I want to thank you for this video. I’ve been starting seeds for 30 years, using a private labeled starting mix for the last several years. I’m pretty sure they use Black Gold as their base. This year, all my seedlings germinated quickly, then did nothing. Snapdragons that should have been 4 inches tall weren’t even one inch. I thought my lisianthus would be a total loss. I transplanted everything I could in your mix, and they are now thriving! You saved my garden this year, and I will use this blend from now on.
Thank you for testing ways and encouraging others to be peat free. I am always surprised when I hear gardeners in 2023 talking about using peat moss even though we know how detrimental to the earth it is. Keep up the great work!
We need to push to outlaw it like they did in the UK or else people will just continue to use it while adding a disclaimer that it’s really bad for the planet
I have been using leaf mold the last 2 years as a seed starter. I set up an experiment this year to compare the peat starting mix and my leaf mold. Planted 2, 72, cell trays of tomatoes, I did add some vermiculite and perlite for drainage. Will post a video when I go to pot up the tomatoes. Enjoy your videos, Stay Well!!!
Thanks! We used broken down leaves in one of our soil block recipes (we included it in the seed starting soils test video) and it performed very poorly. I think it depends on how broke down the leaves are! Would love to hear how it goes for you!
9 місяців тому
Plan on trying seed starting this spring. You are a great teacher,full of knowledge and am trying yourrecipe for the mix.Already got my soil block kit. Thank you.
I was JUST saying that I want to try my own blend of seed starting mix for next year. I’ll need to bookmark this and get all the ingredients! Thank you!
Wool pellets are cheaper than your other ingredients and will perform better if you are using them properly. A study from Utah State University showed that the proper amount to use is 3-5% by volume. That means for a 2 cubic foot bag of growing media you would need 1 lb of wool pellets. They retail around $15 a pound. With wool pellets you should water at least 25% less. According to USU, they are the only fertilizer you will need for the growing season. I will be interested in seeing your video of using wool that is not pelletized. That is how I started also, but the pellets are way easier to use and perform better in the soil. Again, that is according to the science at USU. Thanks for sharing your videos.
Thanks! As you know we’ve had great results with the wool but the proportion needed for soil blocking was much higher than the 3-5% making it more expensive. We found a ratio of about 1:8 parts wool to soil was ideal so definitely more costly. The pellets are also hard to evenly incorporate into the mix, but we are still happy with how they’re performing! ❤️ just also bri but mindful that it can still be cost prohibitive for those who start a lot of seeds.
Thanks for the update on the seed starting mix experiment. I did blend up some seed starting mix a couple of weeks ago, which seems to be working well. As a spinner I have a few +cough+ fleeces downstairs, and am going to have a go at incorporating some skirtings/combing waste into my mix - a few of us were just discussing this last night. I've used extra wool to line pots for years and as compost, so this makes sense. I'll let you know how it works. Red
I have a very fibrous wood/chicken run compost (2 years old, hot composted then sat) that I'm going to sift and test. I'm hoping the age and the mix with a good nitrogen source will balance it out. I should do a side by side comparison, but I ran out of peat and don't really want to buy more. Maybe I'll buy a small amount for the side by side comparison... Will do a video on it as well. Thanks for the seed starting mix videos. Just found your channel, definitely subbed.
I’m a rookie to seed starting and have really enjoyed your videos. We did soil blocking with your wool pellet recipe…we are sprouting!! Earlier than I thought. How often should we water now (tomatoes, peppers, herbs mostly)? We have them on heat mats and with grow lights. Thanks for all you do!!
Green sand is just not available in my country but your last video on seed starting soils made me think and I found alginite, which is an algae based biomass fossil, it’s also contains minerals and other things, so I started experimenting with it, we’ll see how it goes!
@@ltuerk I should probably do a proper comparison but I think, it does work. Previously, my seedlings never looked the healthiest and didn’t grow as quickly as they should have, even though I used liquid fertilisers and biostimulants. Since I added alginite to the soil, I honestly sometimes even forget about my seedlings and I don’t see the need to fertilise them, I also started using better quality soil, so maybe that helped more than the alginite. I also use it instead of vermiculite, just sprinkle it on top of the soil and that works too for seedlings that need light for germination or just to indicate when I need to water since it changes colour. I will keep using it since I can get it for far cheaper than vermiculite, wool pellets etc.
Can you use a different Foxfarm potting soil like happy frog? Since we are adding coconut coir to the recipe? Happy frog is what I have locally so just curious if this has been tried… Love your videos!
@Regenerative Gardening Thank you for the reply! I am curious if it is the nutrients you are gaining benefit from or if it's the extra sand texture letting the medium drain a little more. It's my understanding that the nutrients in the greensand will take a while to break down and become bioavailable, leading me to believe the seedlings don't see those nutrients til they are much older.
Hi there, I’m newer to your channel and have binged watched many episodes. Love the content, thanks for sharing! Question about the wool pellets/coco loco recipe, is it 1:8 or 1:4? I thought I saw a comment somewhere that you updated your recommendation for soil blocking. Also not sure if you follow MI gardener but he recently started selling a soil blocker much cheaper than most, 8 blocks too.
Do you have a recommendation for an alternative to Coco Loco? It’s a bit on the pricey side for my budget and I’m sure for others watching too. Could I just use more coco coir brick in its place? Or compost?
So appreciate all your videos! Quick question, you have two different recipes for the coco loco/green sand recipe in your videos. In an older video you have 4 parts coco loco, 1.5 coco coir, and .5 greensand. Would you recommend the updated ratio in this video over that older ratio? Thanks!
How much of the wool pellets would you add to the mix in this example if you were including them? Your results are impressive! I'm thinking of soil blocking next year & am interested in great sources for the blockers. Thank you for sharing your great info!🌿
What kind of soil do you use after the seedling stage? Or once you transplant? Can the same mix be used or do you use general potting mix and fertilize?
I recently purchased (Amazon) 2 cuft of Pitt Moss for $29.00, 1 cuft of Organic Pitt Moss for $22.00, and Wool Pellets, for $14.00 for an 8oz bag. A 22-pound bag of Wool Pellets, (Amazon) is $165.00. So is the mix 8oz of wool pellets per 2 cuft of Coco Loco? Also, how to measure the mixture for a small amount? I am using a plastic wash basin tub, not a wheel barrel.
Using the 1.5” soil blocks with good growth. How would you recommend potting up if I don’t have the big soil block mold? Does it defeat the purpose of soil blocking if I put them into cups?
Great videos but, I was wondering the same thing. Do you not like peat moss? And if not why not? I heard of another recipe: 1/3 peat moss. 1/3 top soil / 1/3 compost. Your thoughts, please.
The leaves are actually yellowing in the mix you just made as well. I wouldn’t say they’re doing that great. Maybe bigger blocks would’ve been better? Maybe actually add some fertilizer since they look like they’re about 2-3 inches tall and have they’re true leaves.
Where can I find the sifter you use? I’ve looked for a link and can’t find one - sorry! I also use buckets, so it would be super handy to have something that nests in there. Thanks so much for these videos and the recipes!! I’m so pleased with soil blocking so far ❤ I’m a Colorado Native currently adjusting to a 9 month growing period down here in west Texas.
I wouldn’t use seed starting mix plus coco coir, it would be unnecessary to “ lighten” seed starting mix like you do potting soil-try seeking out the highest quality potting soil you can and follow the same steps!
@@Blossomandbranch I've purchased a large amount of seed starting mix, I can't invest in more potting soil. I switched from seed starting trays to soil blocking mid stream. Will seed starting mix and green sand, alone, do the job?
Where I live a small bag of that Coco loco is 30.00 and coco coir is 17.00. I’ve been everywhere even the next state over to try to find greensand and nobody has it. Some only have it in 50pounds bags. It’s starting to bum me out. I don’t want to order online, shipping is so expensive.
They might be the “land gulls” that are the state bird of Utah. Why is a seagull the state bird of Utah? No idea, but we have them flying around here, too.
@@Blossomandbranch Oh Bree! I was wondering why you weren’t using Pitt Moss and went back to the coconut coir. Thanks for clarifying! I missed the change somewhere. I was going to use sheep pellets but like others, I felt it was too expensive. So I went with the Pitt Moss. I am trying it without the green sand, but I expect I will get some yet this season, or for sure by fall planting. Will see how it all goes. I’m hoping for the best. I’ve tried a lot of soil experiments and am still trying. My experience has been dismal at best. Again you showed how the right soil makes all the difference.. I’m gaining hope and confidence. Thank you for your follow up! Your experiments are always fascinating and informative.
@@jimkingsland1645 I started with the mini blocker last month and got 100% germination of spinach but 75% on the tomatoes with the five cell blocker. I used the same mix (commercial) for starting seeds in cell trays. This month, I am making the mix and planting in the mini. Too little water may have slowed down the germination with the tomatoes. These soil blocks can dry out very fast.
@@MilliePat Thanks for the info! This is my first venture into soil blocking. I am starting with the five cell, but I have noted a lot of people are using the mini blocker. So I’ll probably be getting one of those-and possibly the two inch four cell later.
The aversion to peat is laughable. It's more sustainable than our forestry industry. The peat bogs in Canada are immense and replenished. You've been sold a bag of lies. Like that channel though.
It’s a personal decision to use peat moss or coconut coir . Because both have their pros and cons. I agree with farmers who use the commercial mixes as well as farmers who make their mixes. It basically comes down to what a person can afford for soil block mixes
I’ll listen to the scientists and ecologists on that one. Talk down at me but the simple fact is there are good alternatives and the harvest of peat decimates vital ecosystems and releases tons of carbon.
@@Blossomandbranch I didn't talk down. I just think you're wrong and the anti peat diatribe is tiresome. I do like your content. The ecologists disagree on the impact of peat.
@@Blossomandbranch you're not the only one who listens to scientists. I'm trained in biochemistry. People can disagree , even educated people. My comment was more aimed at continual dismissive attitude about peat in your content. It alienates viewers, but it's your channel so obviously content is up to you. Considering toning down the anti peat rhetoric is my suggestion.
I want to thank you for this video. I’ve been starting seeds for 30 years, using a private labeled starting mix for the last several years. I’m pretty sure they use Black Gold as their base. This year, all my seedlings germinated quickly, then did nothing. Snapdragons that should have been 4 inches tall weren’t even one inch. I thought my lisianthus would be a total loss. I transplanted everything I could in your mix, and they are now thriving! You saved my garden this year, and I will use this blend from now on.
Thank you for testing ways and encouraging others to be peat free. I am always surprised when I hear gardeners in 2023 talking about using peat moss even though we know how detrimental to the earth it is. Keep up the great work!
We need to push to outlaw it like they did in the UK or else people will just continue to use it while adding a disclaimer that it’s really bad for the planet
Thanks for sharing your experiments. This is super helpful.
I have been using leaf mold the last 2 years as a seed starter. I set up an experiment this year to compare the peat starting mix and my leaf mold. Planted 2, 72, cell trays of tomatoes, I did add some vermiculite and perlite for drainage.
Will post a video when I go to pot up the tomatoes.
Enjoy your videos, Stay Well!!!
Thanks! We used broken down leaves in one of our soil block recipes (we included it in the seed starting soils test video) and it performed very poorly. I think it depends on how broke down the leaves are! Would love to hear how it goes for you!
Plan on trying seed starting this spring. You are a great teacher,full of knowledge and am trying yourrecipe for the mix.Already got my soil block kit. Thank you.
I've been using your recipe and it's been working great! Thank you! 😊
I was JUST saying that I want to try my own blend of seed starting mix for next year. I’ll need to bookmark this and get all the ingredients! Thank you!
Wool pellets are cheaper than your other ingredients and will perform better if you are using them properly. A study from Utah State University showed that the proper amount to use is 3-5% by volume. That means for a 2 cubic foot bag of growing media you would need 1 lb of wool pellets. They retail around $15 a pound. With wool pellets you should water at least 25% less. According to USU, they are the only fertilizer you will need for the growing season. I will be interested in seeing your video of using wool that is not pelletized. That is how I started also, but the pellets are way easier to use and perform better in the soil. Again, that is according to the science at USU. Thanks for sharing your videos.
I will check out the wool pellets this month. Thanks for the quantity.😊
Thanks! As you know we’ve had great results with the wool but the proportion needed for soil blocking was much higher than the 3-5% making it more expensive. We found a ratio of about 1:8 parts wool to soil was ideal so definitely more costly. The pellets are also hard to evenly incorporate into the mix, but we are still happy with how they’re performing! ❤️ just also bri but mindful that it can still be cost prohibitive for those who start a lot of seeds.
Could you share the link to the sifter? I do not see one at your website. Thanks!
Thanks for the update on the seed starting mix experiment. I did blend up some seed starting mix a couple of weeks ago, which seems to be working well. As a spinner I have a few +cough+ fleeces downstairs, and am going to have a go at incorporating some skirtings/combing waste into my mix - a few of us were just discussing this last night. I've used extra wool to line pots for years and as compost, so this makes sense. I'll let you know how it works. Red
I have a very fibrous wood/chicken run compost (2 years old, hot composted then sat) that I'm going to sift and test. I'm hoping the age and the mix with a good nitrogen source will balance it out. I should do a side by side comparison, but I ran out of peat and don't really want to buy more. Maybe I'll buy a small amount for the side by side comparison... Will do a video on it as well. Thanks for the seed starting mix videos. Just found your channel, definitely subbed.
I’m a rookie to seed starting and have really enjoyed your videos. We did soil blocking with your wool pellet recipe…we are sprouting!! Earlier than I thought. How often should we water now (tomatoes, peppers, herbs mostly)? We have them on heat mats and with grow lights. Thanks for all you do!!
Green sand is just not available in my country but your last video on seed starting soils made me think and I found alginite, which is an algae based biomass fossil, it’s also contains minerals and other things, so I started experimenting with it, we’ll see how it goes!
@fokid1 How did the alginite work for you?
@@ltuerk I should probably do a proper comparison but I think, it does work.
Previously, my seedlings never looked the healthiest and didn’t grow as quickly as they should have, even though I used liquid fertilisers and biostimulants. Since I added alginite to the soil, I honestly sometimes even forget about my seedlings and I don’t see the need to fertilise them, I also started using better quality soil, so maybe that helped more than the alginite.
I also use it instead of vermiculite, just sprinkle it on top of the soil and that works too for seedlings that need light for germination or just to indicate when I need to water since it changes colour. I will keep using it since I can get it for far cheaper than vermiculite, wool pellets etc.
@@fokid1 great to know. I will look for alginite near me and give it a try. Much appreciate your response!
Can you use a different Foxfarm potting soil like happy frog? Since we are adding coconut coir to the recipe? Happy frog is what I have locally so just curious if this has been tried… Love your videos!
I haven’t tested it so I can’t vouch for it working but you’re welcome to try it!
Do you think adding worm casting soil to the mix will be too much for the seedlings?
Can I use this recipe for indoor seedlings?
Have you tried mixing in just regular sand in place of the greensand?
I like the new name!
The greensand has nutrients that regular sand does not. 🥰
@Regenerative Gardening Thank you for the reply!
I am curious if it is the nutrients you are gaining benefit from or if it's the extra sand texture letting the medium drain a little more.
It's my understanding that the nutrients in the greensand will take a while to break down and become bioavailable, leading me to believe the seedlings don't see those nutrients til they are much older.
Hi there, I’m newer to your channel and have binged watched many episodes. Love the content, thanks for sharing! Question about the wool pellets/coco loco recipe, is it 1:8 or 1:4? I thought I saw a comment somewhere that you updated your recommendation for soil blocking. Also not sure if you follow MI gardener but he recently started selling a soil blocker much cheaper than most, 8 blocks too.
Do you have a recommendation for an alternative to Coco Loco? It’s a bit on the pricey side for my budget and I’m sure for others watching too. Could I just use more coco coir brick in its place? Or compost?
Pricey and hard to find :-/
This is great! Where does the pearlite come from? Do you mix this coconut koire mix with potting soil before making blocks?
So appreciate all your videos! Quick question, you have two different recipes for the coco loco/green sand recipe in your videos. In an older video you have 4 parts coco loco, 1.5 coco coir, and .5 greensand. Would you recommend the updated ratio in this video over that older ratio? Thanks!
How much of the wool pellets would you add to the mix in this example if you were including them? Your results are impressive! I'm thinking of soil blocking next year & am interested in great sources for the blockers. Thank you for sharing your great info!🌿
Can you use this soil for propagation scion cuttings?
What kind of soil do you use after the seedling stage? Or once you transplant? Can the same mix be used or do you use general potting mix and fertilize?
I recently purchased (Amazon) 2 cuft of Pitt Moss for $29.00, 1 cuft of Organic Pitt Moss for $22.00, and Wool Pellets, for $14.00 for an 8oz bag. A 22-pound bag of Wool Pellets, (Amazon) is $165.00. So is the mix 8oz of wool pellets per 2 cuft of Coco Loco? Also, how to measure the mixture for a small amount? I am using a plastic wash basin tub, not a wheel barrel.
Using the 1.5” soil blocks with good growth. How would you recommend potting up if I don’t have the big soil block mold? Does it defeat the purpose of soil blocking if I put them into cups?
Hi there, what is the green sand? Is it rock dust.
May i know the "peat-free" meaning, does it mean free from "peat moss" or "coco peat"? Thank you for your great work! 😀
Great videos but, I was wondering the same thing. Do you not like peat moss? And if not why not? I heard of another recipe: 1/3 peat moss. 1/3 top soil / 1/3 compost. Your thoughts, please.
Hi, what is the brand for the green sand?
OH! That might be what I messed up. I didnt sift before doing the soil blocks
Ah!! Sifting is super helpful!!
@@Blossomandbranch Tomatoes do seem to be germinating but not like yours! LOL
I can’t find greensand either but I have some azomite. Do you think just a 1:1 substitution will be good?
Help please, the 2 inch soil blocks crumble when picked up. I am using 2 parts Coco Loco and 1 part Compost, the mix is wet but not soaking wet.
What do you suggest for raised beds?
What brand of soil do you use in your raised beds?
Great channel. Got to ask what is green sand, never heard of it in uk.😃
They are mineral ocean deposits from thousands of years ago when seas receded, used in gardening for mineral and mike fertilizer/soil conditioner :)
Where do you find green sand? I'm in the U.S.
The leaves are actually yellowing in the mix you just made as well. I wouldn’t say they’re doing that great.
Maybe bigger blocks would’ve been better? Maybe actually add some fertilizer since they look like they’re about 2-3 inches tall and have they’re true leaves.
That’s actually to do with the plant, it is a trait of stock to do that if too warm before planting.
Hey I can't find green sand can I use kelp meal instead?
Checkout our updated video!
Where can I find the sifter you use? I’ve looked for a link and can’t find one - sorry! I also use buckets, so it would be super handy to have something that nests in there. Thanks so much for these videos and the recipes!! I’m so pleased with soil blocking so far ❤ I’m a Colorado Native currently adjusting to a 9 month growing period down here in west Texas.
Amazon has it
I don't have access to Coco loco. Would organic seed starting mix, Coco coir and green sand work?
I wouldn’t use seed starting mix plus coco coir, it would be unnecessary to “ lighten” seed starting mix like you do potting soil-try seeking out the highest quality potting soil you can and follow the same steps!
@@Blossomandbranch I've purchased a large amount of seed starting mix, I can't invest in more potting soil. I switched from seed starting trays to soil blocking mid stream. Will seed starting mix and green sand, alone, do the job?
Where I live a small bag of that Coco loco is 30.00 and coco coir is 17.00. I’ve been everywhere even the next state over to try to find greensand and nobody has it. Some only have it in 50pounds bags. It’s starting to bum me out. I don’t want to order online, shipping is so expensive.
Interesting! I wonder if there’s a shortage! You can omit it if needed. The recipe will still work without.
Do you buy the coco loco locally or online? I bought some online recently and paid over $45.
Locally!
Have you tried anything in place of the greensand? That's the one ingredient I'm having a hard time sourcing. Would sand or vermiculite work too?
You can omit if you can’t source it!
@@Blossomandbranch thank you!!
I use Azomite in place of greensand.
@@katiedid84 thank you! I will have to try that instead!
Where do you get the greensand (in Colorado)?
I found some on Amazon, but seems pricey.
Try 5280 garden supply!
I found greensand!😃👍🤣
Sea gulls? Why are there sea gulls in CO?
No idea!!
They might be the “land gulls” that are the state bird of Utah. Why is a seagull the state bird of Utah? No idea, but we have them flying around here, too.
We have some here in Albuquerque, too! Very strange to see and hear as someone who grew up in Southern California. 😊
@@katemaria1 Agreed! I grew up in Southern California too and it is so strange to have them around.
Can someone give uk alternatives
A small quantity of wool pellets is too expensive. A large bag of Pitt Moss is affordable.
Yes, but I still have many concerns about PFAS in pittmoss. They have not been forthcoming with me on it.
@@Blossomandbranch Oh Bree! I was wondering why you weren’t using Pitt Moss and went back to the coconut coir. Thanks for clarifying! I missed the change somewhere. I was going to use sheep pellets but like others, I felt it was too expensive. So I went with the Pitt Moss. I am trying it without the green sand, but I expect I will get some yet this season, or for sure by fall planting. Will see how it all goes. I’m hoping for the best. I’ve tried a lot of soil experiments and am still trying. My experience has been dismal at best. Again you showed how the right soil makes all the difference.. I’m gaining hope and confidence. Thank you for your follow up! Your experiments are always fascinating and informative.
@@jimkingsland1645 I started with the mini blocker last month and got 100% germination of spinach but 75% on the tomatoes with the five cell blocker. I used the same mix (commercial) for starting seeds in cell trays. This month, I am making the mix and planting in the mini. Too little water may have slowed down the germination with the tomatoes. These soil blocks can dry out very fast.
@@MilliePat Thanks for the info! This is my first venture into soil blocking. I am starting with the five cell, but I have noted a lot of people are using the mini blocker. So I’ll probably be getting one of those-and possibly the two inch four cell later.
@@jimkingsland1645 very good
The aversion to peat is laughable. It's more sustainable than our forestry industry. The peat bogs in Canada are immense and replenished. You've been sold a bag of lies. Like that channel though.
It’s a personal decision to use peat moss or coconut coir . Because both have their pros and cons. I agree with farmers who use the commercial mixes as well as farmers who make their mixes. It basically comes down to what a person can afford for soil block mixes
I’ll listen to the scientists and ecologists on that one. Talk down at me but the simple fact is there are good alternatives and the harvest of peat decimates vital ecosystems and releases tons of carbon.
www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/news/peat-bogs-tougher-than-thought-still-vulnerable-environmental-change
@@Blossomandbranch I didn't talk down. I just think you're wrong and the anti peat diatribe is tiresome. I do like your content. The ecologists disagree on the impact of peat.
@@Blossomandbranch you're not the only one who listens to scientists. I'm trained in biochemistry. People can disagree , even educated people. My comment was more aimed at continual dismissive attitude about peat in your content. It alienates viewers, but it's your channel so obviously content is up to you. Considering toning down the anti peat rhetoric is my suggestion.