How To Choose The Ideal Seed Starting Mix

[@kimberlyblake8705]

Do you have a recipe for blending the peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite yourself? I would love to see that.

[@trishaminer3289]

I wonder if you know just how many people's lives you are touching. You are helping me help other people learn to love gardening with my budding backyard nursery. Thank you so much!

[@MIgardener]

Awe thank you! That’s the goal, Happy gardening!

[@kathydias5070]

I have always wondered about the difference in perlite and vermiculite and you explained it so well. Thank you for your videos.

[@kerribelen8827]

I appreciate that you don't endorse a specific brand. I find your videos very informative and helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@MIgardener]

Thank you!

[@WilReid]

The biggest problem IMHO with brand loyalty is the brands are constantly changing what goes into their mix, and unintentionally so. One bag may have "recycled forest products" produced from the logging of a stand of oak trees and the bag right beside it on a pallet may be from a stand or pine or poplar. Or those 2 bags can have wood chips created by two entirely different shredder/chipper models that make vastly different sized chips or just vastly different consistency of chip size. The worst is a section of woods that had candy bar wrappers or even a tarp they didn't notice when logging. 1 tarp goes a long way in potting mix. All the premix companies run into these problems from time to time because those are things outside their control.

[@fuzzbuster4276]

111q0

[@amyk6028]

Thank you for explaining the difference between Perlite and Vermiculite. They look so similar, I wasn’t sure what the difference was 😊

[@carolgibson-wilson4354]

Thank you! I've been doing starter pots with toilet paper and paper towel cardboard rolls. And saving large clear plastic boxes like croissants come in to act as a green house. Now I know what to put in them before seeds.

[@jamielyn848]

I just placed my first seed order with MI Gardener and can’t wait to get started planting soon.

[@hollynelson543]

Congrats on being one the the top ten gardening channel on KZbin.

[@billutter8409]

The Video was very informative, I learned several things, but like Kimberly I would love the recipe for mixing myself, thanks

[@tamararoberts9307]

Here in south-central Indiana I always start my seeds indoors with a mix of seed-starting mix and worm castings and vermiculite. Then top with perlite to keep keep gnats at bay

[@kimberlyeteeyan3402]

Thank you so much for your detailed explanations! For a beginner gardener, like myself, it's so helpful!

[@johnthompkins6362]

I wish u would make a video for the earliest things to plant for each season that you carry. So maybe 4 or 5 videos. Early early spring or late winter, spring, summer, early winter. Take time to tell about alot of the different varieties u sell. I enjoy buying seeds but I don't really know what I'm buying like I wish I knew about. Thanks for your videos. I enjoy watching them on KZbin

[@homesteadontheridge]

What growing zone are you in?

[@hyacinthABC]

Johnny's Seeds has a great downloadable chart on what to plant when. You put in first frost date (and last frost date for the other season) and it generates dates for all sorts of plants - vegetables and flowers. You can even enter other plants by looking up how many weeks out from either date they need to be planted and plug that into the chart.

[@angeliquefreeman8801]

You helped me a lot when I first started on my garden, I do re-watch them every year.

[@artistlovepeace]

I thought it was Styrofoam. Thanks for the lessons and many years of hard work. I'm on my third year trying to grow outside at home. I'm planning for 2023! Yeah spring!

[@bmiles4131]

For years I also thought it was because we have gully washers and it floats right out of the pots on big plants. 😂

[@lauriedavis4045]

I think it's safe to add Coco coir to the soilless mix option; a bit more sustainable than peat.

[@K-Zone]

Yeah! Though, it's about as sustainable, since Canada does a good job managing it's bogs, and because coco has to be washed, and transported (added greenhouse gas) from the coasts and tropics.

[@WilReid]

The peat moss we buy in the US is currently 100% sustainable. It comes from a part of Canada that has so many millions of acres of peat that it's growing back at a rate faster than it is harvested. That is the definition of sustainable. Use either.

[@lturner4704]

@@WilReid what you are saying is misleading. Peat is a major source of carbon store, and harvesting of the peat moss releases carbon dioxide back into the environment. According to the Farmer's Almanac (among several other sources), "And while peat moss is technically renewable, the rate of growth is extremely slow, taking centuries to fully develop. It is being harvested faster than we could ever grow it, essentially making it non-renewable. Additionally, peat bogs provide a unique ecosystem, which supports numerous insects, birds, and plants. Scientists consider peat bogs to be as fragile and important as the rainforests. Thus, exploiting this valuable flora is a valid cause for concern." Peat grows at a rate of 0.02 inches per year, less than replacement levels. Throw in the changing weather due to global warming, and you have another issue: droughts in areas where peat grows, and high rain fall is required to grow peat. Oh and Canada is where the USA sources most of it's peat moss, but not 100%.

[@K-Zone]

@@lturner4704 it is completely sustainable from Canada because they are harvesting in a way that it continues to grow more than what is being harvested. Also, Coco also has drawbacks, especially if it is not washed, can cause major problems, whereas Piedmont does not have to have that step.

[@Dahliaismypassion]

@@K-Zone you are 100% correct! These “green maniacs” know nothing about sustainability or how anything works in nature, and the worst part is they lecture you on the use of peat, then go to a grocery store and fill their carts with food packaged in plastic, and so on. Can’t stand those.

[@mantisman230]

I have switched to coconut coir, due to it having a lighter disposition when fully saturated, being able to rehydrate more easily, and ease of storage in dry form. I don't even use perlite anymore, I've found it doesn't make much of a difference when using the coir. (Getting quality coir is very important, I recommend Plantonix coco bliss)

[@tamararoberts9307]

When I up-pot my seedlings I use my sifted compost and worm castings and potting soil. Then transplant when it's time

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

What do you think about leaf mold? In my experience, it makes for the best seed starter, and a decent potting soil. It has the absorbency of peat or coco coir, and it's locally sourced.

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

It may depend on where you are starting your seeds. From what I have read in a few different places is that you need to be careful with things like leaf mold and compost if you are starting seeds indoors (especially if you are using your own homemade). There can be all kinds of things in those types of materials that you may not want to bring into the house....fungus gnats/eggs as an example. If you are starting seeds in an outdoor greenhouse, this would not be as much of an issue. Even purchased potting soil can be a problem. I opened up two different brands of potting mix in the house last spring. Both times fungus gnats flew out of the bag which surprised the heck out of me. So obviously the mixes were not sterilized. Never again will I be opening bagged potting soil inside the house.

[@alrinaleroux9229]

Much appreciated. I planted my tomato seeds outside. The first time, they dried out. The second time, I over-watered -- couldn't understand why they "disappeared". Will keep trying, good to know about the soil mix too!

[@ValSpringer]

What is the ratio of all the products?

[@mompuff]

Awesome video!! Is exactly what I need to learn!! Much love ❤️ and appreciation from Kentucky 🙌🏻🦋🙌🏻

[@JordyBuck]

I make my own, but think it may me too heavy. Basically, compost and peat moss, 50:50. I should probably add perlite.

[@becca22891]

Best explanation video of each element in your seed starting mix I have seen! You are so wonderful, thank you!

[@jackiehorsley9263]

your seed starting mix looks awesome Luke I well definitely remember your tips

[@MIgardener]

Thanks! Is is a really great one.

[@WildHeartsHomesteadSC]

Timely! I was rewatching your seed starting play list drooling over seed catalogs 😂

[@Naturedrawn]

Thanks for this! I’d like to make my own mix. What would be the proportions of the three components.

[@mysticmeadow9116]

2 years ago I was fortunate enough to get Promix. Awesome stuff but expensive. Last year I made my own and had good results. Not great, but good. The mycrozial in the Promix I think is what made the difference. Happy Growing Everyone

[@tomdegler9590]

Do you have a recipe for blending the peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite yourself? Could you please share

[@scorpioslab]

Coco, and just worm castings work great for seeds. From emerge till 2 weeks after then transplant.

[@zoeclearwater]

I use this too someone recently suggested it too me . Keeping it simple. It’s easy for seeds to germinate from the top layer of coco coir too .

[@lavernfoy4591]

Thanks Luke. Hope to do better at starting all my seeding this year.

[@sn232]

Fungus gnats can occur with soil-less potting mix. I found that out personally. Peatmoss with perlite, got fungus gnats big-time. Just don't want people to think they are free from insects going with a soil-less type.

[@michaela.754]

Jeb the Gardener has shown that worm castings are are the best for seed starting. Good call!

[@rosemarysemprez1265]

What is the sunshine mix you are using in this video specifically called?

[@suzyqakers2418]

too late but thanks for this. Fungus gnats are rampant. my grow room has more yellow sticky's than ever and they are filling up. Got 2 more Black Flag FLY STICKS ordered. This is probably the BEST video I have ever watched. I needed this. It is soooo useful. Thanks Luke. I'm trying to clone my basil before the gnats destroy them, also my cilantro and parsley in my grow room, As well as getting geared up for my alliums and using my milk cartons (1 cup school size) for my seed starting container this year. No more humous buying at Ace or anywhere, I have had issues with flea beetles, fungus gnats and aphids so far and this year I'm bringing out the ORTHO. I WILL succeed with my napa and Korean radish this year and hopefully Swedes. HABD

[@suzyqakers2418]

in case you're wondering. I do keep a pistol grip sprayer of Neem and Castil e on hand at all times back there for my war against bugs. But they ain't dying.

[@SK-jq8um]

Mosquitoe bits mixed with water will kill the fungus gnat larvae if you water the trays with it.

[@anneh7725]

@@SK-jq8um mosquitos bits yes! Had an infestation in my houseplants recently. I also put out little containers of red wine with a drop of dish soap. Killed hundreds with the wine.

[@seadoo413]

Thanks so much! I, too would love to know a ratio of Peat to Perlite to Vermiculite.

[@dannychong2422]

Thanks for the video. Very educational and useful. I'm trying to find the proper ratio between peat moss, perlite and vermiculite before adding a handful of worm casting. Could someone please tell me? There are a lot of suggestions online. Some say 1/3 of each. Other said 60-80 percent for peat. Thanks!

[@rosebayer114]

Trifecta is too expensive to ship here to Canada so could you tell me what would be a good substitute? Thank you for another great video. 😊

[@jdawg1835]

Perfect timing on this one as I'm soaking seeds today. Thanks!

[@Tenslea]

Hey Luke! Can you please add the sunshine mix to your amazon storefront? You deserve the commission ;)

[@TheMorgan48612]

Thanx for sharing I was just wondering what the best mix would be..now I lnow.

[@fizzypop1858]

Excellent information, Luke!

[@gardentours]

Good to know 👍 Thanks for sharing. In a few days/weeks we have to start sowing here as well. Happy Gardening 🌱and Happy New Year 🎉🎆

[@estherbowen4574]

Thank you for this video!! It is super helpful. Is the mixture equal parts of all three ingredients for the soilless seed start mix?

[@Naturedrawn]

One more question. I tried to find the Sunshine mix online but it only comes in 3 cf bales. That’s way too much for my needs. Can you link a site that sells a similar mix in quart sizes? 🙏

[@karenharrisonbinette]

Best video I’ve seen on the topic. 😀

[@sylvierossignol9757]

I have compressed coir blocks, can I just replace the peat moss 1 to 1?

[@junewrogg6137]

I'm gonna look for the Sunshine mix. Thanks!

[@rockycannon4099]

I learned some things I didn't know. Thanks.

[@sueness644]

Can I take the course perlite that my local hardware store sells and run it through a blender to make it a fine perlite? How about doing that with vermiculite? My local stores are rather limited in variety.

[@tammy707]

Perfectly! Just what I want to, what do I use for seed starter

[@nikkid1038]

I just purchased seeds from y’all for the first time, they should arrive soon! I’m also going to try this soilless mix, can you tell me the ratio/measurements for each? Roots n Refuge speaks highly of your seeds - can’t wait to check them out! Thank you!! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@yukonsmomma3562]

Thanks Luke.

[@spatin51]

I saw your prescription for the soilless seed starting mix, thanks. I can get everything locally except the trifecta +. Can you suggest any alternative fertilizer to use as nutrients for the starting mix? Something I could get at the local big box store? Thanks!

[@GardeningWarrior]

I always make my own starter mix with cococoir,perlite,vermiculte and my own vermicompost which I mix 1 part each and then wet with boiling water to sterilize

[@jeas4980]

Hey! I know you from the Foxhole, I think. Good to see you outside the 17 bunker. And... you're using boiling water. I think I'm going to try 180°F pasteurization temps this year to try to preserve more of the nutritional value of the compost. Do you mind letting me know what balance/ratios you use?

[@GardeningWarrior]

@@jeas4980 I usually do the sterilization in smaller batches so I do 1 gallon vermicompost (I container garden with worms) 1 gallon cococoir, 1 cup perlite, 1 cup vermiculite. The 180 degrees will work just fine but you will need to allow it to set for at least a week to allow the microbes to come back. What I usually do after I sterilize is put a little worm castings ( 2 cups) in the sterilized soil to add the microbials back into the soil. Yes, I am on Foxhole.

[@jeas4980]

@@GardeningWarrior Thank you, Darlin! Good to see you... (I haven't been on Foxhole in a while... been very busy) I'll let you know how it goes! 🙏💚

[@GardeningWarrior]

@@jeas4980 great! i have been awol on foxhole due to holidays

[@mompuff]

Thank you so much for all your help!! I have learned so much from you!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻I’m excited 🤗🤗 Is my 1st time growing my garden on raise beds!! I’m getting older so is difficult for me to get ride of weed in a ground garden!! 🥵🥵I just place two orders for seeds from your store!! I went crazy ordering so many varieties of tomatoes 😂😂 I couldn’t help myself!! 😬😬I’m so excited bc I know they are of excellent quality!! I live in Ky & I’m going to try to grow artichokes!! I’m going to grow them in 5 gallon buckets to be able to move them in my garage during the winter!! I love them but they are quite pricey here!! If you can give me advice what to do to be successful, I truly appreciate it!! Many blessings to you, your precious family & your team from Kentucky 🙌🏻🦋🙌🏻I just bought two small green houses!! Should I put my artichoke buckets in my green house?? I guess I should!!

[@johannawolfe7304]

This is useful info! But could you provide the percentages of each that you use in your mix?

[@Trish620]

Do you like the jiffy pellets? Those are really convenient for seed starts. Do you think it has a downside though?

[@macsan1234]

Hi is cocopeat same as peat moss? Can i use a mix of cocopeat, vermiculite, perlite and vermi compost? (I have mustard cake,bonemeal, neem cake powder too) If yes what proportions for my seed starting mix as i am new to seed growing. Also since these mixes look wet all the time how do v kniw when to water them

[@lavoniagartside710]

Hi, I live in Maryland zone 7b, trying to decide when is the best time to winter sow my tomatoes, flowers, and other veggies. Do you have a schedule that you use to know when to winter sow the various seeds for the most success?

[@jeas4980]

I'd really appreciate any feedback. I've concidered making "pasturized" seed start mix in bulk this year. I would essentially add the organics in with the non organics in a tub (reserving the lime, DE and nutrients) and heat water to a boil... allow H2O to cool to 180° F and add it to the mixture. Then mix in small quantities of organic fertilizer, DE and Dol Lime. My thought is that the pasteurization temps would kill off the majority of problem causing pests/molds/mildew/fungus... but the compost would likely retain enough of the natural nutrients to be beneficial. Likewise, I've found I have a harder time successfully transplanting from my soilless mix into the compost filled gardening area. Almost like my seedlings don't like their new environment. Yet, when I use seed starter mix with compost... they do fine with transplant.. but the fungus gnats are a battle. I have a new greenhouse this year with the space to mix my own seed start soil... and I'm really not trying to start spring off with a gnat infestation. Any suggestions/recommendations???

[@hyacinthABC]

I read to sprinkle cinnamon on top of soil for fungus gnats. It seems to be working for me.

[@grammaellen4984]

I have found that if you use a find layer of vermiculite on top of the seed starting tray of soil it deters the fungus gnats.If the fungus gnats can't get to the soil to lay eggs in the soil it stops the cycle. I started using it for house plants after a really nasty infestation of them in my inside plants. You can also use a watered down version of Mosquito Bits (granulated) in very warm water (strain through a knee high or a strainer & let it cool before watering) to water your plants if you have issues with gnats etc. This works inside & out. Follow the directions on the container. I have used the Pasteurization method but it's way more mess & trouble! I would say that if you have the time etc go for it but it isn't fullproof & (my opinion) is that it takes away the component of the compost that makes "living soil" what it is. All of the good benefit of using compost is killed along with the fungus gnats. Good Luck!

[@hyacinthABC]

Since I posted about the cinnamon it hasn't worked so well - the gnats seem much worse this year. I've been drenching the soil in my infested starter cells with Neem and transplanting seedlings out of them earlier than usual. I'm going to have to treat all of the soil mix after the season if I want to reuse any of it. I've read about a hydrogen peroxide solution and am also considering an organic soil drench from Arbico Organics made from rosemary and clove oils. Next season I'll try @grammaellen4984's vermiculite topper!

[@jeas4980]

@@grammaellen4984 I found a broken refrigerator and opted to mix the soil outide using the refrigerator door as a lid. And a friend told me to put a box fan in the greenhouse at one end of the counter and use transfer tape strips... apparently they can't fight the suction of the fan and get stuck on the sticky tape. The virmiculite suggestion is a good one! I think I'll try that too... but use pearlite instead. Thank you!

[@jeas4980]

@@hyacinthABC Thanks for sharing what doesn't work! Saved me for this season!

[@JordyBuck]

Hmm, good info. I took notes

[@lokemani]

Great info. But please note that peat moss is harvested out of the ground and severely scars the landscapes where it is removed. Wetlands drain due to peatmoss extraction. It takes a long time for peatmoss to form, and once the wetland has drained, the process stops entirely, leaving the area changed forever. I live in one of these areas myself. The exposed wetlands also release CO2 which was contained in organic materials submerged in the waters. There is a reason the UK is looking to ban peat moss sales. If you can avoid using peat moss, please do

[@cherigeitz7798]

Do you ever use soil blocks? Pros/cons?

[@ljmosski]

I would like to see Luke's take on this as well.

[@joesqudy]

Thanks for the great info as always ❌⭕️♥️🙏🏽

[@aphillips5376]

When will you be selling, "Grow Big or Go Home seed starter mix"?!

[@elizabethbaldwin7307]

If I garden indoors is there a certain amount of time my plants can be in a soilless medium? If I use soil, should I bake it first? I live in Northern WI zone 3 and have limited growing time outside. Also, the deer eat my garden down to nothing so I have had to fence a small area instead of using my yard to its full potential as I would like to. I have begun converting a stall of my garage into a future greenhouse and am trying to figure out what I will need to do differently from typical gardening. I thank you for your videos and your seeds. My eyes are bigger than my garden. I overorder, but boy is it fun.

[@livingfreewithlittle9380]

Is there a way you can reuse potting soil? I seen and heard that people heated up old soil in oven to kill eggs if any in it and reuse it. Can you do this?

[@cindymobley8926]

May I ask where do you get the Sunshine mix?

[@tamararoberts9307]

Great educational video 👍

[@MIgardener]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@grannaboo03]

Aww…this is one day too late! I just purchased some seed potting soil yesterday! I forgot about GNATS! I had a problem with them last year & wondered why. Grr! I wonder if the nursery will let me exchange it for the soilless kind.

[@ale347baker]

If the soil is unopened they should.

[@mother8576]

Can I use Styrophone?

[@colleenstinton-czuprynski9894]

Great video. Thanks.

[@richardhigel5612]

Very informative. Thank You.

[@mikeklein8081]

Hey is there any advantage to starting in cells instead of just starting in a 3 inch pot?

[@MIgardener]

Thursday’s video will cover this exact question!

[@nicolepapole]

So if I started tomatoes in a larger starter pot, using this, would it be adequate until it goes out into the garden? I'm building a grow room and would love to know. I've had mold issues in the past and happen to have some ProMix on hand as well as Trifecta +.

[@horsenaround13]

Where do I buy the sunshine mix?

[@angelastevens6066]

And can you use this for soil blocking

[@xDoItAllx]

I made a blend of peat, vermiculite, and worm castings to start my seeds. I set them on a heat mat and within 24 hours, there was mold on the tops of all of my cells. I'm not sure where I went wrong.

[@kpr0ck]

Hello.. please fix the link for ur store front... the hyperlink is not complete.. its not blue which means I can't click on it from my phone

[@AmericaFirstUnderGod]

In one of your older videos you say to add leonardite, is that still a go? Or you changed your mind?

[@Hellfish2211]

Can I use wood ash in place of Lime?

[@robertmccluskey1076]

Can I grow herbs for seeds in my window sill in the winter in Chicago

[@tomm5228]

I just use compost and sometimes vermiculite, always grows, vermiculite on top

[@louisdesrosiers6954]

Thank you for the info !

[@ourhomesteadjourney1775]

Can you substitute biochar for the vermiculite?

[@MIgardener]

You certainly could! It acts almost the same.

[@user-xo6iu8mw3v]

What is the ratio of peat moss, pearlite & vermiculite in the seed starting mix

[@leighniece4482]

Thank You!!

[@justinarnold7725]

We use a 50/50 mix of coconut coir and home made compost

[@MIgardener]

That’s good too! Best of both worlds.

[@nchestercountynews4955]

What would change in my compost if i put it in my solar kiln to use in my seed starting mix?

[@grahamreinhardt3718]

Thank you Luke! I had some butterflies about seed starting mix and this helps ease my concerns.

[@OccupyBlaney]

I’ve always wondered, does baking or pouring boiling water over potting mix kill NPK or good bacteria and fungi?

[@Doktracy]

What about using homemade vermicompost?

[@maryhaselow5785]

I wish you would have discussed Coco coir vs peat moss. I try not to use peat moss.

[@archiecollins6450]

I am making plans to start my own seeds this year. I have everything I need except a fan. Well, I have an 18-24 inch ocillating fan. My question is, can I use this larger fan and put on a lower setting, maybe farther away from the seedlings? Or should I go ahead and purchase a new one?

[@karenharrisonbinette]

Hi. Until you get a more expert response, I can say this: If the ceiling fan is circulating the air around the seedlings, and is blowing on them enough to gently help them develop some strength, it’s likely doing the job. Never tried it myself, since my seed starting room doesn’t have a ceiling fan. I use a small portable that I have to adjust so that different parts of the room get their turn in the direct path of the air.

[@susanhenley8240]

What is the relevance of "organic" when it comes to soils?

[@Nikki-mx5my]

It depends on the brand. If one is looking for an organic soil, it is best to look for the OMRI label-that’s an organic certification and guarantees that you are getting a mix with organic materials such as compost made without materials exposed to pesticides and herbicides, worm castings, and manures from organic sources. This would also include organic fertilizers as opposed to conventional, synthetic fertilizers.

[@angelastevens6066]

What is the ratios for the ingredients

[@clb50]

I bought a bunch of Perlite last year from the orange big box store and its pretty large. Can I somehow make the Perlite more fine?

[@madammazon2942]

I've hear you can crush it yourself. I think Luke has a video on either that or crushing Vermiculite. If you have a mortar and pestle, or I think a blender could work too? Just be careful because in the grinding process lots of rock dust is created - let that stuff settle/get blown away or you'll damage your lungs. You also might want to wear a sanding mask. Good luck!

[@joannagel4681]

Luke what is the SunGro mix you used when I look for SunGro Sunshine mixes there’s SO many variations. I want to do soil blocking this year will it work for that?

[@MIgardener]

This is sunshine mix #4 :)

[@Fatimasroots]

I’m curious, if the point of using the soilless medium is to not have any organic matter for gnats etc to thrive in then wouldn’t adding the worm castings counteract that in which case making the soil medium easier since it’s all already included? Or is the point that soil mediums come with gnat eggs in them already and making your own wouldn’t have them? Then I can just keep going down the rabbit hole with questions lol

[@madammazon2942]

From my understanding (and some unfortunate experience) when you get mixes with soil you can't control what is already growing it it. White flies, gnats, soil fungi etc. If you personally add bits and nutrients back in, then there is less chance for what you don't want to also be added. For example, bagged mixes often get small holes in transport, and are allowed to be rained on - this creates an opening/environment for fungus to colonize and grow in the nutrient rich, damp mix. Then when you take it, it's contaminated. If you add your own stuff, it's separated (so anything that needs more than one nutrient is out of luck before you amend the mix). In addition, the separate bags are often packaged better/not exposed to the elements as much. Worm castings are one such amendment and example - they tend to placed indoors, and they have thicker plastic packaging that rips less often. Sorry for the long response, but I hope that clarifies things more😁