Help to reduce global waste AND improve your success when growing from seed with 'soil blockers'. This fresh invention offers an efficient and cost effective gift for the gardener in your life, and could help solve all their gardening problems in one!
Transplanting seedlings can take great care and one wrong move can often result in the death of your plants. Reduce that risk to zero my creating your own 'soil blocks', rather than sowing into plastic or peat pots and trays. You'll have peace of mind that the plants will be easier to transfer, and the materials you're using are 100% organic.
The benefits of switching to 'soil blocking'
- Higher germination rates
- Better plant development, leading to earlier blooming
- It's environmentally friendly and reduces the use of plastics
- Avoid root shock, giving you a better success rate when you transplant
- It is inexpensive and you won't need to buy or wash any pots again, ever!
The success of any seedling is marred by transplantation. That key moment in the growing journey can make or break your plants. The roots of transplants raised in a large seedling tray can often twine together, so when the plants are separated, many of these roots are damaged. This can slow things down as the roots re-establish, and actually reverse the head start you gained by sowing your seeds indoors in the first place!
Soil blocking will change the way you start off your seeds. You'll feel like you're growing the way the professionals do, and that's because you are!
The 5 steps of 'soil blocking'
- Soil blockers do not need special compost. You can upgrade your usual choice of compost easily at home, with added sharp sand and well-rotted compost or leaf mould.
- Wet the mix thoroughly into a soft putty consistency, it may seem much wetter than you're used to!
- Press the blocker into the compost 2 or 3 times to make and fill the block chambers.
- Scrape the blocker across the side of your mixing container to remove any excess compost from the base of the blocks.
- Depress the plunger to eject your blocks, and they are now ready to plant up!
With each soil blocker, you can make 3 different sizes of soil block; Micro- makes 20 x ¾” blocks, Mini- makes 4 x 2” blocks, Maxi- makes 1 x 4” block. The square shapes take up less space than round plastic pots and other types of tray. You'll notice that each block has a small indentation for accepting the seed, so you can be assured of good, strong, centrally grown plants.
Blocking isn't just for professionals
Soil blocking isn't exclusive to the growing trade either, it makes perfect sense for home gardeners too. Starting your seeds indoors gives you the opportunity for an early start, and the ability to transplant outdoors much sooner. 'Potting on' is super simple with the soil blocks, as you simply slot the block into the next size up, going from the micro to the maxi. Less hardening off will be required too, as the root ball always remains intact and recovery time is therefore reduced.
How can I start soil blocking?
Order your Soil Blocking accessories from Soil Blockers.
**Gentle Warning: this post may be sponsored or include affiliate links, however please be assured that any products spoken about have the Plant Geek seal of approval.**