There is a confusing array of materials that can be used to start seeds. Artificial materials that do not include soil can be vermiculite, peat moss, amended soil mixes, and a whole list of other growing media.
Whatever you use, just keep in mind that the growing medium should be somewhat fine and uniform in texture, but it should also be loose and well-aerated.
You also shouldn’t have insects, disease organisms or weed seeds in the growing medium.
These are pretty obvious requirements. But did you know that the seed growing mixture should also be low in fertility, capable of holding and moving water and have no or very little soluble salts?
Here are two great recipes for creating a growing medium:
Using soil
- One-third sterilized soil
- one-third sand, vermiculite or perlite,
- one-third peat moss.
Besides being readily available, these materials are also relatively lightweight and help produce a very uniform plant growth. They are also generally free of weed seeds, insects and diseases.
Soil-less Growing Media
If you would like to create your own soil-less mix, you can follow this recipe:
- 4 quarts shredded sphagnum peat moss
- 4 quarts vermiculite (fine grade)
- 1 tablespoon super-phosphate
- 2 tablespoons ground limestone
- Mix thoroughly.
Since these mixtures have very few nutritional qualities, you’re going to need to put nutrients into the soil once the seedling breaks through the ground. Once the seedlings have emerged, water them well with a diluted fertilizer solution.
Do not use regular garden soil alone to start seedlings. It’s heavy, and isn’t sterile, and generally doesn’t drain well. If you’re going to sow directly into the garden, make sure you have loosened, aerated, and added vermiculite and/or peat moss to the soil.
Related Articles:
- Choosing and handling seeds
- Understanding your environment
- Seed Plant containers
- When to plant seeds
- How to Start Seeds
