Just a really quick update about some of the new seed starting options we’re trying this, and it’s all because of you guys! So thanks (as always) for the tips, advice, feedback, and support!
VIDEO: Quick update: Soil Blocking, Wooden Trays, and Winter sowing!
Just a really quick update about some of the new seed starting options we’re trying this, and it’s all because of you guys! So thanks (as always) for the tips, advice, feedback, and support!
Wth. Saw a new video, got a snack and drink to sit down and enjoy this and was over before i even started. Toooo short
Would love to help with that darn fence! Living in southern Ontario as well. Let me know.
Where did you learn to make these amazing animations? Could you do a video about how you do them? I love your work! Greetings from Germany
Can I get a bit more information on those bottles?
You will not look back. I've been using the soil blocker and paper pots for three seasons now and I cannot be happier. No plastic! Only strong happy seedlings….and no transplant shock! Happy planting.
I’m so excited you guys are trying soul blocking, there are only a few gardeners that I really trust the opinion of (because they are as particular as I am). I know you’ll do a thorough review!
I really enjoy this channel, please upload more regularly!
You could use this idea … soil blocks without soil blocks machine, freaking simple (in French btw but the video alone is understandable) => https://youtu.be/_jYHtqIy0QY
I look forward to hearing if you have success with winter sowing or not, I'm giving it a try this year based on a video series on a YouTube channel called Esther's Gardening Adventures 🙂
We tried the soil blocker route… for us it was a waist of money… Unless you invest is a very low (read zero) pressure misting system, have access to good quality clay soil, or spend money on either plaster of Paris, or gypsum (Both of which will eventually mean having to amend for pH) the soil blocks fall apart into nothing. The press itself cannot take 300lb of force, and that is not enough force to press starting mix or potting soil… I know several commercial growers, all of whom tried and abandoned this process long ago, BUT, on the other hand, if you decide that you like it, let me know, and if I haven't already given away mine by then, I'll see about getting it to you!
Excited to see the results!
Have you seen this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPP4Ilpxso When I watched it, I thought, "Derrick needs to see this!"
Merci from Montreal, Canada.
I’m looking forward to seeing you use the soil blocker.
The graphics are great but miss seeing the real videos.
There is a bit of a learning curve on the soil blocker but I absolutely love mine!
I have not used the soil blocker since I have issues with hand strength and a slim pocketbook! I saw a video of someone forming them by hand and that method has worked for me. My equivalent to the 2" and 4" blocks resemble small and large avocados or pears! I make mini blocks using a small condiment plastic "cup" – they are small enough to fit in an 18 egg container so I take up very little space in case seeds don't germinate. I had a few clear egg cartons so they act as mini-terrariums letting in light while keeping moisture in. When it is time to step up, I mold the 2" "avocado" around the mini then again when I step up to the last size before going outdoors. It does take longer than using a soil blocker but I find it relaxing and I'm not usually in a hurry. The air-pruning creates dense roots that I can toss a soil block from hand to hand without it falling apart and the pear-shape provides nice air flow. My first soil mix was peat, perlite, vermiculite, composted soil and worked well…basically the Eliot Coleman recipe with a few tweaks. The second batch included a small amount of coconut coir and held up also but I will leave it out next time. Good luck! I enjoy your videos! Thanks!
No, no. Thank YOU for uploading. (BTW, I must have missed the "winter sowing" video, cause…ummm… what is that you dem be doin there with dem plastic containers in the snow?)
But plastic causes a mimick estrogen hormone…just sos ya know…it ain't all that great when ya have to get testosterone shots to reverse it ! Gone back to cast iron ,stainless steel and glass…no mo plastic crap ! Cheers ! Love your work ! Just my 2 cents !!
I have been using soil blockers for about 11 years now and wouldn't use any other method for seed-starting. I find that placing the blocks in trays without drainage is just fine. I often water the trays between & around the blocks, and let the water syphon upward into the soil. In addition to the soil blocker you've shown here, I also use the "maxi" size, which is about 4" x 4" with a hole the size of these 2" blocks in the center. The small blocks fits right into the larger one. For a few plants which require a bit more time indoors, this is an easy way to transplant to the next size up. Since we are at 9,000 ft in the Colorado Rockies (USDA Zone 4b) with frost-free days from June 15 – Sept 15, I need to give most plants a good head start. This is done in our heated greenhouse. I often start the seedlings in the 2" blocks, transplant them into the greenhouse beds for 2-4 weeks, then dig them up to transplant outdoors when the time is right. After starting in these blocks, they are easy to dig up for transplant. Occasional minor mishaps are not usually a problem. Conventionally, it is not recommended to start things like bean or beet seedlings indoors because they don't transplant well. However, I ALWAYS start them indoors with these blocks and they do much better than beans or beets direct seeded in the ground. Thanks the great videos, I've just subscribed!
I wonder if the mixed reviews on soil blocking is to do with the seed raising mix people use for it, could you try an experiment like adding some clay to the medium to see if it help to keep the blocky form better?
Thanks for all the videos you make, the editing and production doesn't go unappreciated!
Biggest thing to keep in mind is having the soil very wet when pressing blocks. You'll quickly figure out the right amount of moisture. If you get that right they won't collapse/break off/disintegrate.
Please consider adding your channel to Rumble
It’s no good !
I couldn’t wait to see how you got on blocking so I bought a couple of blockers too. Made my first mud pies yesterday ! They stayed as blocks …..well, for 18 hours they have
I ordered one and when it came the block size was less than one inch!!