Are soil blockers any good?
Soil Blocking Benefits One is that it uses less plastic overall. It also creates a good environment for a seedling’s roots to ‘air prune’. This basically means the root hairs stop trying to grow out and instead bulk up closer to the plant. This avoids any circling of roots in a pot so no worry about root gridling. Benefits of Soil Blocking It practically eliminates overwatering your seedlings. There is less transplant shock. It’s eco-friendly; reducing plastic because soil blocks don’t require any pots. It saves space (both because there are no pots and they grow closer together).Soil blockers make a pot-less pot for starting seeds. With soil blocks, roots are air-pruned and transplant shock, stunting, slow-growth is greatly reduced. Soil blocking offers an eco-friendly system that eliminates the need for using plastic seed starting trays, and buying, storing and sanitizing plastic pots.Process of Growing Seedlings, Soil Blocking For Beginners Next, learn which size soil block they’ll need. For the most part, small seeds can use the 3/4 inch soil block. Larger seeds like sunflowers and sweet peas benefit from the 2 inch soil blocker. Some of the medium seeds can be used in the 1.Process of Growing Seedlings, Soil Blocking For Beginners Next, learn which size soil block they’ll need. For the most part, small seeds can use the 3/4 inch soil block. Larger seeds like sunflowers and sweet peas benefit from the 2 inch soil blocker. Some of the medium seeds can be used in the 1.
What is a soil blocker?
Soil blocks are basically molded soil in a single block. These blocks serve as the container and growing media all in one. Eliminating the need for those pesky plastic 6 pack trays that seem to take over my shed! Various Soil Blockers – (top right is homemade) The soil blocker is a tool that facilitates the production and transplanting of young plants. Its shape and ergonomics allow for easy use and quickly create many small blocks ready to receive seeds! It is then easy to place them under a porch, in small greenhouses, or under a frame.For decades and without question, soil blocking is my favorite way to grow seedlings. The best soil for soil blocking is at about half coconut coir or peat moss, which is heart-breaking because neither are particularly renewable, so we’re experimenting with more local and renewable materials, stay tuned!The key to success with soil blocks is using a mix of peat, compost, soil, and sand or Perlite. The most important ingredient to this mixture is the peat – Its Fibrous consistency is used to both bind the material together and help retain moisture.Incorporate Organic Material Just apply a generous layer and mix it in thoroughly. Similarly, well-decomposed manure is another excellent source of organic matter that can enhance fill dirt stability. It not only improves soil structure but also provides essential nutrients.
How long do soil blocks last?
Due to their small size and the ability to place many on a 1020 tray, soil blocks are advantageous for growers with limited space. They also significantly reduce single use plastics in seed starting. Properly cared for soil blockers can last for decades. Soil blocks can be easily transplanted without disturbing the roots of the plants, leading to less transplant shock and healthier plants. You don’t have to worry about damaging their delicate roots when transplanting seedlings grown in soil blocks, as you might with traditional seed trays or peat pots.