Seed starting mix vs Potting soil - What I use for starting garden seeds and WHY

[@LowcountryGardener]

Love how we are back to the almost daily content. A sure sign Spring is just around the corner.

[@melissasullivan1658]

🥳

[@InTheGardenAgain]

I agree! I don’t know about everyone else but I can use all the help I can get! Daily content is so appreciated!

[@ameliakat9982]

@@InTheGardenAgain yep. Even doing this for a few years, she always reminds me of some of the smaller details I've forgotten in my excitement to grow☺

[@MIgardener]

totally love this Jess. I always say just sift a potting mix for that fine texture but get the nutrients, the texture, and the quality and you will love seed starting.

[@blueminutes4686]

I love your seed store! Awesome pricing for the number of seeds for a small to medium garden. Just today I placed another order. Seed packets in an Easter or Mother's Day card make a sunny little surprise.

[@marilynryan7822]

@ Blue Minutes- Great idea for my daughters& daughter in law❣️

[@HomesteadHopeful]

Oh my gosh new t-shirt! "Lazy Girl Gardening" with a pic of dozens of tomato babies in one pot!

[@ameliakat9982]

Or a good sticker! Either way I'm here for it😅

[@marilynryan7822]

@Homestead Hopeful great suggestion for t-shirt

[@HomesteadHopeful]

@@marilynryan7822 I’d buy it ❤️

[@andreamortimer2610]

Mother Nature doesn't fuss around with seed starting mixes; she just throws her seeds on fertile grounds and they seem to be doing just fine 😉🧐

[@genevievegreene1595]

They thrive. I don't think we know as much as She does though... maybe there's something in the way she throws them gives them a boost?

[@aljl0713]

They also dump many many more than we do, and I would think most of mother nature's don't actually sprout

[@andreamortimer2610]

@@genevievegreene1595 Agree! I don't think we'll ever completely achieve her knowledge...

[@andreamortimer2610]

@@aljl0713 I think Mother Nature has a book full of evolutionary tricks at her disposition that are simply not feasible for us. She also doesn't plant in places where plants themselves wouldn't naturally take residence... But you are right: she is not stingy throwing her seeds! Call it anticipated production failure!

[@Jules-740]

Nature is not my mother. It's God's green earth. I already have a mother. But I agree about how nature works is doing what is by design. It works!Also there is ZERO and yes I said ZERO evidence of evolution.

[@mackenzierobinson3035]

After watching this video I had an idea and decided to do an experiment with it and I am coming back here to update that it worked perfectly! I decided to start some seeds where the majority of the soil in the container was potting soil but the top 3/4 ish inch was the sterile coconut fiber starting mix. I started others with just potting soil and others with just the coconut fiber starting mix as my two controls. The plants started in the coconut fiber starting medium with potting soil beneath it did the best and grew long healthy root systems because the seeds got to start in the loose substrate first but then as they grew roots they reached down into the more fertile potting soil. I would recommend trying it out yourself but I think I will start seeds like this from now on!

[@joemachismo6594]

Been starting my seeds in potting soil for decades and it's never failed me.

[@lwjenson]

Thanks for the comment about the underside of the leaves being purple! I didn't know that meant they needed more nutrients!

[@CynicidalHappiness]

So I know you are purposely timing this video for the "seed starting" season, but you cannot imagine how unbelievable grateful I am for the timing of this video. I just started my first round seeds for my new garden and I needed this so much. Thank you! :D

[@cheripierre9029]

Thanks Jess, your explanation on these methods of starting seeds is so helpful to newbies like myself at 62. You are greatly appreciated 💞🥰

[@abigailmorris8333]

Thank you!!! I’ve been freaking out that I needed to buy seed starter 😂 when I bought 4 bags of potting soil. I’ve watched 100s of videos. This is the best!!!

[@Aliccce]

Perfect timing. I was googling this yesterday. This is a 100 times more informative than all the articles I came across 😊

[@bryonyhellis]

Love the explanation of why seedling mix is used-forcing roots to grow long and quickly search out nutrition. Very helpful, thanks!

[@denisebrady6858]

Jess I have to say first - "LOVE YOUR HAIR WITH CURLS" not important but I needed to say it. This has helped me so much as the Seed & Cutting Mix I have been using has small sticks etc in it & I honestly thought it needed to be sifted so it is really fine. Thanks for this video Jess. Cheers Denise - Australia

[@DebraCSegal]

You’re the coolest person on KZbin, I swear.

[@miz.harrington85]

Every time I start to write a question... you answer it! I’ve got my seeds going they are just sprouted 🤞

[@vineyardchickshomestead]

We really appreciated your explanation to the why behind your choices. Thank you for sharing the why with the how....really enjoyed this. 🌱🌱🌱

[@jeffbradford1999]

New follower here. I love you relaxed gardener vibe. Your simple explanations of WHY is very encouraging. So many opinions on other channels. Some so detailed. Like you I prefer to keep things SIMPLE AND REASONABLE. I am new to vegetable gardening and growing from seed for the first time. I have found your advice very helpful and greatly appreciated. JeffB - 7b

[@susansapp6136]

Thank you for helping me with my dilemma! Good news here.

[@jacquelineiversen5661]

This was excellent and timely. The why behind all this will help me retain the knowledge. I now know why seed starting was a struggle for me. Thank you

[@melissasullivan1658]

I use fresh potting mix for one reason only: I’m too lazy to fertilize until they’re in their forever home. I’ve found as long as it’s just potting mix, and fresh at that, I don’t have a problem.

[@shaytinney6541]

I really really appreciate this video more than I can express. I’m wanting to start gardening and just feel so overwhelmed with all the information out there. Every video is talking about making your own mix and I’m just ready to pull my hair out, that is until I came across your video. You have simplified this for me and I really can’t thank you enough.

[@KelleyByrdsong]

‼️‼️ I started gardening last year and can tell you that most plants/veggies are very forgiving. Simplicity is key. Nature doesn’t need as much help as we think it does :)

[@rowenakotelniski2603]

I start my seeds in the black plastic 6 packs that I reuse. I mostly fill with potting soil but then put about 1/4 inch of seed starting mix and cover the seed as needed. I figure this way I get the best of both. It has worked well for me. I do pull out the larger chunks from the potting soil.

[@AmasAuthenticJourney]

. I've also started mine in potting soil.it was what i had at home and i didnt use no heating mats or lights in 8degrees celcius. and they still grew.. My house looks like a mini jungle😍 im loving every bit of it❤ And It is My first year, Thanks to yall for all the great tips!

[@marjeshrider6513]

Thanks for your common sense approach

[@blueminutes4686]

Excellent topic and concisely explained! In the past I used a humidity dome and dealt with damping off, or mold around the tiny stem. This year I am not using the dome. It does require monitoring it closely so the medium doesn't dry out, especially when using a small fan for a light breeze. When seed starting, I sometimes put potting soil in the lower third of a small pot, and top it off with some coco coir. That seems to extend the period before repotting. I have also mixed coco coir with a bag of potting soil to make better use of the potting soil. This year I am also trying Root Riot plugs to avoid the mess in my apartment. So far I have had remarkably quick seed germination. I poked a few extra holes in the plug to plant 5 tomato seeds in each. When transplanting, I think it will be easier and less mess when separating and repotting in Solo cups. You mentioned pouring boiling water to sterilize, I have used that method and it does work well. Plus the mix isn't cold. It retains room temperature better. Also, thank you for suggesting Baker Creek and MIGardener for buying seeds. I am trying all new varieties for my 2021 Garden. Germination blessings to all!

[@calmafterdark912]

You're the most informative IN A NEW WAY farm channel. The first channel where I'm like "I need to write this down"

[@adaydreamersworld.2608]

You're absolutely GLOWING💛

[@meyergirl1]

I've bought 4 different brands of seed starting mix in the last few weeks. I have weeds, mold, gnats...all the things. And now I'm going to have to fertilize because I didn't realize they didn't have nutrients. I actually think the person in the comments who said fill w/ potting mix, lay seeds on top and then sprinkle with seed starting mix is on the right track.

[@kathytaylor9798]

Read what I wrote above. It was quite interesting to try.

[@GossMania]

🌻❤️ Your excitement and knowledge about the garden is so refreshing. And I take all your advice and knowledge with appreciation. Thanks so much for sharing, you have helped me grow in the garden and spiritually as well. We love y'all. Thanks for helping me by sharing your life it has made our homestead GROW and Flourish! ❤️🌻

[@jpgaffney248]

when you hold the potting soil in your hands you made a heart. I also bought your first book!! notice I said "first".

[@madambutterfly5343]

Wow 😮, I’m completely shocked in a good way by this video. I started growing from seed last year, got the whole lighting shelf and all. Use seed starter, was disappointed, because my seedlings looked nothing like the gardeners of KZbin pushing the “You have to use seed starter!” This year I used a different seed starter mix. Followed all the rules set up by the KZbin pros. Seeds did better this year. “But” once again they didn’t look like the pro gardeners I found a lady last year on KZbin who’s seedlings were perfection. I followed her channel. This year I froze the picture of her seed starter bag. Guess what? She’s using potting mix that had fertilizer. Too late for me to go back and start my seeds over this year. But next year, I’ll wool definitely be using the potting mix! Thank you so much for this video.

[@daleservidio2034]

You explain things so well Jess. Thanks again!

[@NanaPelletier]

This is a great break down of the 2 soils. I appreciate it a lot. I needed the simplified explanation.

[@debbieknits]

This very informative video came just at the right time! Thank you! And today I repotted my tomato seedlings in potting soil using your tip of putting more stem in the soil. I learn so much from your channel

[@jbradkilpatrick]

This is a great video. So many seed starting videos only cover to the point of starting the seeds in seed starting mix and don’t talk about potting up or anything after. And then to have the perspective and explanation of seed starting mix versus potting soil is great. This video does a great job of answering real questions people have. I’ve always used seed starting mix and potted up, but I think I’m going to try going with potting soil from the beginning.

[@hollybroughton8768]

Last spring I got coconut coir in a brick and it was sold as expanding soil I absolutely loved the part where I turned a brick of coir into a wheelbarrow full of 'soil' with just my hands. I loved how much it holds water. Tons of gnats. Tons and tons. And aphids like crazy. I tried to keep my peppers in containers over winter some pots I mixed coconut coir with potting soil those seemed to work better. I ended up carrying my container garden back out to the patio during a snow storm to make sure the bugs were just as dead as my peppers

[@blueminutes4686]

To get rid of gnats......put cider vinegar and a little sugar in a clear container with a lid with small holes. the gnats are attracted to it and climb in but can't get out. I put mine on top of the frig, far from my seedlings. works for indoors.

[@jenniferkleffner8110]

100% on your seed starting advice. I DO make my own seed starting mix, but I never sterilize anything, and reuse the same pots for YEARS. In my experience (knock on wood) 90% of issues people have are from overwatering. I've learned that the hard way through the years. Water less. Allowing the surface to dry out a bit cuts way down on fungus/damping off and other disease issues. I often water my seeds in, and then don't water again for 5 or 6 DAYS if I have a cover on the flat.

[@Msally1997]

Jessica idk 🤷‍♀️ I’f this will ever get back to you 😢 but you’re the reason I know grow a garden 🪴 my mom has bone blood cancer CLL leukemia and I have no idea what I’m doing but I keep doing it for her ..last year was my first garden after watching your videos and some what success I mean my tomatoes 🍅 right ❤️I keep watching and hoping and trying my mom’s outcome iOS nothing I can change but I’m trying ❤❤just want you to know you do make a difference ❤❤❤more than you will ever know

[@lorindachristine3291]

Once again, you have made me feel sooooo much better, Jess. After paying $17/ bag(!!) for seed starting mix my seeds have been barely successful. They are sprouting but then fading and dying before they even get true leaves. Now that I've moved all of those that lived up to potting mix they're starting to recover. You are a gem. No more starting mix for me!! Thank you for making that 'okay' 💚

[@kathytaylor9798]

I tried an experiment: The bottom third of my individual parts for seed starting I put potting soil. Next I sprinkle a time release fertilizer. Followed by 1/3 of putting soil. I topped it off with 1/3 of seed starting mix. After I put in the seeds, I sprinkle them with vermiculite. They have done incredibly well and as the seed roots go down into the regular potting soil and then the fertilizer etc. they are the strongest looking plants I’ve ever had. I have done this with tomatoes, basil, oregano, and a few others. When I have to pot them on, I will use potting soil and a little more time released fertilizer and water them in with a week solution of a liquid plant food. I don’t start many things from seed so I have time to do this.

[@leahathome2883]

I've had a garden every year since I was a teenager and read a lot of gardening books in that time frame too. Since I've been watching your channel though I've learned so much that I've never read in a book. I'm so stoked for my garden this year. Thanks for the great videos 😄

[@jennifergertler2377]

I used bagged seed starting mix for years and then decided to make my own. It was great, but I had to fertilize the seedlings because they ran out of "steam." So, last year after seeing one of your videos on this same subject, I started part in the mix and part in potting soil. The only difference was the plants in the mix needed fertilizing. This year I'll burn through the rest of my mix and switch over to potting soil permanently. Thank you for the info! It is extremely helpful!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Woohoo! The spring seed semester has begun and we're back in the classroom babee!

[@laurieweideman9607]

I’m an experienced gardener but appreciate this clear explanation. Thanks!

[@faithwilerdson2939]

Well ya learn something new everyday, I actually thought it was the other way around or that seed starting mix has more nutrients Thanks Jess!

[@joan-lisa-smith]

Me too

[@amandalogo9993]

Same!!!

[@1acrehomesteader43]

What a great video, and very timely. I make my own seed starting mix, but it's more because I'm cheap rather than I think it's better for the plant, lol. 🌱 🌿

[@InTheGardenAgain]

I learned to make my own mix this year too! It is cheaper for sure!

[@SouthernSownGrown]

Started my seeds in TN.a few weeks ago.Cabbage,herbs,hot peppers,cherry tomatoes.In my windowsill.with Container Mix with fertilizer!!They are ready for the garden tomorrow!!!😉😉😉

[@sharoncardenas5447]

You're never too old to learn. Learn something new every time I watch! Thanks for teaching & sharing! God Bless

[@samantharoseman4206]

I start my seeds in containers similar size to red solo cups. I do the top 1/3 with seed starting mix and worm castings and the rest with potting soil. Works great for me, and I dont have to up pot, which is convenient. Just sharing what has been working for me.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Great idea, so much easier! And red solo cups are deep enough to provide a lot of room for the roots?

[@rheagriffiths3838]

I’m cheap. I use the red cups, among other stuff and I get about three-4 starts before they usually break. I will also use any “single use” plastic, coffee can, soup can.. I hate waste.

[@TheTamrock2007]

Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Last spring was my first attempt at truly trying to grow food. Many failures, but some successes too 😊. Getting ready to do some seed starts and I was honestly getting overwhelmed with all the "recipes". My budget is so tight, I have to be careful. This grandma feels much relieved 🙂

[@mattsara2802]

I enjoyed this. We also use potting soil. The last bag was so full of sticks I just had to laugh about it.

[@RBMawby]

Happens with wood chips by the truck-load as well. Found the solution in the gulley- not so wet.

[@WhatBrookeGrows]

I made this mistake this year!!! I up potted with seed starting mix, ended up having to use liquid fertilizer to save them. They're happily out in my garden now (zone 8b) but dang I had no idea about all of this! Thanks Jess!

[@reformvideos4303]

Did the same thing 😂 learning experience for sure

[@firehorsewoman414]

@Seed to Plate i am in D/FW area - may I ask what you already have in the ground at this time?

[@WhatBrookeGrows]

@@firehorsewoman414 of course! I've got tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Cucumbers pretty soon too! They may be a little slower to grow at first but I've had success in the past planting "early". Last frost date is technically 3/1 for zone 8b

[@firehorsewoman414]

@@WhatBrookeGrows I have only been toying with a garden for the last couple of years - ambition always outweighs what actually happens LOL. BUT I did just harvest cabbage I planted in early winter. That was a 1st time grow. I just put in green beans yesterday (1st time to grow those so hope 15 plants is enough). Garlic seems to be looking okay but first time growing it so harvest will show success or not. Mostly going with peppers and tomatoes this year with a couple of zucchini and some cukes for pickling. I’m zone 8a here. Any suggestions for fire ant control while trying to maintain organic methods? Assuming you have fire ants?

[@WhatBrookeGrows]

@@firehorsewoman414 You can totally do it! It's going to be great! And it's actually funny you ask about fire ants. Look up orange oil and molasses, I just saw it on an organic gardening FB group. I've never tried it but it seemed interesting. Your garden will be beautiful, I'm sure of it!

[@regenerated4life]

The encouragement that can be heard on this channel is unmatched. God bless you, Jess!

[@kimslater1546]

Wish I would have had this video before I started seeds this year. I know you have talked about it before but I think experience and repetition have finally made me understand what you were talking about!

[@kristinvaughn2498]

I’ve had the most success making my own mix: Compost Coco coir Vermiculite And earthworm castings

[@cateastbranch2125]

I just started vermicomposting and I’m super excited to be making use of my kitchen scraps and pet rabbit poo in such a great way

[@throughtheenchantedportal6617]

That sounds great! What ratios do you use?

[@kristinvaughn2498]

@@throughtheenchantedportal6617 I fill up a wheelbarrow with equal parts compost and coco coir, and add what looks to be 1/4 of the wheelbarrow worth of vermiculite and 1/4 worm castings

[@throughtheenchantedportal6617]

@@kristinvaughn2498 Thank you so much! 😊

[@kristinvaughn2498]

@@throughtheenchantedportal6617 no problem!

[@kacrook86]

I love your channel you have inspired me to step out and try to plant and grow new stuff. When Covid hit last year and the world shut down. I decided to try my hand at gardening. Loved it. This year I decided to not “cheat” and do all my plants from seeds from some Of the vendors you have talked about and even got my mom involved. Thank you for al your educational tips. It really helps!

[@honeydew4576]

Thank you so much for this video, Jess. You have explained this better than anyone else I've watched, and what you say makes perfect sense!

[@djspatriqt2290]

Good Morning Jess. My 🌱🌱🌱are hatching 🌱🌱🌱 under my Grow lights. Tilling tomorrow barring No rain. Happy Growing Yall. 😊

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Just here to say I hope you guys steer clear of the bad weather tomorrow. My local meteorologist friend in NY just asked us to check on our friends in Arkansas and you were the first person I thought of 💐🌸 stay safe!

[@sandyg8794]

Hi Jess! This was really interesting and helpful. There are so many different ways of starting seeds it seems. When my daughter and I start our seeds, I'm going to do as others have said below and do about 2/3 - 3/4 potting soil, then 1/3 - 1/4 seed starting mix. I feel I'll get the best of both worlds this way. LOL! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@CalliopeFlowerFarm]

Such a fantastic, clear & informational video!!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thanks Coral!

[@kataysmith9581]

This woman is a fountain of knowledge . Thank You!

[@raist315]

I'll take the risk with you. Over 40 years of gardening, and I've never sterilized my mix. My sister always does. So do what works for you. We all do things a little differently.

[@SuperKatiki]

There are always fungus gnats in my house, so it's pointless to sterilize. I find a cup of coffee near my seedlings is the best defense against the gnats. They go for it and drown.

[@raist315]

@@SuperKatiki I use a small cup of vinegar and honey. I agree, I always have gnats.

[@dmbfan19711]

@@SuperKatiki Is it just black coffee? or do you put cream or sugar?

[@courtneystrong60]

@@raist315 ooh I will have to try this!!!

[@rheagriffiths3838]

@@dmbfan19711 I have to put sugar in mine. I finally made a good recipe with a little a flat soda or coffee, some apple cider vinegar or kombucha and a drop of dish soap. I bought some of those little red traps and I pop them open and reuse them. Also the shiny, sticky fly sticks you put a little bait in work fantastically!

[@katielakefarmandcottages5685]

Good information. I made newspaper “3 pots this year. They will be able to go straight into the garden at transplant time. I got 21 pots per flat. Brown craft paper would work also. 💚 Thanks for sharing.

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

Oh man, I have bought the Jiffy over and over coz I thought I had to use something like that. I had in my head that potting soil would burn the baby seedlings. Thank you so much for clarifying!

[@helendwisetiawan]

Couldn't agree more.. starting my food from seeds is amazing and magical feeling.. good information thanks!!!

[@bry5813]

Hey if you're going to isolate, this is the way to go 🤷🏼‍♀️ my husband and I are now talking about homesteading off grid because if we're going to be told to stay home, we might as well live out our dream. Thanks for all the inspiration! If/when you open it up to the outside world, it will definitely be going on my bucket list.

[@beckykerns529]

Thanks for explaining the difference in the soil. I learn so much from you.

[@StainedCrimson]

This is really helpful, thank you! I love to hear the science behind it, and you explain in a way that is not intimidating at all.

[@lynettetucker5236]

Very good seed starting information

[@dmbfan19711]

Thanks Jessica! I started my seeds 2 weeks ago using potting mix. I was going back and forth on whether to use seed starting mix or potting mix but then I remembered that you use potting mix. I appreciate all the work you do! I have been gardening for 2 years because you exhibit so much joy in the garden and i really needed/need the joy. Hopefully this will be a game changing year for all of us!!

[@charitymachiela9754]

You explain well and I understand you a lot more than others. I am staying here for a while as my primary instruction! :) My other favorite is Migardner (because I live in Michigan!), but I tend to get lost in listening to Luke and have to listen to it again.

[@augustagootee6254]

I love all these channels learned so much I never even thought of. Found out yesterday there is cucumber just grows female flowers and doubles the harvest. Insane blew my mind ofcouse if my cucumbers are booming I have heard time keeping up but was cool to know it was out there

[@lorishealinghomestead5047]

I’m so glad you spoke on this cause I literally had no idea. Thank you Jess. One of the many reasons why I continue to watch you guys! 🥰

[@stacyray25]

I found a potting mix that I love last year that my husband got at farmers coop. He is a farmer and is in there several times a week and it is Promix Bx!! It is great for indoor plants and pots and raised beds!! It is pretty light and fluffy and I had no issues with gnats or mushrooms as I have had with miracle grow and Espoma potting mixes!!

[@amandalogo9993]

Jess, you look extra radiant in this video!! The joy is evident!

[@MistiAndy]

Jess - This was perfect timing.. I have been transferring my seedlings for awhile and I just decided I wasn't going to do that next year. I was going to start them in a pot first. (first year doing this) It also explains why my tomatoes seedling leaves are turning yellow. Your videos have let me know it is okay to make mistakes, it doesn't have to perfect, and just love what you are doing. I love what I am doing. Cant wait to get my babies in the ground.

[@fowlerda]

New gardener for sure and seeing the learning curve first hand..... good thing I love the dirt enough to keep trying! hahaha thanks for the encouragement!

[@maryclaassen4912]

Thanks for this! I have been using seed starting mix and last year my mater seedlings were so stunted and purple. Im going to use potting mix from now on👍

[@seedrootsprouts2290]

I usually don’t use seed starter but I did this year....then I saw this video...ugh! Thanks for bringing me back to my senses!

[@ManufacturedCrises]

Same here!

[@apiecemaker1163]

It didn’t hurt anything and you both have the experience of working with seed starter. It’s the “proper” way to do it so you actually did a good thing but in most cases, just not necessary. If you have any left, just toss it in with your potting soil and mix it up really good. That’s what I did and it made it fluffy for the new seeds. I remember my mother in law digging up dirt from under the trees where it had composted and sticking her stuff in it. She always had beautiful plants. Go figure. Lol 👩‍🌾💛🌻

[@seedrootsprouts2290]

@@apiecemaker1163 Great advice! I think you make a great point that long before there was seed starter there was good old garden compost. Grandma knows best!

[@iartistdotme]

VERY GOOD video. If I had a bag of seed starter - I would use it to cover the seeds I started instead of covering them with potting mix. Well, at least the tiny seeds.

[@simplyrla]

Thank you! I was frustrated just yesterday because my local garden store did not have seed starter. Being new to gardening I was not sure if the potting mix would be ok. Love the information you so freely share.

[@karenb6771]

Wow, I love watching her videos!! I'm excited to start my seedlings, etc. this year.

[@lcostantino7931]

Praying u r safe from on coming storms...... HUGS

[@dogmomkj3717]

Thank you so much. I have learned so much, but still have a long way to go. Again thank you.

[@Catemacho]

My seed starting mix this year has been 1 part each: vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and potting soil. I do use the boiling water method and it has been very successful this year. Thank you for pointing out the benefits of the boiling water method. There was a debate on FB a couple days back and folks were convinced that it would kill the beneficial organisms... but with seed starting that isn't the focus. I would never want my garden bed boiled... just saying. Great job on the book!!

[@Catemacho]

Oh... and I pot up using 2 parts of the above mix, 2 parts more potting mix, 1 part earthworm castings. I pot up just after the first true leaves show.

[@tonyabolton5428]

Thank you so much for this video. I am starting seeds for the first time and I see now why they are starting to wilt.

[@katiesaulnier3997]

Omg! Total aha moment! This is why all my starts struggled last year. Thank you Jess! This info will definitely up my seed game!

[@mercywhatzgoinon3385]

I have never purchased seed starter and I seem to germinate without a problem.. thank you for sharing this Jess

[@laurarich2599]

I am so glad to learn that potting mix is just fine! I always have that on hand for houseplants but the seed starting mix is an extra. Thank you Jess for sharing your experience with us!

[@donnaborghese3869]

i asked in the live the other night thank you for this plus i got your book yesterday and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is full of so much information! i also purchased a Clyde's garden planner cool chart!

[@Freakontheway]

Hey dear one, thank you for sharing this (again) I indeed needed to hear it. I'm going to make my potting mix myself, since I have bags of different stuff standing around here ;) Next weekend will be tomato seeding week for me!!! YEY! In summer our little greenhouse/orangery will be ready, so I will keep on growing most of them in pots... big pots, I figure... I trust the little tomatoes will grow well in pots... the bigger ones, I'm not so sure of... Ow well, we'll see. I bless you too, Diana, from The Netherlands

[@mzabs1871]

I remember you mentioning in another video that you use potting soil and I decided that was what I was going to use. I still haven't started them yet but I will this weekend. I understand the basics behind seed starting mix but if you think about it, you can direct sow so if you can do that, than potting soil logically should be good enough too.

[@jaybeliever1479]

Thanks for your commonsense approach!

[@flowerpixel]

I'm new to gardening and this is a great explanation

[@Robynsonfire]

Last year I started in bigger pods and put potting soil on the bottom and seed start at the top, and we had a late last frost date last year so they were inside for a long while and they did great 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Wow that’s a great idea!!!!

[@thedorkasaur]

Great idea, they get the light and fluffy and the nutritants. Fabulous!

[@irmibullinger1421]

I really like this idea!

[@wildhopehomestead1716]

I do this for things with smaller seeds that I don't want to have to prick out of trays eg. basil or celery. The layer of seed mix helps the seeds not to fall down too deep. Big seeds like pumpkins, cucumbers and beans I always just use potting mix because they have strong roots and get hungry more quickly.

[@Durian1st]

Cheated the same here, just an inch of seed starter on top. Worked and cost wise.

[@susieclark1498]

I always learn so much from you, Jess. I pray for your family.

[@brookelynturner5684]

I've always bought transplants from the nursery. This is my first year starting seeds myself. I did a 50/50 mix of seed start and garden bed potting soil. My seedlings are doing so well!! I'm having a hard time thinning them out because they're all looking so good! But alas, I don't have the shelf space to keep them all, and it's time to up-pot. My family will probably get my castoffs.

[@garyb4929]

I just,yesterday; MIxed up batch of Bacctos Potting soil, with a bag of seed started, for some new starts, Enjoyed your explanation.

[@angelayoung6616]

Thank you Jess saying about potting mix and seed starting mix of saying it.