Visit our online store for 100% handmade items!
Gardening is a wonderful hobby that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It can be a therapeutic activity that brings a sense of calm, satisfaction, and accomplishment. If you’re a passionate gardener looking to elevate your plant-growing game, it’s time to consider soil blocking. You’ve probably heard of it, but what exactly is soil blocking, and why should you be using it? In this article, we’ll explore the soil blocking benefits, share some DIY tips, and teach you how to start your garden off on the right foot. Get ready to know everything there is to know about soil blocking for beginners!
What is Soil Blocking?
Soil blocking is a sustainable, eco-friendly technique used for starting seeds, especially for plants that are typically started in traditional pots. Instead of using plastic pots, soil blocking trays create small, compact blocks of soil that hold the seeds and give them the perfect environment for sprouting. These blocks are made by compressing a soil mix into small cubes that you can plant directly into your garden or larger containers. Not only does this reduce the use of plastic, but it also encourages healthier root growth and stronger, more resilient plants.
In short, soil blocking seed starting is like giving your plants a home with room to grow, all while being mindful of the environment. But before you dive into this amazing technique, let’s go over what you need and how to get started.
The Simple Soil Blocking Recipe: Your Key to Success
You don’t need to be a seasoned gardener to get started with soil blocking. Soil blocking DIY can be easy with the right ingredients and a little patience. First, let’s take a look at the soil blocking recipe that will set you up for success. You’ll need:
- Soil Blocking Soil Mix
The ideal mix should be rich in organic matter, slightly loamy, and well-draining. A simple soil blocking recipe includes a blend of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and compost. This mix will hold together in blocks, allowing for proper root development. - Water
Add enough water to your soil mix to make it damp but not soggy. The soil should hold its shape when pressed into the soil blocking tool. - Soil Blocking Tool
The soil blocking tool is essential for creating uniform blocks. There are various sizes, so choose one that suits your needs. If you’re just starting, a soil blocking kit will come with everything you need, including the tool and soil mix. - A Flat Surface
Once you’ve mixed your soil, press it into your soil blocking tool to form compact blocks. Then, place your blocks on a flat surface to let them settle.
Soil Blocking vs. Potting Trays: What’s the Difference?
At this point, you might be wondering: How is soil blocking and potting tray different from traditional seed starting? The answer is in the method. Soil blocking trays Canada are compact and promote root growth more effectively than a standard pot. When you use traditional pots, the roots can become cramped and tangled, which may stunt growth. However, soil blocking trays eliminate this problem by allowing the roots to grow freely, resulting in healthier plants.
Additionally, soil blocking onions and other plants will develop better root systems because the blocks allow for air pruning. This prevents the roots from becoming pot-bound, giving your plants a better chance to thrive.
Soil Blocking Benefits You Can’t Ignore
It’s no surprise that soil blocking is gaining popularity in the gardening world. If you’re on the fence, here are some of the most compelling soil blocking benefits:
- Eco-Friendly
By using soil blocks instead of plastic pots, you’re making a big impact on the environment. Fewer plastic containers mean less waste, and soil blocks are biodegradable, so you can add them to your compost pile when you’re done. - Healthier Plants
As mentioned, soil blocking tomatoes, flowers, and other crops are healthier thanks to improved root growth. The blocks encourage roots to grow naturally, preventing them from becoming root-bound. - Space-Saving
Soil blocking trays can save you a ton of space. Since the blocks are compact, you can fit more of them in a small area, making it ideal for those with limited gardening space. - Cost-Effective
Say goodbye to buying plastic pots year after year! With soil blocking kits, you only need a few tools to start an entire season’s worth of seedlings.
Soil Blocking in Action: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the benefits, let’s dive into the steps to start soil blocking DIY. Whether you’re growing flowers, tomatoes, or onions, the process is the same.
Step 1: Prepare Your Soil Mix
Mix together your peat moss, compost, and vermiculite in a large container. Add water slowly until the mix holds together but isn’t too wet. You want it to feel like a damp sponge.
Step 2: Set Up Your Soil Blocking Tool
Fill your soil blocking tool with the damp soil mixture and press it down firmly. Make sure the soil is compact but not too tightly packed.
Step 3: Press the Blocks
Press the soil blocking tool onto a clean surface to form your blocks. For larger quantities, you can use soil blocking trays Canada to create multiple blocks at once. You should have small, neat cubes ready for seed planting.
Step 4: Plant Your Seeds
Using your fingers, create a small indentation in the top of each block. Place your seeds into the indentations and lightly press them into the soil. Water gently after planting.
Step 5: Care for Your Seedlings
Keep your blocks moist and in a warm, sunny area. Once your seedlings have sprouted, you can move them to larger blocks or directly into your garden.
DIY: Build Your Own Soil Blocking Tray DIY
If you love a good DIY project, why not create your own soil blocking tray DIY? Here’s how you can make a simple soil-blocking tray at home with materials you probably already have:
Materials Needed:
- Shallow plastic container (like a cake or baking pan)
- Small PVC pipes or dowels
- Drill with small bit
- Craft glue
Instructions:
- Cut the PVC pipes or dowels to the desired height for your blocks. The size will depend on the plants you’re growing (larger blocks for tomatoes, smaller ones for flowers).
- Drill small holes in the bottom of your container to allow for drainage.
- Arrange the PVC pipes/dowels in the bottom of the container to form rows of soil-blocking spaces.
- Secure the pipes with craft glue and let dry. Once dry, fill the tray with your soil blocking soil mix.
The Best Plants for Soil Blocking
While you can use soil blocking for a variety of plants, some do especially well with this method. Here are some of the best plants to start in blocks:
- Tomatoes
Soil blocking tomatoes grow well in this system, as they have deep root systems and benefit from the spacious blocks. - Onions
Soil blocking onions thrive in this method, as they like a rich, well-draining mix and benefit from the deep root penetration. - Flowers
Whether it’s pansies, marigolds, or sunflowers, soil blocking flowers are a great option to start indoors before transplanting to the garden.
Table 1: Soil Blocking Plant Options
| Plant Type | Ideal Block Size | Days to Germinate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 2″ x 2″ | 7-10 | Best for transplanting after 6-8 weeks |
| Onions | 1.5″ x 1.5″ | 10-14 | Prefers a rich, loose soil mix |
| Flowers | 1″ x 1″ | 5-7 | Excellent for early-season starts |
Table 2: Soil Blocking Seed Starting Tips
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Always use a well-draining mix | Helps prevent waterlogging and root rot |
| Don’t overcrowd the blocks | Space out seeds to give them room to grow |
| Water gently to avoid disturbing soil | Helps the seedlings settle without disrupting roots |
| Use heat mats for warmth | Promotes faster germination and strong growth |
Tips for Successful Soil Blocking Tomatoes and Other Plants
When it comes to growing specific plants, such as soil blocking tomatoes, there are a few additional tips that can ensure your success. Tomatoes, like many plants, thrive when given a deep, stable environment for their roots to grow, and soil blocks provide this better than traditional pots.
For tomatoes, make sure you use a well-draining soil blocking soil mix with plenty of organic matter. Tomatoes prefer a mix that retains moisture but also allows for air circulation. To improve your success rate, consider placing your blocks on a heating mat to keep the soil warm—tomatoes need warmth to germinate effectively, and they perform best in temperatures ranging from 21-24°C (70-75°F).
Another important consideration is the soil blocking tool size. For tomatoes, use a slightly larger block—about 2 inches by 2 inches—so the roots can develop properly before transplanting. If you notice the blocks becoming too root-bound, it’s time to transplant the seedlings into larger soil blocks or directly into the garden beds.
For other plants like soil blocking flowers, the process is similar. Flowers, such as marigolds and pansies, often benefit from the structured environment of a soil block, which promotes vigorous root development. The smaller the flower, the smaller the block. However, you should still provide the right soil blocking seed starting environment for your flowers, especially if they have specific needs like cool temperatures or specific light conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Soil Blocking DIY Problems
While soil blocking DIY is a great method, it’s not without its potential pitfalls. If you’re new to soil blocking, here are a few common problems and how to fix them.
- Blocks Falling Apart
If your soil blocks aren’t holding together, it could be because the soil mix is too dry or too coarse. To fix this, add a little more water to your soil blocking mix and make sure it’s damp but not soaking wet. You can also increase the amount of fine organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to help bind the blocks together. - Seeds Not Germinating
Sometimes seeds may fail to sprout in the blocks. This could be due to insufficient warmth or light. Make sure your blocks are kept in a warm spot, ideally around 20-22°C (68-72°F) for most seeds. Additionally, ensure they receive adequate light—if growing indoors, consider using grow lights to supplement natural sunlight. - Root Bound Plants
Though soil blocks are designed to prevent root binding, some fast-growing plants, like tomatoes, may still outgrow their blocks before transplanting. To avoid this, move seedlings to larger blocks or directly into the garden when they’re ready, so they don’t become root-bound.
By being mindful of these issues, you can ensure that your soil blocking seed starting is a success every time.
Final Thoughts on Soil Blocking
Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced plant lover, soil blocking seed starting is a technique that can revolutionize the way you grow plants. With the right tools, soil mix, and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to a flourishing garden. Plus, with the soil blocking benefits, you’ll be saving money, space, and plastic while creating the most beautiful blooms and bountiful harvests.
Don’t forget to experiment with your own soil blocking tray DIY projects or consider investing in a soil blocking kit for a more streamlined experience. Before you know it, you’ll be growing tomatoes, onions, and flowers in your own little sustainable haven! If you are using a soil blocker this season, let us know over on our social media pages.
Happy gardening!
