What size soil blocker is best?
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. As well as saving on plastic, the great joy of soil blockers is that they’re really good for the seedlings themselves. Because there are no walls, the roots get access to more air, which encourages a healthier root system and stronger top growth.Simply put, soil blocking is a way of starting seeds in compacted blocks of soil instead of plastic propagation trays. Many trays can be flimsy, breaking down over time, and sturdier options often come with a high price tag—up to $16 per tray! For a farmer starting thousands of seedlings, that cost adds up fast.But remember, soil blocks will dry out much faster than soil in plastic seed trays because they are exposed to evaporation on all sides. Water regularly to keep consistent moisture in your blocks.
What is the best mix for soil blocking?
The key to success with soil blocks is using a mix of peat, compost, soil, and sand or Perlite. Amend the soil. In severely compacted soils, large amounts of compost will be needed to make a difference—25% of the existing soil by weight for sandy loam soil types, and as much as 50% for clay soils. Adding inorganic materials to amend soils is inefficient and expensive compared to adding organic matter.Compost and manure enrich the soil with organic matter that enhances water absorption and reduces runoff, and peat moss excels at holding moisture for longer periods, making it especially useful in dry or sandy soils.Amend the Soil with Compost Add organic matter (not sand) to improve drainage in poorly drained soils. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil structure in poorly drained soils by increasing soil aggregation.Amend the soil. Adding compost to your soil is one of the best ways to combat compaction.