6 Tips for Making a Professional Seed Starting/Potting Mix (Full Recipe & All the Steps)

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I don't watch your channel as much as I used to years ago when I was a "beginner" but I'm still subscribed & thought id watch when this popped up... I just want to say your videos REALLY helped when I was first starting out! Back then, there weren't a lot of gardeners making youtube videos/content & your videos helped a lot! 😊

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So glad you stuck with gardening and are having success! Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@rosaliefoster5944]

Thank you. This is a great looking seed starting mix. I'm going to use it for my fall seeds.

[@anainjamul2056]

Hi Gary! I just recently subscribed to your channel even though I live in zone 10a in San Diego Co. I didn't think we'd have much in common since our zones are so different, but there's so much to learn from you. Thank you for all your informative videos and your common sense approach. Even though I've been gardening for awhile and I don't have deer or snow or even much rain for that matter I really enjoy you. You're such a great teacher! Thank you! Ana

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah you can just adjust planting times but the principles are the same. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@billydunlop7967]

Hi Gary Thanks for all the amazing info you relay to us all you really are a pleasure to watch I’ve subscribed and as I live in New Zealand I’m definitely in a different zone but I have learned so much from you and really being a beginner every video you share I learn so thank you so much and keep them coming bro 🍻👍

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Until earlier this year, I had no idea I would find fungus gnats in potting soil. But twice this spring I opened up a small bag of potting mix inside the house, only to have fungus gnats fly out. Never again! Definitely a good idea to sterilize if using indoors. Nowadays seems most things are not as good or safe as they used to be.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

They are tough for sure Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. 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 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more!

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

I always come back for your tips again and again, thanks

[@sigomy333]

Will this work for container gardening? TY for this i lobe all of your suggestions!

[@genevabrown450]

I spread a tarp and dump my bulk ingredients, mix with a shovel and I got starter medium enough for the season, like you I go through 20+ cl trays every season...

[@thegardenandi2586]

Thank you so much for this video. It’s almost that time of year for spring plantings again and this is what I needed

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@ginobass66]

Just ordered 2 10 lb bags of the Vermisterra premium worm castings using your code. Awesome Thanks gino

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It is good stuff. 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

[@pearljamin]

I bought a turn barrel composter on clearance last year solely for mixing mediums 😊

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thats a good find. 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 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 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!

[@melissashepard3338]

Thank you for keeping it simple! This is exactly the information that I was looking for.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thats my goal Join this channel to get access to perks which focus on live garden mentoring and member influenced videos: (click the JOIN button on upper right side) kzbin.info/door/ptL6_qMImyW_yZwiMjQdpgjo Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop. Use this to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More. 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!

[@Mstymntntop]

I have personally moved to using something like OrganiPlugs or RapidRooters. The mix you are using works great, but I like how I can move the plugs without having to worry about the root structure holding everything together when transplanting/moving the plug. I can move through my lights faster for seed starting as I do not need the root ball to remove the plug undisturbed. Like you said, bulk can save money. I bought 2,100 plugs for about $0.13 a piece. I am storing them in five gallon containers with gamma lids so they do not dry out or get introduced to the environment. Of course, I would not start root veggies like onions with these. Just another alternative….

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. Its good to match the cells to the quantity of growing and the time the plants will be growing in the cells Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@kele1264]

Love the recipe. I still have the Jiffy left over from 3 yrs ago. I'll just mix it in with this recipe, and my seeds should be happy.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That works for sure.

[@lilylily9012]

I can't wait to start this.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Exciting time of the year 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 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 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!

[@butterfly_growl]

Can you do a video on the soil and everything in raised beds, containers?

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

I use your formula - and it's been amazing for my seed starts. Easy peasy. The added benefit is - always having the ingredients on hand whether for intentional germination or experiments during the off-season.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It works well. This is my newest version.

[@maggiescalf5312]

my seeds have really suffered! I assume its b/c peat moss (from what I've researched) is quite acidic which is why most professional mixes add lime. I'm not seeing many people talk about this so I find it odd that I seem to be having this issue with peat.

[@MikeG-xz3pn]

Gary do worm castings need to be in the mix when you put in the boiling water to kill the fungus knats

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

If you dont know the companies product I would. I like the company I use and vermisterra has never had insect issues. I add that after boiling water when everything has cooled. 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

[@sonyalewis-ou5xz]

So sir do I also need to sterilize my worm castings and vermiculite that’s been stored in the sealed bags on my covered patio since last as well? I sterilize my peat moss and coco coir with boiling water.

[@FarmToMarketRoad]

I pot up my my starts and place in 10x20 or roasting pan. Then bottom water. Put a tablespoon of Mosquito Bits into pan. No more fungus Nats.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Nice. 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 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

[@CC-pe6hf]

Gary, can you pour boiling water on worm casting? Would it ruin its benefit if you used boiling water ?

[@kimparker1752]

Gary, which grade of vermisterra worm castings to you use? I am guessing the premium for seed starting and potting up? Thanks.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I do have the premium. I think either would work.

[@lpcoco1]

Hi Gary! I love seeing your videos, and I had seen another video from another gardener, saying that if we use peat moss, we should add in some dolomitic lime. I found some at the tractor supply company yesterday, and it was only about five dollars but it was 50 pounds, so I guess I’ll have it for life! He said he preferred Coco coir because it’s a sustainable ingredient, but if using peat, you add the lime because of the pH. What do you think of that? Thanks!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Coir is not as sustainable as we are told. They are ripping out forests of trees for coir planting btw. Peat is lower in pH. A handful of lime scattered over it helps. No worries. My soil is high in pH. I used to use lime with peat but now I just use it straight. 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

[@karunald]

I already have fungal gnats and have 2 months to go. I bring in Houseplants. Brought in Meyer Lemon into grow room to put under lights and IMO it's the source. Moved it out of there and set up traps. I found BT type 'teas' to be ineffective.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

They are a pain The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop): www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr 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 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

[@karunald]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Heard a peroxide drench kills those in the soil. Afraid to try on my seedlings

[@mariap.894]

Hey Gary, but the prices of vermiculite and perlite have gone up a lot! Could we just use peat moss and worm castings? My garden is very small. Thanks for your hard work🍀💜🦋😊👍

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cost is up. it should correct. Peat alone isn't the best even with casting in it. I would work most likely but I would keep an eye on it staying to damp. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@faithevrlasting]

So Gary, You recommend buying your vermicompost even if you make your own or can you use the boiled water trick to that also?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Indoors I am cautious. I know Vermisterra castings are aged 7 years and sifted so risk of eggs is pretty much nil. If you feel like your stuff is clean or want to mix your vermicompost in first and then add boiling water that will work. I just tend to error more on caution indoors. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@faithevrlasting]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Have been subscribed for years. 😊

[@703mimi]

Can you grind course vermiculite?

[@lamgardn3800]

Would this soil mix work for outside growing containers too?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep it can be used outdoors. When I use it outdoors I do add more compost in it. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@nancycook4252]

I'm finding coarse vermiculite much cheaper than fine, now for the 'odd' question. Can you grind the coarse vermiculite into fine?

[@703mimi]

I’d like to know the answer to this question as well. I already have a bag of the course vermiculite. If grinding is not possible can I use the course in place of fine and are the measurements the same?

[@amylamar1]

I was wondering the same thing. I have a bag of coarse vermiculite and was wondering if you could use a coffee grinder. I did some research online, and I read that would work, but I would much rather hear it from Gary! Whenever I am researching something, I look to see if he has a video on it as he is the one I trust the most.

[@bromsir]

Is Vermiculite really necessary? Would doing something along the lines of 6:2 / Coco:Perlite work similarly well after adding the worm castings?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I like vermiculite over perlite for seed starting. I have actually just started in coir. The answer is no. The vermiculite is better to blend in to coir or peat for a better mix to manage moisture for seed starting. IMO. But many mixes work. 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 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

[@JV-jh4zi]

It seems like the ph would be low from the peat moss. If it has been working ,then it works. Will make some this winter.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It is lower with Peat but not as low as people think and read. You can put in dusting of lime if you are concerned. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@christinehawkins1629]

Hey Gary, Great video! I have learned so much from you this past year! I am growing brassicas in my greenhouse. I sterilized the soil but still have managed to get fungus gnats and white flies. Due to the time of year, the plants stay damp longer. How do I fight the gnats with let's say neem tea AND fertilize the plants as well. Seems like the plants are always wet and never get enough good fertilizer. When planting your seedlings up to grow in the greenhouse, do you change the soil content? Maybe add more organic granular. TY!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont have a great solution. They are just problematic. Sorry. I do put organic granular in for outside potting but I do typically just use more water-soluble organic fertilizer. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. 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 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more!

[@christinehawkins1629]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thank you, Gary!

[@austin2842]

Regarding the growth hormones, would it be worthwhile to add in some alfalfa meal or rehydrated pellets?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Not so much indoors as everything needs to decay and break down. That takes a while. It will grow fungus indoors too but that isn't bad. It is best used outside or very lightly indoors. 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 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

[@austin2842]

@Gary Pilarchik (The Rusted Garden) Good to know. Thanks Gary.

[@Lauralamontanaro]

May I ask, do you purchase your peat moss in bulk and where do you get it from?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I get mine at Home Depot in 3ft cubic bales Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@Lauralamontanaro]

@Gary Pilarchik (The Rusted Garden) thank you Gary, I'm already a subscriber I certainly will check out your shops!

[@beverlyboyce1041]

I found Home Depot was the cheapest on peatmoss by the bale

[@LEADERINFRONT]

I'm having trouble finding Fox Farms Happy Frog this season but thanks to your video I realized I already have everything I need! I refuse to pay $40 online when it's $15 locally.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I agree that is too expensive. Good luck. Join this channel to get access to Perk Memberships which focus on live chat garden mentoring and Q & A, live chat classrooms, and a member influenced video series: kzbin.info/door/ptL6_qMImyW_yZwiMjQdpgjo Look for the JOIN BUTTION mid way down on right, next to circle picture of members. 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

[@jakekay8419]

Hi, so what is your starting soil mix to water ratio ?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont have one for water. As I just do it by eye. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@maggiescalf5312]

Gary, I've been curious about something. Worm castings (from indoor worm bin)... is that still going to cause a fungus gnat issue? I notice you say not to use worm castings or leaf mould (from outdoors) but you do add worm castings to your mix so I'm a little confused! Also, I've been using peat moss/perlite/worm castings mix and my seeds have really suffered. I assume its a pH issue b/c some sources say sphagnum peat is quite acidic... but I don't see many people talking about this in their DIY mixes and am surprised anyone is having any luck with it! 0nce they had a set of true leaves, I began fertilizing at 1/2 strength. I tried both synthetic and organic fertilizer but it did not matter.

[@Pacers31Colts18]

Shelf recommendations?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I have wire shelfs I got at Home Depot Years back, Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@sujathabharathkumar6129]

From where do you buy perlite in bulk .

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Nurseries mostly or online. 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

[@brianramsey3824]

It all depends how much u need I went all in on making my own. After looking at the cost of seed starting idk if I saved much after itemizing everything...worm casting and 12 qrts of seed mix goes a long way then a bag of potting soil. Money maybe overstated imo.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

The more you need the more you save making it on your own. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@victoriaturnershoemaker3723]

I stored my vermiculite and perlite in my outdoor shed. Would this be a problem to bring inside?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Peat is what typically has fungus gnat eggs. Vermiculite and perlite are fine. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@PinewoodFarms11]

I like that recipe

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Ill be sticking with this for a while. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@garden_therapy_nj]

Can we make a big batch and have it sit around for some time?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep for sure. It can sit forever really. 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 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

[@ellendavis9940]

I’m confused now… first video says 6-1-1-hand full. This video says 6-1 1/2-1/3 to 1/2 and 1/2. Please let me know which one of the videos are right. I only want the best.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

They are all right. There is not set way. I would say this is the best. I reviewed them all. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

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 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 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!

[@macsan1234]

Hi i am from india and often i get fungus gnats in my seed starting mix. Quick questions 1) i dont see any worm casting options around me so what is the alternate? I have mustard cake,neem powder, vermi compost, bonemeal, rock phosphate and all these things. Can any of these be added as a nutrient? 2) so instead of peat moss can i use coco peat ? So my mix would look like this cocopeat one part vermiculite one part perlite .. Is that ok? And as i asked before which of the above can i use as a nutrient? I plan to use hot water to sterilise as u instructed I will be keeping it indoors

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I use water soluble fertilizer for seed starts. It's effective and better as the NPK is immediately available to plants. You can put in neem powder to help with fungus gnats and you can use coir. Thats too much perlite. I would do 2/3 coir and 1/3 vermiculite. Add in a handful of perlite or 2 when done. The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@macsan1234]

Thk u so much How much quantity of neem or water soluble fert?

[@ginobass66]

Hi Gary, great video!! I purchased a large bag of coarse vermiculite at the end of last season. Is it ok to use it instead of the finer vermiculite and would it be the same ratio? Should I also add perlite at the same ratio? 6 parts peat moss/ 1.5 part coarse vermiculite/ 1/2 part perlite. Also would you add anything to the mix when up planting tomato/pepper seedlings to bigger cups/pots before transplanting outdoors to raised beds etc. I’m in PA zone 7b right outside Philadelphia Thank you so much for your amazing videos!! I planted 150 cloves of garlic in November using your video and so far more than 80 % have sprouted and looking good. Awesome Thanks again!! Gino

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can use it. Not sure of ratio, as you would have to eyeball it. But you can make it work. Cheers to the sprouting garlic. 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

[@racebiketuner]

Like Gary said, you can get away with the coarse stuff. However the big pieces can affect root development. Your seedlings would be happier if you screened it to 1/8" or smaller. When transplanting tomato/pepper seedlings to bigger pots, you can add more worm castings to the mix. Using Gary's formula, that would be 2-3 parts. In my experience, 2 parts is the best value for these plants. I've never observed any benefit going higher than 3.

[@ginobass66]

@@racebiketuner Thank you. I ordered the fine vermiculite and used Gary’s formula for seed starter. I went with the 1/2 part for worm castings instead of 1/3. I agree when using this to up pot I’ll add a little more worm castings. I had some perlite left so I used it for this seed start, 72 cell onion. I’ll use the coarse vermiculite instead of perlite going forward. Good luck.

[@pjohn73]

Gary, I know it's not needed for seed starts but I use Black Kow with my potting mix that I make. Is it needed at all?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Outdoors I use this recipe but add in compost, as it's outside. Outside Black Kow is okay to use. However, the quality of the product dipped several years back and I found it was not fully composted. Just be aware the quality of the compost. I would not use it indoors.

[@pjohn73]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thanks. Are there any compost products that you recommend? Are Vermisterra worm castings considered compost?

[@johnm.515]

I moved from black kow to worm casings.

[@TheMash84]

I found much easier for me instead of using parts as a reference, measuring the actual volume of the components of the mix. As I have various pots sizes parts didn't really work, at least for me. As an example, if I have pots or trays to fill, and avoid wasting materials, I consider the overall volume of all pots I've to fill. So if I have 10, 1L pots I use 10L as a reference. Then I use percentage. Quoting your references, I'd say it would translate into 60% peat, 20% Vermiculite, 20% Perlite. So 10L * 0.6, 10L * 0.2 and 10L* 0.2. I use a 2L measuring jug as I usually don't need such big quantities. For me has worked very well. It's basically the same result, calculated in a different way. I usually add 10-20% more to the whole amount, that gives me some margin and avoiding running out of mix for the very last pots.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@TheMash84]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Hope this alternative method helps other users as well. Parts is a quite effective method in many ways, but I prefer this way 🙂 I have to thank you for all the information you have been sharing with us. Thanks to your videos I have successfully grown 12 plants of basil, arugula and parsley indoor, using grow lights. Also the boiling water to sterilise the mix has been the key for me as well. The only difference is I'm using coco coir instead of peat moss. And, I also managed to defeat a fungus gnats infestation (they came from outside infected plants) using Neem Oil sprayed on top soil (+ yellow sticky traps). Huge thanks Gary.

[@thevirus6101]

When buying vermiculite, be sure to purchase “horticultural” vermiculite; otherwise it may contain asbestos.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@MorroccoM13]

What? You killed fungus gnat eggs by leaving the peat moss in your house! And all this time I thought the only way was extreme cold (below -25F) and a nuclear detonation.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

A long period of stay drying does it. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!

[@amylamar1]

😂

[@chrisgabriel9871]

Dirt and dust

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Was dusty. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! 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 And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store 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 fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Thanks & Cheers!