A Seed Starting Experiment - Peat Moss v. Coco Coir: Who Won, Environmental Concerns, Your Choice

How well do seed starts grow in these mediums. We all have concerns about the environment. Peat Moss carries sustainability concerns. Coco Coir carries carbon and deforestation concerns. My experiment is to see how plants grow in them. I pick the 50-50 mix. Plants like them all!
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[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

My New Book, Podcasts, Amazon Store, and Seed & Garden Shop The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-Sufficiency in Any Size Backyard. You can find it at these different locations... Thanks 4 the Support! Amazon: https:amzn.to/3Hfejue Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-modern-homestead-garden-gary-pilarchik/1137153105?ean=9780760368176 Books A Million: www.booksamillion.com/p/Modern-Homestead-Garden/Gary-Pilarchik/9780760368176?id=7961563419439# An Autographed Copy of my book is at my seed and garden shop: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=book My seed and garden shop can be found www.therustedgarden.com You can find my new Gardening Podcast here. I am doing 45 minute podcasts now with CaliKim called 'Gardening Coast2Coast Podcasts' gardeningcoast2coast.net/ You can also find our podcasts here on Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com/1846799 There are several options to chose from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden I have Neem Oil, Peppermint Oil, Sprayers, Seeds and so much more at my shop...Please check out my Seed & Garden Shop for your gardening needs at www.therustedgarden.com

[@rfarmstead3087]

I used to use peat moss and then I switched to Coco coir this year. The biggest difference I can see is root structure. The roots on my Coco coir plants are twice as big as what my peat moss was. They may look similar on the surface but the difference is under.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good to know. I am. working on a mix of peat, coco and vermiculite. Getting close. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@rfarmstead3087]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN I appreciate all of your experiments and I am definitely considering the 50-50 mix for my tomato plants that I have not started yet.

[@zakiya1635]

@R Farms read thanks for the added detail. This was helpful to make a decision between the two.

[@johnreeves3380]

Home run for the experimenting. Another great tip from Gary and thank you. Made a note in your book for next year, Page 60, starred the 3:3:1, 3 parts peat, 3 parts Coco, 1 part vermiculite. I admire your curiosity, experimenting and sure do appreciate the great lessons learned from your sharing.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Always fun to see what happens. Yeah I think I am go to stick with the 50-50 and vermiculite going forward. Nothing like seeing the proof in how stuff grows. Thanks again for the book support. Check Out the Retractable Hose I Use & Recommend from HOSELINK at glnk.io/0kvw/therustedgarden & Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@JeremyLoomes]

😢​@@THERUSTEDGARDEN

[@brianseybert2189]

I have been experimenting with home made 2 year old leaf mold and perlite as a seed starter. So far everything is doing great. No damping off disease or fungus gnats (being my main concerns). Starting my peppers today and will compare peat vs leaf mold. The other plants were all started with leaf mold. My 6 week old tomatoes are about 8" tall and very robust. Potted up one time and fed worm casting extract.

[@watermelonlalala]

Reading the comments for "the third ingredient" GP wants to find.

[@brianseybert2189]

@@watermelonlalala Perhaps? It's working so far for me. The only problem is it takes so long to make good leaf mold. Last year I double shredded the leaves two years ago I just piled them up. A lot of maintenance turning and adding moisture.

[@watermelonlalala]

@@brianseybert2189 Yes. I have a big oak tree and for decades I stupidly bagged the leaves. A few years ago I got into gardening and I made some hard-wire enclosures to hold the leaves. I never got scientific about it, though. I move the bin and take from the bottom, which stays wet, when I want some mold. Mostly I shred the leaves and use them on my hard packed clay yard. But this time of year I can see the hard pack is still there, worms don't churn everything up into nice soil like I thought they would.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Very interesting. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@brianseybert2189]

@@watermelonlalala We have heavy clay soil here in south central WI. My leaf mold enclosure is adjacent to my compost operation. I end up bringing in a good # of worms with the leaf mold. The leaf mold is primarily a fungal decomposition, although some people ad some nitrogen to kick start the pile. I do not. I have had success breaking up a couple garden areas using daikon radishes the year before. Some of the roots went down more than a foot in my heavy clay soil. I planted some more last Sep.

[@vansgardens2304]

Great video. I’ve been using coir/perlite approximately 80/20 for starting mix for a couple years and love it. In my opinion the best thing about coir is how readily it water compared to peat.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@kele1264]

Great experiment! Thanks for taking the time and effort to show us peat moss vs coco coir. Everything is a compromise. Maybe something angelic will come along someday that hurts nothing and pleases everyone.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

LOL maybe but we will see Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@sshuggi]

Coir is neutral ph and peat is slightly acidic. Most plants prefer that acidity, at least once they're established. However, peat becomes hydrophobic when it dries, potentially making for poor watering. The mix gives some acidity but wets better.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah I am liking the 50-50. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@suffolkshepherd]

Good experiment. Another thing about Coco Coir that I have read is that it has a lot of salt content and that is bad for vegetation. I seen some Coir that is advertised washed to remove salt but that made it really high priced. Good video and looking forward to more as this gets sorted out.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@karenluck7273]

I switched to coco coir + vermiculite this year after last year’s horrible fungus gnat infestation. And yes, I sterilized the peat-based mix last year. I have had no bugs at all this year, my seedlings have germinated without any problems (knock wood), and their root systems are very healthy as shown when potting them up. I buy coco coir in the 10lb bricks, rehydrate in a storage tub, and store in that same tub.

[@rm709]

Are you doing a 1:1 ratio? Thanks for the helpful comment!

[@karenluck7273]

@@rm709 I’ve been using 1 part coco coir to 1 part vermiculite for seed starting. I add 1 part worm castings for potting-up mix (my homemade compost is saved for the garden itself)

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That works Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@LadyMaryanne]

Wow! A fabulous video. Very detailed, non-baised. Great idea to do a 50/50 mix. Thanks a bunch💐

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share it Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Good morning, Gary. I enjoy using both of them. Whichever is on hand.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good Morning! Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@LaRa-youknowit]

One thing to consider is the 50/50 mix it the center probably got more water and fertilizer due to it being in the center of the tray. I know that those tray tend to bow in the center and the plants on the edges are at time drier. But loved the video, it’s what I wanted to know.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good point. GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@rudimentalgardening]

I use peat moss strictly because of availability and convenience. When I can go to a nursery or big box store and buy a 3 cu. Ft. bale of coco coir at the same price as peat, I will consider it. I have done my research on the two products and have no qualms using peat moss.

[@martykerns3802]

There’s an environmental impact that is worth understanding.

[@juneramirez8580]

I understand coir has to be washed to get high salt content off. So add the water cost and waste to that.

[@rudimentalgardening]

@@martykerns3802 As I said, I did my research and know the impacts on both sides. People have been lead to believe coco coir production has little or no impact on the world, that is completely false. My supply of peat comes from Canada which has an impressive collection of peat bogs, fens and swamps covering around 17% of their land mass (175 million hectares). They have appointed a exclusive counsel to oversee the care, harvesting and production of their peat to maintain a balance between business demands and nature's production.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

The price is starting to come down too. That is why I did the experiment. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@PamsPrettyPlants]

Awesome experiment! I use a 50/50 with perlite for my soil blocks and it’s served me very well.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Nice Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@ammiedoering4205]

Great experiment

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

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[@conniedavidson1807]

So glad you are doing this experiment. I'm very interested to see which grows better.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

50 50 mix is for me now Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@joanies6778]

Just bought a 16 quart bag of organic seed starting mix comprised of coco coir and vermiculite at Walmart for $6.97. I cannot make my own for that price so I snatched it up. I'd have to buy huge bags just to make the little I need, and it's much cheaper than the bags I used to buy, 8 quarts for $4.97.

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

-Please let us know what brand of 16qt seed starting mix, thanks.- Never mind, I think I just found it, Burpee 16qt seed starting mix is at our local Walmart right now for $6.74 I've only seen 8qt and 12qt until now, thanks for the heads up!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah I saw that bag. The price came down and thats why I said now is time for the experiment. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@NuggetFarm2011]

Great vlog Gary. Thank you for doing this experiment.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@citygirlcountry3913]

Perfect timing. I'm getting ready to start my mix.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Im perfecting mine Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@BState]

I've had made a similar experiment also and 50/50 with about 25% perlite performed the best of the best. Since then, I'm using only that. There are a lot of reasons to mix the two, one of them is that coco coir helps to combat peat's hydrophobic state when dried, another one is that the mix helps to stabilize PH as needed.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

50 50 looks good Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@rfarmstead3087]

And basically we have food shortages coming so I want the biggest strongest plants with good root structure. I’m willing to put forth a little extra money for the Coco coir now because I know those vegetables are going to be triple the price this summer then they were last summer.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Growing your own is a great skill to have Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@robinmiller1783]

Progression vlog was great. Would love more of this format.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

When I can for sure Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@charliemaddox3226]

I've been using leaf mold for seed starting. That might be a good 3rd ingredient for you to try. The leaf mold I use is true well decomposed leaf mold that has broken down for 2 years, so it's not just shredded leaves, leaf mulch, or leaf compost. It's just leaves that have been fungally decomposed without turning or the addition of any high nitrogen materials.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Ill try it out. Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@honeygolightly7889]

Center cells in a tray tend to do slightly better than outside cells, as there is less temperature variance and less moisture loss.

[@Judten1]

Great experiment! Thank you for your time.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

ditto

[@Shelzbells]

Interesting. I started using coco coir last year and I really like. I even prefer it over peat if I had a choice. The coco coir is quite a bit more then peat cost wise

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cost is a factor for sure Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@LoveandPeace1971]

What a great experiment Gary!!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@David-fv7zg]

I had a thought, instead of coir or peat, why not straight vermiculite or perlite. Can be used over and over again, and may be easier to separate plants when transplanting.

[@anneishaseaton3186]

I've even seen a few gardeners on KZbin advocate using plain sand to start seeds in for the same reasons you gave here.

[@juneramirez8580]

I tried using all three straight and went back to mixing my own. Seems to work better for me. I have not used coir yet.

[@David-fv7zg]

@@anneishaseaton3186 that's not a bad idea.

[@anneishaseaton3186]

@@juneramirez8580 I understand. There are so many factors and environmental conditions that interplay in the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings that no one method works for everyone. It's still great to know that there are so many options though.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Vermiculite maybe but perilite is too course. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@UltrahotPeppers]

Great video! I have always used Pro-Mix BX or a mix of Pro-Mix BX and Fox Farms Happy Frog 50/50 with about 10% added perlite. Speaking strictly of starting hot pepper seeds, a friend talked me into using Root Riot plant starter cubes this season and the results have been fantastic with faster growth and over 90% germination rates. There's an extra expense using these plugs but my goal was 50 seedlings and I'm currently at 65 so more than I planned. I thought the Root Riot method sounded a bit crazy, but so far it's been very quick and easy, and as I said I only grow hot peppers.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thats new to me. Ill check it out Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@johnroydelacruz1433]

Wow! Very interesting experiment. I hope you can make another one

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Ill work on more Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@urbanohiogardener]

Thanks Gary, good & helpful comparison

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@z1z2z3z]

I usually use pro-mix for seeds (peat, perlite, lime for PH buffering) its the cheapest and works well, this year I tried Jiffy seed starter which is coco+peat with vermiculite and perlite, did not see a noticeable difference. Note on coco: some brands are not "Buffered" meaning they will absorb and lock in calcium and magnesium which could cause a deficiency early on.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Join this channel to get access to Perk Memberships which focus on providing small live garden mentoring, classes, and member influenced videos: kzbin.info/door/ptL6_qMImyW_yZwiMjQdpgjo Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@shoppysharp9355]

great experiment! Coco coir adds less acidity to the soil - so better for most plants, especially starts... no need for lime to compensate peat moss's lower PH

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please subscribe if you have a chance (Thanks!) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. Please subscribe as it really helps me in making videos.

[@lgarden7086]

I’m going with what I have on hand …. Did you mix 5 to 1 vermiculite in all your starting mixes? It’s amazing to see the growth each week.🙏

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thats about right for my ratio. Sometimes a bit more vermiculite. Still working on it

[@Judten1]

Great experiment! Now we know. Thank you.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Was always curious. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

Well heck, I just loved this. I have not used coco coir because it's just not easily available in my area. Also, I have heard concerns of "salt" in the coir. Not sure if that is valid; your seed starts appear to dispel that. Thank you!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Salt was an old issue but it is pretty much fully washed. Check for that. Coir has gotten better and gone down in price Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@jackiehorsley9263]

everything you grew there looked pretty good I like to grow my seedling in Burpee seed starting mix I used to use Jiffy all natural and organic seed starting mix My seeding seem to grow well In Burpee mix

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

The Burpee this year is pretty good Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@79PoisonBreaker]

I've been playing with coco coir for a number of years and for me coco is best seed starter and peat is superior potting mix. 🍻👍

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Sounds fair Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@robertsanders339]

Been using sand .. works great .. but thanks for all u do

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Interesting Check Out the Retractable Hose I Use & Recommend from HOSELINK at glnk.io/0kvw/therustedgarden & Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@harrymyhero]

The biggest difference was not noted here. When you water peat vs coco, the coco immediately absorbs the water, and the water on the peat sits there forever before it soaks in the top 1/2 inch, and the bottom of the cell is still dry. I absolutely have to bottom water peat cells a ton to use them.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Hydrated the peat well before putting it in your seed cells. I have video on sterilizing the mix. Anyway, once moist it absorb quickly going forward Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden

[@harrymyhero]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN I have always pre-moistened my seed starting mix. It doesn’t stay moist in the cells though

[@jeaniemario2093]

Nice experiment. I've always used peat but am liking the idea of the coco coir bricks with less fungus get issues. I hope to apply it to making my own potting mixes, because I am experimenting with growing more indoors in my sunroom this year to try to extend my growing season, but I don't want to have as many problem with gnats from peat based mixes.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cheers to no gnats Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@marymiller-crews1307]

Great info, thanks!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@desertgardener777]

Just grow your own coconut tree if your zone allows it. Coco coir is the brown husk that surrounds the actual coconut shell and is shredded to make coir; no need to cut down the tree. Look up videos on how coconuts are peeled. We do it everyday in the tropics.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Well if you have the right temps and machinery. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@lioneloconnor4785]

Hi, what's the difference between perlite and vermiculite, in the mix? Thanks for sharing!🌾🐾

[@vengenaceearly255]

Thank you Gary for helping me. I am assuming you are putting half a teaspoon of FE per gallon for the pot ups. Your channel has really gotten me interest in many things about gardening that I have never done before. Now I am considering composting. I like your Tractor Supply Tumbler the best. Going to pick one up. A little pricey but I think it's worth it ..considering the price of compost these days.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So maybe 1/2 tablespoon of FE at most. I think the version i had said 2 tablespoons per gallon. Any way about 1/4 or 1/2 dose. I like the tumbler for some fast compost. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@camlobesvtec]

Great experiment. I hear play sand works too.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I havent tried that. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@watermelonlalala]

I was wondering about sand. I think I tried it a few years ago and it didn't work, but I forgot to keep notes on it.

[@camlobesvtec]

Gary Gary hes our man if he can't do it no one can lol Maybe Gary can try that experiment.

[@camlobesvtec]

Beans, peas and something called a kale tree grow well in sand. Just rinse out the sand. For seedlings only.

[@johnoshiro8885]

Excellent!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@bonnies1405]

I know this is off topic. When do I start changing my lights from always on to on for 12 to 14 hours and off the rest of the time? This is the first time I've ever tried starting my own seedlings and I'm so excited!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Well its a a range but after plants have been growing 2-4 weeks. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@jeanneleongmitchell1375]

Doesn't coir have a lot of salt in it?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It could but most is really washed now. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@brandonsloan5716]

nice! I'm currently conducting the same exact experiment!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck. Experimenting is cool Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@mountaincreekhomestead]

Coco coir attracts gnats like crazy!!!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Hmmm. I am hearing the opposite. Do you think it needs to be sterilized too. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@alwayspropagating9146]

I have always used coco coir but this year I got lazy and grabbed some peat based seed starting mix from the store for my first round of seedlings. HUGE mistake. Full of fungus gnats and have to be way more careful to avoid mold. I hate it and will never use it again.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Interesting. Ill be doing the 50 50 mix Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@vengenaceearly255]

That is very interesting experiment. I always wanted to try Coco Coir , but its a little pricey when compared with peat moss. I noticed you use fish emulsion fertilizer when you pot up. My guess is its a weak solution. How much do you use per gallon of water ? Thanks again for the work.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Like 1/2 FE in the gallon. Weak for sure. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@marymccormick7806]

Gary- did you list what seeds you started in this? If in comments- I’ll scroll down. Interesting. May but the sale bag. I’ll use your result 50/50 if I mix. Thx

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I will put it in. I forgot actually Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@TheMash84]

HI Gary, thanks a lot for your video! As usual very thorough and informative. I'm growing mediterranean herbs indoors starting from seeds and I've been using a ready bag seed start mix with coco coir, sand and wetting agent. Although I would like to do my own seed start mix and discovered coco coir block recently. I won't probably use the whole amount of the block at once, so I was wondering if these blocks can be break down into smaller pieces before wetting them. If I had to use the whole block I'd probably end to put it a plastic bag the unused amount and being moist will probably create mold and fungi issues. Thanks for your help!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can break them into pieces if you wish. If you have extra, once expanded, let it dry out before storing it. Join this channel to get access to perks which focus on garden mentoring and member influenced videos: kzbin.info/door/ptL6_qMImyW_yZwiMjQdpgjoin You can find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! at www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com Please subscribe if you have a chance (Thanks!)

[@msb8013]

I didn't see vermiculite in the soil book. It is available at big box stores?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Its hard to find right now but usually there Please subscribe as it really helps me & please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim.

[@BNJBarber]

Any reason you don’t add a good compost? You prefer a sterile soil?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Chance of insect eggs. For seed starts, I am just going for transplants. I add all the good stuff in later. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@starmountaingardens]

I commented on one of your last videos, so I don't want to double post my question for an answer. But this is a great experiment. I keep wondering if my issues are soil based or low humidity. I wait for the top soil to dry out, but then my humidity drops very low...like 10%.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I might have missed that question. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@freddysart4005]

How about just miracle grow potting soil??

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It works but I dont think it's worth the money. Just a little fertilizer in it. You can add you own fert and get a cheaper brand

[@julieb9215]

I’ve seen a guy here on KZbin use ground up leaves as his seed starting mix.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

In theory it would work but Im not sure how to do it. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@hiltonbrooks7532]

Off topic question. What are your thoughts about square feet gardening? I have seen multiple channels regarding this. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It works. The principles help organize your garden. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@williamcorbitt7060]

Gary, where is your Vermisterra code? I dont see it in the description.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Therustedgarden is the code. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@kathsflowerpatch5220]

Hi Gary! Can you please help me out? I have some pepper seedlings that obviously stared super early that they outgrown the hight of the grow light. My temperatures at night are in the low 40's. So I wonder if I can transition them to outdoors with a frost protection overnight. Help please.......

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can if frost isn't around. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@jeanneleongmitchell1375]

another question: for the 50/50 peat & coir. how much vermiculite do you add? or it's just peat & coir? Thks!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Im still work on it but generally., 2 parts coir 2 parts peat.... 1 part vermiculite. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@hosomaki]

With peat moss in the mix, do you need to correct the pH?? Thx!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont but peat seems to vary. You can put in some light lime if you want. Check Out the Retractable Hose I Use & Recommend from HOSELINK at glnk.io/0kvw/therustedgarden & Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@jameslamont9672]

Don’t you add lime to the peat moss because of the acidity?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can. I found the acidity was over hyped to be honest. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@blacksmithden]

I'd love to try coco, but where I am, the stuff is SIX TIMES the cost of peatmoss. Ummmm.....nope.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It is too expensive in my opinion. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@minibite3]

Peatmoss have lower pH so u should compare after u add some lime.

[@juneramirez8580]

I have very alkaline soil so I add the peat

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim