Starting seeds can be not only one of the most rewarding ways but also one of the least expensive to grow many plants in your garden. One such method that has gained much popularity with gardeners is by using soil blocks. Essentially, it is just a compacted cube of soil that acts as the growing medium and container for the seed. This does away with plastic pots, minimizes transplant shock, and does produce far healthier root systems. In this article, we will cover how to make your own soil blocks and what they can do for your seed starting.

Benefits of Soil Blocks

Before we get into the process of making soil blocks, let’s get a solid understanding of what they do:

1. Less Transplant Shock: The roots in the block are free to grow outward in their natural form, as opposed to growing in a circle within the confines of a container. The results are a much healthier root system with less transplant shock when seedlings are transplanted out into the garden.
2. Air Pruning: Exposing the edges of soil blocks to air will prune the roots and prevent them from circling and becoming root-bound as often occurs in traditional pots.
3. No Plastic Waste: Soil blocks do not use plastic seed trays or pots and thus are eco-friendly.
4. Better Water Retention and Drainage Properties: The mix of soil that is used for the blocks retains moisture but also offers good drainage, allowing the seeds the best chance of germination.
5. Space Efficiency: Soil blocks can be placed very close to each other, utilizing as much of your growing area as possible.

Materials Needed for DIY Soil Blocks

To raise soil blocks, you will require the following materials:

1. Soil Block Maker: This can either be bought online or simply made at home with basic tools.
2. Soil Mix: Particular soil mix is required for preparing the soil block. It has to be finely textured and capable of holding its shape on compression.
3. Water: For wetting the soil mix.
4. Mixing Soil Container: This will require a large tub or bucket for mixing the soil and water.
5. Tray: For laying the prepared blocks in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soil Blocks

1. Preparing the Soil Mix

As it were, the first step in making a soil block is preparing the mix. A good soil mix for soil blocks should be fine in texture and able to hold water without compromising the drainage. Here is a simple recipe for soil block mix:

1. 2 parts peat moss/coir: Provides the base, helps retain moisture.
2. 1 part garden soil/compost: Adds nutrients, improves structure.
3. 1 part perlite/sand: Provides good drainage and aeration.
4. 1 part worm castings/well-rotted compost: Gives it organic matter and nutrients.

Mix well in a large container: Once the dry ingredients are mixed, slowly add water and mix until the soil is moist but not soggy. The soil should hold together when squeezed without dripping water.

2. Fill the Soil Block Maker

Now, take your soil block maker and press it into the moistened soil mix. Be sure the soil is packed tightly into the maker so solid blocks are formed. You can use a small, handheld soil block maker or one of the larger models that makes several blocks at one time.

3. Form the Soil Blocks

Fill the soil block maker with the mix and place it on the tray that you are using for your blocks. Press the handle or lever of the block maker down to release the blocks. These blocks should hold their shape and feel firm to the touch.

4. Create Planting Indentations

Most soil block makers include an indentation tool that makes a small depression at the top of each block. This is where you would place your seeds. If your block maker doesn’t have this, you can just make indentations with a small tool or even your finger.

5. Planting the Seeds

Place one or two seeds in the dimple of each block. Cover the seeds lightly with a small amount of mix or vermiculite. Your blocks should be labeled with variety and date planted.

6. Water and Maintain the Soil Blocks

After planting, lightly but thoroughly water the soil blocks with a misting spray bottle or a watering can with a fine spout. The soil blocks must be kept moist, not soggy. Place the tray of soil blocks in a warm and bright location—this could be on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

Tips for Successful Soil Blocking

1. Uniform Moisture: Keep the soil blocks consistently moist. They may dry out quite quickly due to the exposed edges, hence monitoring will be required.
2. Appropriate Light: Give the seedlings adequate light. If they are not getting enough light naturally then use growing lights as they will contribute to their correct development.
3. Thinning: In case there is more than one seed that has germinated in the same block, thin them out leaving the most vigorous seedling.
4. Transplanting: When the seedlings are large enough, do not meddle with the roots of the plants in the soil blocks. Plant the entire block in your garden or larger container.

How to Build a DIY Soil Block Maker

If you are a DIY kind of person, you can easily make your homemade DIY soil block maker. Here is a simple guide on making a hand-held DIY soil block maker:

Materials Needed

Materials

1. PVC pipe or metal tubing, for the body of the block maker
2. Wooden dowel or handle, for pressing the soil mix
3. Glue or screws, for assembly
4. Cutting tool, for cutting the pipe or tubing

Instructions

1. Cut the Pipe: Cut a piece of PVC pipe or metal tubing to your desired length. This length will be the height of your finished soil blocks.
2. Build the Plunger: Cut wooden dowel or any other suitable material of the internal dimension of the pipe. This shall serve as a plunger to pack the soil mix.
3. Fix the Handle: Glue or screw the handle onto the plunger. The handle shall be long enough that the user can have leverage during the compression of soil.
4. Assembly: Use the plunger in the pipe and check that it slides freely. You have now constructed a basic hand-held soil block maker.

Conclusion:

One highly effective and sustainable method to raise your plants at the beginning of their life cycle is through making soil blocks for seed starting. In this article, we’re going to walk you through creating your own soil blocks to get all the advantages that come with them in your gardening. Be it by purchasing a ready-made block maker or doing it yourself, this technique will enrich your seed-starting experience and give life to a more healthy and productive garden.