanks for sharing.🥰
Sweet, thanks for the tips and advice💪😎🤙 Much Appreciated
I'm going to try using some old baking trays and see if that works. Will experiment, but this video helpfully mentioned the importance of shallow sides to ensure air circulation. Apparently fungal growth can be a thing here.
This was SO helpful, especially the first tip! Mine usually find their way down but I never realized why they just sit on top. I've been using Light Warrior on its own for the 3/4" blocks and it holds alright, but now that I'm using larger blocks I need a new recipe. Off to watch that video....
Thanks for the video! I love your videos because you give such great information in a quick way. You seemed extra spunky/happy/energized in this video....is that because Spring will soon be here? Lol.
Haha thanks! I think I’m just getting more comfortable behind the camera 🫣😂 it’s scary at first!!
Great video! We used to start lots of lettuce in the mini blocks when we were market gardening. They only stayed in for a few weeks before planting outside so it worked. Most other crops didn't work well in those but in the bigger ones.
Curious. Have you tried the micro-20 (3/4") blocks for lettuce seeds? Any success with them?
Soil blocking seems nice, but definitely some extra work and the tools would end up costing as much as buying some nice trays like the neversink winstrip air pruning ones that should last a lifetime. Pros and cons, I guess
Can plastic fast food trays be used instead of fiberglass? They're much more budget friendly.
I tried to get a 1,5” blocker but couldn’t find it. In Austria it seems like we only get the 2” version.. but I’m excited to try it!
Girl feeling her drink 😅 lol thanks for the video. Thinking about asking for a blocker for Christmas
😂😂
My first comment is a reminder about plastic trays, dont use any. See if you can grow in the hothouse on a patch in an area straight on soilq
I agree. We don’t use plastic, these are fiberglass. We also use wooden trays 👍
Thank you for your very informative and inspiring seed starting videos. Your detailed, thorough presentations inspire me to try again. I stopped trying to start seeds indoors as they always damped off. I analyzed, researched, watched, and adopted every good practice, primarily clean/sterile pots and tools and used lightly damp soil. All with no success. So I gave up! Your practices sure work! Certainly wet soil was one of the main causes of damping off (using plastic starting cells anyway. I don’t have an understanding of how you are so successful avoiding this. I’m thinking the soil mix you use and maybe the blocks allow for better air circulation? Could you expound a bit on this? Thanks!
Got myself a 2" soil blocker to try with my tomatoes. For the last 2 years I've been using leaf mold and vermiculite as a seed starter for plants I plan on potting up like peppers and tomatoes. To be honest, the leaf mold has been out performing the peat. I do plan on potting up the tomatoes into paper pots before going out in the garden.
I am trying to be a self sufficient gardener, not relying on stores for my soils. I'm now thinking after watching your video that I should mix some compost into my mix for the soil blocker.
Question? Should I add vermiculite into the potting medium? Do not know if it would cause the block to crumble.
Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!
So obsessed! Love this new passion project of soil blocking. Your channel, and Insta, have been so helpful on this journey. I cannot find this answer in my quest so hoping you might see this: do we cover our blocks with saran after planting? If so, when do we remove? I noticed a snippet in your video showing saran covering a tray but don't recall it being addressed. If you have, will you remind me which video you made that speaks to this? Again, thank you for being such an amazing Soil Block Guide!!!
THANK YOU for pointing out you can start seeds in good quality but not stupid expensive potting soil. I've done this for years.
Do you know if just straight raw wool is a good amendment for the garden? I can source wool but not the pellets.
Thank you for taking the time to create these soil blocking videos. They are very helpful. I do have one question. After making the soil blocks, putting them on trays on top of a heat mat and covering them with saran wrap. Is the condensation generated enough to keep the blocks moist thru the germination process.
How to water these soil blocks if they do start to dry out? Thank you 😊
Somewhere else they said the smallest soil "potted up" into the larger blocks and that there was a whole that size in the larger block. Is this just a different kind and is it a good idea to pot up into bigger soil blocks?
I ordered the "mama bear" soil blocker! Only problem is finding the right trays now (I live in Sweden)
I’m new to soil blocking, How do you mark your trays, if you have a few different kinds of seeds started, for a home garden?
I wasn’t clear from your video - were the leaves actually composted or did you just use finely chopped leaves? If the leaves weren’t already composted then you didn’t use leaf mold. And like you said, that would leach nitrogen from the rest of your mix.
excellent!
Thanks and sure subscribing this channel🙏
Thank you very much! ❤️
Would it be effected to use polypropylene trays instead of fiberglass? Only asking because of hearing about some plastics emitting gases in heat?
Just started soil blocking this year. How do you separate blocks when they grow a mat of roots on the bottom? Or maybe I'm doing something wrong that they aren't air pruning underneath? I have mine on solid bottomed trays like you do.
I'm going to try soil blocking again - with all your advice! Thank you! How tight do you put the plastic over the tray? It looked like it was loosely over the top - I've been wrapping it on the sides so it's completely air tight. Thanks for your advice!
Thank you for this video! I’m going to start soil blocking for the first time next week, and this is great info to have as I start. Have you tried the soil blocking trays from Johnnys? Curious what your opinion is of them. Thanks. :)
I don’t like the mesh bottoms!! They slowly wear away the bottoms of the blocks.
excited to switch over to blocking next season, thanks for all of the advice! A couple questions I haven't found answers to. For those extra long cafeteria trays, how do you cover those for germination? I am struggling with matching cafeteria trays to humidity domes. Also, where do you buy your wool pellets? I'm only seeing small packages on Amazon.
Super excited to find a gardener in Colorado to follow. Look forward to watching you. Saw you on Epic gardens 😊
Do you ever have problems with the blocks falling apart?
Thanks for the overview! With the soil that moist, do you ever have issues with fungus gnats or damping off? What strategies do you use to mitigate those issues?
Nope, the key is that you can back off the water once the root sets in. It’s not consistently that wet-just until it sets the initial tap down. :)
@@Blossomandbranch Got it. Thank you for sharing.
WHy do you recommend the tray that you do? What do you look for in the tray?
Help, my seedlings are suddenly starting to die!😫
I used the coco coir recipe, and my flowers and veggies were doing really well until suddenly my tomatoes & tomatillos have started getting oedema and losing all their leaves! Have you ever had this happen? I'm wondering if the coco coir I used was too salty - the blocks seem to get a salty crust on the top after a few weeks.
They're in 2" blocks and are 3-6" tall. Stocky, not leggy at all. I moved my dehumidifier into the room and increased how long the fan is on, but it has continued to spread. I really don't think I'm overwatering 🤔
Very random, but what kind of oil do you use to care for your soil blocking tool? I have the 1.5 and it’s squeaky! I’d love to make sure I’m taking care of it for the long haul!
Hi, I make my own seed starting mix with Coco coir, and Vermiculite. Can you soil block with that?
Great video. I needed the extra tutorial to fine tune this soil blocking adventure! However, I saw someone else mention mold. The mold I'm getting is white and fuzzy. Not on the soil blocks but on some peat pots I used prior to learning about soil blocks. Any ideas or advice? I have turned up the fan running in my grow room. Help help help Thank you!!
Definitely up the circulation, try popping outside for a couple hours on a warm and sunny day! But I wouldn’t be too concerned. Usually doesn’t do too much damage. :)
@@Blossomandbranch excellent news. Thank you for the response. I love your channel and you are quite an inspiration to me!!
Where do I get sturdy trays?
How long can a tomato seeding stay in an 1.5" or 2" block before it needs to be transplanted? Thank you
Just got my soil blockers in today! Plan to start this weekend. Was planning on a coco coir, worm castings, and potting soil mixture for blocking. Would this be both viable and yield worthy results? What ratios of each would you recommend?
Thanks!
I am using low sides and still get algae on side or top. Should I be concerned and what todo about it? As well I sometimes get mold - how do I prevent that?
Great advice, thx! You didn't mention the heat mats or grow lights. Is that because you have a greenhouse in the sun? I use a bedroom upstairs, with heat mats till 50% germination in the tiny blocks and grow lights 16 hrs a day. Are they not necessary?
I planted snapdragons in soil blocking but I wonder if I am watering too much, I am getting some black spots on my leaves, what should I do?
How many medium soil blocks do you get out of the wool mixture in the videos demontrating mixing with the jar? I am trying to start 70 2 inch blocks and trying to determine how much wool to buy, any advice?
I'd love to know this too please!
You must watch Eliot Coleman videos for soil blocking and his wooden try’s.
We’ve found the wood warps and doesn’t work well for watering
Thanks for the helpful video! I was wondering how you water your seeds before they sprout to keep the blocks moist? Do you bottom water even at the beginning or do you mist the tops? I see a pump sprayer in the background so I figured maybe that’s what you do, but I’m struggling with watering mine after planting the seeds and need some help! Thanks!
If they grow too big when you soil block should you up pot them If it's not time to plant outside yet?
I would for best results :)
Would worm casting and cocoloco make a good soil for soil blocking?
Do you have any videos or advice on LABELING your starts?
I'm always so frustrated with single use plastic labels, missing labels, mixed up labels, etc
I like to put a piece of masking tape along the side of the tray and then use a sharpie to label on the tape! Simple but works for me!
Why do you use the larger blocker for tomatoes?
Because they grow much faster! You can also pot them up from the minis but they outgrow the minis pretty quickly!
You can't go wrong with Eliot Coleman's recipe
I bought the small and the large tool because I thought you would always bump the small one's up before planting out....sounds like not really. Do you need to worry about starting them too soon? Could they outgrow the small size before you are ready to plant out?
Seeds don’t need many nutrients to seed . I think, why seed soil is more expensive is odd , should be cheaper.
Would you recommend the "seed block propagation tray" over the flat bottom tray? Do the roots get matted together on the flat bottom tray/how to they air prune on the bottom? Thanks
Do you put seedlings on a heat mat? And do you also put on heat mat and light? I'm so confused. lol. Thanks!
I know I didn't dream it. I watched multiple videos on soil blocking and what mix to use. I was ready to buy the coco loco until I saw a vid where she says pitt moss is fine so I ordered that instead. Now I can't find that video. Can someone help?
Pitt moss will work, don’t worry. I’m just unclear on whether it contains PFAS but they say it was lab tested and came back negative for the most common PFAS chemicals
Hi Bree, currently devouring your videos ❤ question about soil blocks… can I put them on a capillary mat? I’m worried will they dissolve or the roots will grow into the mat 😅 Thanks for great videos. 👋 Nanna from Denmark 🇩🇰
Do you grow all your plants from transplants?
Yes with a few exceptions (like the lavender we grow, which is patented) or any natives that are difficult to start from seed :)
@@Blossomandbranch great! That's what I was thinking...Lavender ;) and natives. Right on point with your answer.
If I'm starting veggies, do I need different trays for each veggie?
I'm looking seriously at soil blocking for the first time. As far as trays go, would it be bad for any reason to use 1/2 aluminum baking sheets for the blocks instead of the cafeteria trays?
During hardening off in the sun they heat up a lot and can burn roots!
Thank you, I never would have thought of that.@@Blossomandbranch
I have to confess: I'm addicted to up-blocking. I really love starting (yes, tomatoes) in the micro-20 blocks, then up-blocking those that sprouted into the mini-4 blocks. Yes, they take more room, but remember it doesn't have to be expensive. (You only need seed-starting mix for starting seeds. Once germinated, you can up-block or up-pot into regular compost or garden soil. The seedlings just need medium to grow into.)
One thing I like to do is make a batch of compost tea (AACT; I have the boogie brew kit) and use diluted compost tea instead of just plain water for my up-blocking mix. I also include some of my garden soil. I'm about to watch your other video (in Description) about seed-starting soil mixes to see what you have to say about that.
Just curious: Have you seen the hannahleeduggan youtube channel??
Where did you get those trays?
Do you have a recipe for your coconut core and coco loco mix? Those items would be easier to purchase around me.
It is linked in the description
Nobody can seem to answer my question. I've posted this in a couple of online forums, but still nobody seems to have an answer for this question. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME???
Question : Can you cold-stratify seeds using soil blocks, for the germination process? So you'd put the seed(s) in each soil block, then put the soil blocks (with their respective seeds already inside them) in the refrigerator, in a resealable plastic food storage tote?
Or do you have to wait for the seeds to germinate/sprout BEFORE putting them in the soil blocks?
We’ve done it both ways. :) I prefer cold stratifying, then placing in blocks but have also frozen entire trays of soil blocks before :)
@Regenerative Gardening OMG, you're (LITERALLY) the first person to reply to my question!!! (Thank you Sooooooooo much BTW!!!).
So.....****WHY**** do you prefer to do it your way???? PLEASE TEACH ME. :)
👍🌷
Don't the bottom of the soil blocks need air to prune?
To prune yes but I actually prefer this method which leaves long roots out the bottom of the block.
Why issue is I never have any 'good' compost. I do cold composting and tend to just dump it into the garden every few years. It's not really compost.
Wait.... $17 plus shipping for ONE tiny tray? oh - that's a no.
What's the most cost effective soil recipe, that works well, that you've used?
I’ve never seen green sand here that you put in your mix. If I just used promix organic fruit and veggie mix would that work or should I add something else.
You can try omitting the greensand, it will still work. :)
LMZiegler sells a greensand mixture on her Growers Workshop store.
Oops Correction Gardeners Workshop
I’m new at soil blocking and I think I might have mold starting. Any suggestions?
Is it green or white?
White, but I investigated more and I think it is not mold but something in the Vermont Compost blend. I noticed my begonias are sprouting. I have high hopes for soil blocking. Thank you- I’m learning a lot from you.
For the big try she doesn't like, she can put something flat on the surface like cardboard cut around the tray to make it shallow! Solved 🤷🏿♂️
Are you serious in what you say about planting in a conventional seed tray? I've grown both ways. The roots are going to grow similarly in both settings. It's up to you as the gardener to pay attention to you seedlings and their timing to up-pot or transplant. Soil blocking is just another marketing scheme. Do your due diligence when starting seeds.
You’re welcome to your opinion but I’ve started over 45,000 seedlings by hand and there’s a clear difference, even with potting up. Soil blocking is not only healthier for the seedling, it requires much less plastic junk to store in the off season. To each his own, but no need to come on my channel and be negative. ✌🏻
I soil block thousands of seeds every year and I used to use conventional trays, soil blocking is SO much better and the roots definitely don’t grow the same way in both scenarios. Have a lovely day 🌸
Soil blocking is definitely not a marketing scheme. I have been growing seeds for 20 years. I used cell trays most of those years. About 3 years ago I started soil blocking and there are so many benefits to soil blocking verse seed trays. I still use trays sometimes, but 90% of my seeds are started in soil blocks. Soil blocking was a game changer for me. I am able to start thousands of seeds in a small greenhouse.
Eh? Marketing scheme? Hmmmmm..... not sure I'd make that correlation it's ok for ppl to have strong opinions It doesn't threaten my choices....I don't soil block (yet) and.... Don't see someone's strong preference as a marketing scheme. I'd spend LESS money than I do by soil blocking. My 2cents. Be well.
I have seen MANY soil blocking videos by different you tubers for many years. She is simply showing people why it works for her. No need to be disrespectful. You seem to have your favorite way which is great. She DID emphasize the need for attention for watering or did you not watch the whole video?
Why am I hummming 'Flat-Bottom Girls" after watching this video?
You mentioned the 2" soil blocks are big enough for tomatoes. I'm an organizer for a mutual aid group who distributes seedlings and we are going soil blocks this year. I'm slightly worried the 2" blocks will be a bit small for our tomatoes. We are in MT, so tomatoes are in the greenhouse for a while (typ start early april to be planted in late may/early june). Plus often times it takes us a couple weeks to distribute hot crops after last frost, so the tomatoes are in the greenhouse a week or more than I would like. Under these circumstances would you still recommend the 2" block? There is a larger one too (2.5"). That one is over double the volume of soil though. Love to hear your thoughts! TY
You can up-pot or up-block easily.
I always start my tomato seeds in the micro-20 blocks ONLY for germination, immediately up-block to mini-4 (2") soil-blocks then if I can't get them in the garden right away, I'll up-pot to a red SOLO cup. You can go to the 8oz cup, or the 12oz or 20oz. (The color of your SOLO cup is actually irrelevant. Any color will do.)
This doesn't need to be expensive.
Remember that you only need the sterile seed-starting mix for germination. Once the seed is sprouted, you don't have to use more seed-starting mix. You can use compost or potting soil or just fill your cups with garden soil. It just needs some soil for the roots to grow into.
OR if you don't want to use plastic cups (understandable) you can invest in the 4" soil-blocker. (It's already on my own wish-list!) Of course, you'll need more room and more trays for this, but the 2" blocks drop right into the 4" blocks exactly the same way the micro-20 (3/4") blocks drop into the mini-4's when you use the square dibble.
IMO, it's a worthy investment.
(And honestly, just-plain fun, even if it is work.)
I notice this is 11 months after your comment. I hope this is still helpful.
I would like to do that. Can I use starting mix for soil blocks? .I just found your channel. I love it! Very good information!👍
You can experiment but I prefer using our mixes. :) the recipes are linked in the description!
Thanks 🙏
i am currently using a potting soil (pro mix ) and finding it has too much perlite which is interfering with blocks firmly holding together and with them setting up into a solid block initially too. gonna experiment with half that and non-sterilized worm castings added and might sift the promix too.😊
I've learned so much from these videos on soil blocking! Many of my plastic trays were wearing out, and wanting to get away from buying more, I bought the medium soil blocker, Coco Loco, and wool pellets you recommended. I already had some heavy duty plastic cafeteria trays (bought to start microgreens) so am using those for now. Planted my first seeds in them 7 days ago and have quite a few seedlings up! However, after watching this video, I need to wet them more. My initial mix was wet enough, but I've only been misting with a spray bottle since. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these videos--it is much appreciated!
Thanks so much watched your lessons 20 times. I am now doing 90% soil blocks for my small home veg and flower garden.
What do you use for the next size larger in potting up?
Last year I tried soil blocking for the first time. I used the smaller size block and found that most of my seedlings had severely stunted growth once planted out. Is it possible they were root bound? How long do you keep seedlings in the small blocks?
Very helpful with your take on block size. Just starting out soil blocking.
💚💚💚💚💚
Really good too learn how to soil block , also fun to experiment. Last year was my first time , so I’m looking for ways to improve, I came across your video an it’s interesting about using wool pellets don’t hear that too much thank you gonna try this season
So I’m big into rare house plants which grow under grow lights atm I don’t have a greenhouse…is it possible I could bring pests inside if I soil block and prop next to my houseplants indoors under the same grow lights? :)