We tested popular seed starting soils: you'll be surprised to learn which one did best!

UPDATE JANUARY 13, 2024: HERE IS OUR UPDATED FAVORITE SOIL BLOCKING MIX! • Seed starting soil mix...
It can be overwhelming and difficult to know WHICH seed starting soil is the best one to use--there are so many choices! We tested some of the more popular seed starting soils, in addition to two of our peat-free mixes we use here at Blossom and Branch Farm, to see which ones performed the best!
The soils we tested included Miracle Gro seed starting mix, Sun Gro Black Gold seedling mix, Jiffy seed starting mix, and a popular one floating around social media lately comprised of equal parts vermiculite, peat, and perlite.
For the purposes of letting the soil stand on its own, we have NOT fertilized any of these with our stinging nettle fertilizer.
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[@shub9919]

Thank you for breaking things down and doing a very good comparison of these different soils!

[@leendaroberto]

Great video. Looking forward to seeing how well they all do in 4 weeks. Thank you for all of the valuable information.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

This information is so valuable! Have agreed to move away from peat. Gardeners like you make gardening easier for us beginning seed starting guys!!

[@barhnineranch812]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos- so helpful!

[@rickytorres9089]

Really is, people misunderstand seed starting a lot, it's heavily believed that seedlings don't need "anything" until first TWO sets of true leaves. This comes to show that's isn't the case at all...

[@jennablorezone8Band9A]

Love the comparison because it confirmed why some of my starts have been lousy. Looking forward to using your recipe for 2024! :)

[@bethsands7665]

Thanks for this important and informative video on seed starting ! You are right, a good seed starting mix makes all the difference in starting seeds and keeping them healthy . This is one of the best seed starting videos that I have seen. Good job !

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you!!

[@aimeesgardens]

I can attest to your coco loco, green sand and coco fiber recipe! It is seriously the bomb! I have tried a lot of recipes over the last few years and this one is THE BEST!! Thanks for sharing!! And yes, I started with the pods too and am still finding them completely intact years later in my garden!!

[@rickytorres9089]

I am so amazed by this, my theory on this recipe is that because she is using two "direct feedings" nutrient sources (pre-prepared potting mix original contents AND the green sand) that the seedlings have more ACCESS to nutrients. Boosting success, growth, etc.

[@veronicadoggone5660]

I've added a cup or two of worm castings when i mix up a gallon.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@veronicadoggone5660 Exactly use what you have, around you and what you can afford.

[@spottydingo]

Where can I find this recipe? Looking but not seeing it.

[@user-ij2dl8ni2x]

@@spottydingo kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2abgYCQe6mChbcsi=M7GfeOmxPN-1nljH

[@dustyflats3832]

Thank you for doing this comparison. Good point about the container used vs. soil block. I have used Blackgold and didn’t like the muddy silly sand consistency when wet and didn’t seem to drain like I would prefer and poor plant health. I tried coir last year and it molded and holds a lot of water and if I used it again I know it needs a lot more perlite. I do have a soil blocker I haven’t used yet and I’m intrigued with wool and greensand along with coco loco potting soil as I’ve never used any of them before. I do believe the container makes a huge difference. My dilemma: This year I am using Promix potting soil inside and a peat/vermiculite/worm castings for winter sow jugs. The jugs I don’t know yet and think I should have added a bit of lime, but the Promix is having a bit of a mold/mildew issue. Furthermore, and I’ve never-ever had this problem before, are Aphids on herbs and artichokes inside! I’m using premixed Neem oil and it seems to help. I use a fan and the cell packs are drying unevenly so I water the dry ones sparingly. It’s been a battle up to this point, but I’m not losing my onion starts again. Surprising the aphids are on lemon basil, marjoram and cumin, but not on rosemary, thyme and oregano. They are all close together so at least I know what aphids don’t like. They say over water is what causes mold and aphids and gnats, but I’m not heavy on the water it’s just inconsistent drying. I read an interesting article about peat on Growertalks.com on ‘Is Peat Sustainable’. They interviewed a long time employee of Premier Peat along with other scientists. It thoroughly explains its sustainability and how they reclaim the peat bogs and really how few acres are used. It also explains Europes dislike of its use and that’s more to do with small area they harvest. However the biggest threat to peat bogs is in coastal areas where the oceans have risen due to glacial melting and bogs can’t grow in salt water-so global warming appeared to be the main threat. Coco coir others say use a lot of resources by shipping and the need to rinse the salts out of it before use. Thank you again and I don’t know where to find the potting soil, greensand or wool, but I will google or check if you listed. There has to be a better way that doesn’t mold and I’m using air layering cell packs. Maybe if packs were on a tray and not 1020 tray. Of course cost is important also and I’ve seen expensive potting soils. I wonder if I used your soil block recipe and blocker if it would mold inside-it could be because it’s warmer in the house. Sigh, I so need to rework my lean to greenhouse so I can heat it more efficiently and keep all this mess outside. I’m hoping to find answers and today I used a light mix of fish fertilizer as I’m growing lettuce successfully and I’m glad I used it lightly as the odor is not pleasant. May have to heat that greenhouse sooner.

[@elysawallingford1038]

Very good info. I’ve never heard of the cotton pellets. Can’t wait to see what they look like in 4 weeks

[@veronicadoggone5660]

Love the science and test runs. I start a lot of seed trays but also do some direct sowing just to see how the garden bed soil is doing... and what bugs are waiting for a plant buffet.

[@emilywellington5007]

OMG funny, you totally reframed how I feel a bit of guilt/overwhelm/fomo when I have leftover extra/leggy/overcrowded seedlings from my various experiments. Thank you!

[@GardenMoxie]

Love this. I am planning to do something similar here to find the soil blocking recipe I like best. You encouraged me to try the wool pellets so I'm anxious to see how it does. Thanks for sharing.

[@Alpha1Farms]

Great comparison! I’ve seen a lot of gardening content and tests but haven’t seen a seed starting media test like this. This is clearly an important item to consider. Really solid content Briana, thank you.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰

[@stestrupholm-dyrkjorden]

You may search for "seed germination test" to find more knowledge (written mostly, use google).

[@kansasgardener5844]

Nice video! I use Pro-Mix all purpose mix. Once my starts grow their first set of true leaves I start feeding them fertilizer. Usually Alaska fish fert but sometimes I use Jobes or espoma organic in my Pro mix from the beginning. I really haven't noticed a difference either way. Nice strong starts every year. As far as peat moss goes, I don't see anything wrong with using peat based products but that's just my opinion.

[@greengranny3468]

I've had very good results with Jiffy seed starting mix from Home Depot. I just pour boiling water over it to make sure it's not infected with fungus gnats. It works fantastic!

[@jenniferwolford4646]

Me too!!

[@earthzeroapothecary]

I love the idea of testing what works!! We're going to do the same thing, but with different types of water: river water, Berkey filtered rainwater, unfiltered rainwater, bottled water, and tap water. My husband is going to wire grounding rods so we can put them in with some of the plants and see if that makes any difference in germination and growth.

[@IAmHisBeloved5]

Any update?

[@katefriedl1665]

Okay I came back to comment after using this recipe, holy cow it's the best results I've had since attempting soil block this past spring! Thank you!

[@ebgstuff]

What is the recipe? Amounts of each ingredient?

[@rebeccacheney9566]

Thank you for doing this- I learn so much from your videos! Also, thanks for the info re peat. I didn’t even think of the carbon release issue. I won’t use it again!

[@Sunny14136]

My second time watching this very informative video! I've now bought wool pellets and am getting myself a swiftblocker for Christmas! :-)

[@Mozafamily]

i started using the Burpee Organic seed starting mix with coco coir this year and it seems to be doing all right. They also have pre fluffed coir in a bag I can mix with my own potting mix. I used the jiffy last year and I am trying to do a comparison this year but so far they seem about the same. I also wish the sheep wool and green sand was more available. Thank you for the video!

[@shandarolls1954]

New to seed starting and your video was really helpful. Thanks for doing the work for us! Purchased starting mix with 88-98% sphagnum peat, perlite, poultry liter and yucca OMRI listed so will use this but now I have several other choices. Love your channel 🌿

[@Blossomandbranch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenjoy4353]

Interesting comparison. I have used black gold brand and had great results but I also start fertilizing with fish emulsion and bottom watering method after germination.

[@moonshyneart2840]

Girrrrl I’m so glad your channel found its way to me! I’m OBSESSED WITH DIRT NOW! Lol

[@Blossomandbranch]

Woohooooo more soil lovers!!

[@debs-more-plants]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@trinawilliams1395]

Another EXCELLENT video! I love this channel. I've learned SO MUCH in the short time that I've followed you. As an aspiring flower farmer I feel like I'm going to be able to bypass many, many mistakes after binge watching all the videos. My question today- do you ever put mycorrhiza in your seed starting blocks or trays? Another recipe, the first I ever came across, used a small amount in the soil blocks. It's in an additive that they sell that is essentially green sand and mycorrhiza. Any thoughts on this? THANK YOU for continuing these amazing tutorials. I really look forward to seeing the notification that you've posted again....brightens my day ! !

[@Blossomandbranch]

THank you so much! Yes, the coconut coir one has myco in it. The original video is linked in the description, you can go watch it there! :)

[@ivylll3397]

Loving this video 👍 the way it is laid out to test these seed starting mixes with a scientific mindset, appreciate how much thought you’ve put into it! I used miracle gro last year, and am using Jiffy. So this comes very handy as I do wonder if there is any difference between these 2 brands

[@Blossomandbranch]

Start fertilizing the jiffy earlier, I'd use our stinging nettle fertilizer or fish emulsion diluted to 1 tsp per gallon and working up as the seedlings mature. :)

[@lov3rchelle700]

This was a cool experiment! I was really surprise with your recipe with wool pellets when not in soil block! Glad to have watched this bec I got the supplies for your recipe except was gonna use it with trays. Can’t wait for the updates

[@Blossomandbranch]

Stay tuned! I think it still works, dial back the wool pellet quantity and don’t overwater!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@Blossomandbranch I don’t know, I think letting air to the roots is key. Between the soils holding too much water and the plastic 1020 trays and packs I’m having issues with mold and uneven drying using fans. Can’t get it balanced.

[@wildvalleyfarms4789]

The ideal amount of wool pellets is 5% by volume. Wool pellets should reduce your watering needs by 25%, so watch to not over water.

[@ChristineBenton]

Thanks for this! I've been looking for an alternative to SunGro's Propagation Mix (#5) because it contains peat moss. One thing I was taught by the founder of San Diego Seed Company was to use sterile seed-starting mix to avoid damping off and other pathogens I guess? Then we add diluted fish emulsion once germination has occurred and the first true leaves appear so everyone has enough nitrogen. I'm also excited to watch your nettle fertilizer video. We have SO much stinging nettle here right now (cool season in San Diego/Zone 10a), and I'd love to put it to use! Thanks again for your videos!

[@nigelmccomb8106]

Great video, very informative.

[@janpapworth7956]

Really interesting, thank you.

[@fff1531]

Great stuff! Thank you.

[@jeniferwall2444]

Love these tests! I don’t think I have coco loco available to me, so I’m using coco coir with compost. I used to use jiffy as well, in Minnesota it can be unpredictable with planting out and it was difficult to keep them in jiffy sometimes due to weather delay so I’m happy to see these helpful tests with a bit more nutrition. 👍🏼

[@ragnhildwadahl6171]

I think the orgAnic soil contains remnants from pyralids, i have had that problem with my organic seed starting mixes for a few years, distorted/ yellowing seedlings that doesn perform and just dies. Companies that makes seed starting mixes are now cutting down on animal waste in their soil to minimize pyralids.

[@rickytorres9089]

I think the main take away is give your plants' options of nutrients, deliveries and water retention to an extent.

[@scotttousey227]

This is an awesome test. The results is the proof in the pudding you did an exelant presentation on point and precise thumbs 👆 thank you I'm gonna check out your other videos

[@Arcticdi]

I really appreciate the SHOW and TELL application rather than just the TELL. Thanks for putting that out. At the same time I conducted a mini trial on my seedlings using a seed starting mix (Huffman? - I had it on hand) and plain Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss. Using the Epic Gardening Cells (LOVE LOVE LOVE) I noticed that the seed starting mix did not up take water as quickly as the cells with the peat moss. Quite unofficial compared to yours but I was using what I had on hand. My question is what is it that you do not like about peat moss? Unsustainability or just not good for plants? or both?

[@moonstone794]

I used the Burpee Organic that's made from coconut coir and it's worked really well!

[@LisadeKramer]

thank you so much for all your information. I now have my greenhouse but I will need to run electricity to it this year as I do want to start seedlings.

[@megrafferty5832]

Thanks! Great info!

[@tamararobinson2069]

You Rock!!🤩🤩 Thank You So Much!! Wool pellets are on the way to me within 5 minutes of watching this!! 🐑

[@deniecedonnafield5264]

I'm not for sure but I believe that sheep's wool is like string and it can get tangled around birds feet... And probably other critters.... And how long does it take to break down... If one human hair gets Tangled around a bird's foot it can cause it to rot off... Due to the lack of circulation....

[@tamararobinson2069]

@@deniecedonnafield5264 the wool pelllets are pellets and like 1/4” long then puff a bit bigger it seems they break down pretty fast and the only effect it may have on birds would be warm nesting fluff😊

[@deniecedonnafield5264]

@@tamararobinson2069 Well that's good to know....

[@jessicastclair5583]

Loved the video! I use a mix that my local garden center makes with great success, though it does contain peat moss. Next year, as I already am stocked up for this year, I will try your coco core formula and work towards reducing my peat moss use.

[@rickytorres9089]

I think the take away here is give the plants as much diverse nutrients' accesses as you can. Not just one or two if possible.

[@sawcat6]

I've not had great luck on Jiffy by itself and adding liquid fertilizer after they get growning some, so I've started mixing it in with some of the potting soil. But I might be willing to consider the miracle grown mix as an all on one, to save some more while we are still building beds an other structures in the garden. Then I can work towards something like your recipe (not sure if I can get Coco Loco locally) when have more money to spend on it.

[@Joyfulfarmer]

I use potting mix as opposed to seed starting mix to start seeds. It sounds counterintuitive, but I have found that the potting soils/mixes feed the seedlings and I don’t need to bother fertilizing. BUT seeing your results from your recipes definitely makes me want to try them myself!!! Happy growing. 💚🌱

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes-the coco loco is a potting soil as well, definitely agree with you!

[@RubbingPotatoes]

Yeah I don't get why use seed starting mix and just have to go through extra effort later on to switch to potting mix. Just start with potting mix ... I don't think the difference would be night and day

[@charlesbale8376]

I found the information very useful.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@mariceclark3758]

There I an article in the April 2024 issue of Greenhouse Management with updated information about the horticulture use of peat which also has comparisons of the environmental impact of using peat vs coconut coir. Very enlightening.

[@pintsizestories196]

Because our well water is very hard, I have been collecting rain water for my young plants and they are much happier with that. Once planted outside in the garden, the plants are fine with the well water, because rain helps to dilute some of the minerals. I like to start zinnias in containers outside before planting them in the garden, but I just use garden soil for them. They grow just fine. Potting soil definitely varies a lot.

[@lorilucas8232]

Great video!

[@jimkingsland1645]

What a worthwhile and telling experiment! Thank you for this important work. Your test results prove without a doubt the importance of the right mix for effective seed starting and plant growth. Please keep this going! This is potentially the most helpful and important and desperately needed problem solving information ever provided on seed starting. Indeed the secret is in the soil. You convinced me -and it’s really no surprise -many of my failures are due to using poor or the wrong soil. So I’m hoping your testing will provide the optimum mix that will wIll change me into a successful seed starter! Finally I have to say I’m amazed at you! Successful at growing the most beautiful and healthy plants already yet you are still improving and innovating for perfection. I’m following you all the way!

[@Ricosyard]

Thanks for sharing this

[@davidniemi6553]

Very interesting! I have a pretty different style of seed starting focusing on peppers and tomatoes -- I start with Jiffy in small sixers just to get germination, then plant out to 2.5", 3.3", and 5" pots as they grow (4 weeks is about when I'm starting to move from 2.5" to 3.3" pots). I assume the seed starting mix will be kept warm and wet and fairly sterile for a limited time, (e.g. 2 weeks). Then I add soil with good balanced nutrition after that, but without a humidity dome or heat mat. I plant the seeds differently too so as to avoid "helmet head". This could call for several additional growing tests (which I also do often, as well as keeping detailed notes) but my impression is that my method probably requires more labor early on, and is oriented more towards plants with less easy germination. One more thought -- do any of these starting soils have advantages when you are continually trying to avoid fungus gnats taking over?

[@teriparrish]

I’ll be trying Espoma seedling mix this year.

[@mikej70]

Seeds sprouted easy in fine jiffy mix at top. Also.be careful of any mix with perlite vermiculite be careful you dont want to breathe in any soil mix mask ventilation or if lot of pots fill outside. Moisten mix too can help

[@sylvierossignol9757]

Grateful for your comparison, it explains a lot of what happened to me last year..thinking I was doing the right thing, I did make that mix of perlite, vermiculite and coco coir…and it bombed. So ok, but I also thought that a seed starting mix did not need nutrients…my other favourite mix is the pro-mix which has micorrhizae, limestone, perlite, coir, peat moss, and has organic fertilizer ( surprised! Didn’t know). My challenge is to keep the seedlings alive after potting them up, i think the same is true with potting soil, not all made the same. I am in canada, and the movement for peat free can not prevalent here but I did buy coir blocks but haven’t found a recipe that work, so haven’t used them…where can I get green sand…Gaia brand I saw but pricey. Thanks again for your video!

[@roz8951]

@Sylvie Rossignol - you're right, a seed starting mix doesn't need nutrients

[@codythecrafter3644]

This was Awesome! Could you possibly do a Soil block v cell trays v winstrip video?

[@AlexasGarden]

This is a difficult task... It seems to me that we need to use the capabilities of a biochemical laboratory) Great video!

[@LoveIsEverything2468]

Thanks for this! We really like Fox Farm brand :)

[@lilacDaisy111]

I wish someone would do this with Australian products! I've been mixing half-half of worm castings and a fine "seed raising mix." The seedlings just don't grow much, so I'm planting out teeny weeny stubs with 2 true leaves. They grow so much better in soil.

[@wardsdotnet]

I've been extremely happy with the Espoma which includes mycorrhizae inoculate. Seeds don't need fertilizer until they are ready to pot up anyway so it's usually not necessary to include some, but I still like to mix them into my starter mix anyway because the mix goes with the plants when they get potted up

[@Blossomandbranch]

I've heard espoma is another good one, i'll include it in the next trial! Unfortunately it's not readily available in my area.

[@pendlera2959]

Seedlings need fertilizer as soon as they produce true leaves. It should be diluted, of course, and it may not be obvious if you use a medium with some nutrients in it naturally.

[@wardsdotnet]

Amazon sells it

[@MarcyOdom.]

​@Blossomandbranch I get it from Amazon..fairly cheap too.

[@jenniferwolford4646]

​@@wardsdotnetEspoma seed starter is about the most expensive brand unfortunately!! I'd love to use it, but couldn't possibly with the large amount of seedlings I grow!!

[@dr.w.w.daniels7203]

Well done

[@chronicstar]

Nice! We are getting started on our soil blocks in a week. I think I compacted mine too much last year and my germination rate was terrible. Looking forward to new season and another try!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes, you have to keep them wet until germination occurs and taproots get set down! We go over it in our top soil blocking mistakes video! 🥰

[@redhandspunhandwoven6512]

Very interesting - my science brain loves a good gardening experiment. My experiment for this year is 8 (!) varieties of winter squash. I'm a bit surprised at the results re: the Black Gold, which is what I have sitting downstairs.I've always jazzed it up a bit, so I'll go 'round to the garden center to see what they have in stock by way of coco loco and greensand to add to the current supply. I did order some coco coir this evening, and have raw wool skirtings downstairs. Next year I'll definitely lean into the coco loco/coir/greensand recipe, with some wool tossed in. Thanks so much for an informative video.

[@Blossomandbranch]

ooh that sounds fun! i love winter squash!! my favorite is kabocha , what's yours?

[@redhandspunhandwoven6512]

@@Blossomandbranch I am growing delicatas (still have one in the root cellar!), butternuts (fave is Honeynut by far), and some kabochas (I haven't even broken into those yet). I'm trying out: Honeyboat Delicta (bronze/green small), Bush Delicata (cream/green small), Honeynut Butternut (orange personal), Marmalade Kabocha (orange small, new from Johnny's this year), Black Futsu (orange/grey medium) because they are cool looking, Sweet Jade Kabocha (green personal), Winter Sweet Kabocha (grey medium) based on recommendation by Johnny's, and Metro PMR Butternut (tan medium). This is only slightly more restrained than The Great Summer Squash Taste Test of 2019 where I grew 13 (!!) varieties - which was too much squash, even for me. I'm down to 8 summer varieties these days.

[@katrinarussell2765]

I have been doing research on a few recipes for soil bocks and I am curious if the peat moss/vermiculite perlite also flopped like the sheep pellet one due to retaining too much moisture? I cannot find cocoloco local to me and also before I had found your videos so I had picked up materials to do peat/vermiculite/perlite and half the peat for coconut coir and maybe try to add some things for some nutrients like some worm castings or mycorrhizal fungi or something. First time seedling grower and initially thought my biggest trouble would be picking seeds, then setting up my schedule of when everything needs to be done by….then how to set up my growing area.. and every step along the way has been another rabbit hole. Haha I just wanted to say thank you for a) taking the time to do these experiments and b) sharing the results for all of us learning from home. It is much appreciated and you did inspire me to start off by getting a soil blocker rather than oodles of trays, so your work is paying off!

[@maryrogers5269]

I have added smaller amounts of blood meal and bonemeal to regular seed starter soil with very good results and now I will add greensand..thanks

[@1165slugman]

I'm doing a mix of coir, compost, perlite, bone and blood meal

[@blessisrael6455]

I never heard of greensand and never used sand in seedling soil before; I have an all purpose sand that I bought for growing tropical fruits….. I used jiffy and also bought a couple coco coir blocks; would the regular sand work with either one ? and how much do you add ? Last year, I just added a mixture of 5-5-5 when they true leaves grew, then transported them hydroponically and they grew rapidly so much that I had to give a bunch away because they were growing too fast……

[@kathy2271]

Love your videos, so helpful. Do you have any suggestions on how to control fungus gnats?

[@joycemiller7908]

I tried mosquito control pellets soaked in water and watered with it and it worked perfectly.

[@freersam]

Great video and not a worm in sight 😉

[@Blossomandbranch]

😁

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Greensand seems to be a winning ingredient in most testing I've watched, Fertilizing is also a must, hence mg...

[@wendygonzalez2532]

Hi Briana, thank you for this testing. I just came across this video in the nick of time. Can you tell ,e where you get your greensand and do they sell in smaller portions (2lb-3lb)? I see it on amazon but I would rather purchase local. I am in TX. Have not found it though. Thanks much appreciated. Also, Love Love Love your cut garden video. I am in the process of setting up a cut garden and your guide plan was genius!

[@anat.heistart650]

Thank you for explaining the peat issue

[@ttaite84]

Hello! Do you mind providing a link to where you purchased your bamboo stick from?

[@zhengyan2870]

May I know what wood pellet I should use for the receipt?

[@inthehouse9062]

What can you mix with worm castings and grren sand to make soil blocks?

[@user-ph2bm8br2s]

I was curious on the green sand as it's not a material I am super familiar with. In your opinion, what makes it a good option for your mix? From what little research I've done, it seems to be nonrenewable and I can't find sourcing in/near the US so I assume it's imported. Another thought - it's harvested from the ocean I presume, what sort of ecosystem disruption happens with that harvest? I was really impressed with how well your mix worked. Thanks for sharing your results!

[@tretre1692]

4:33 darn! I just bought some to uppot and when transplanting id try to compost it! Next year, depending on my success, i guess I won’t!!

[@melissalan8105]

Cqn i know which light you're using? I tried to grow rqdish inside twice and it just doesn't work for me. Thank you

[@susanwondergem4014]

Have had really good success starting my seeds directly in Happy Frog potting soil, skipping the seed starting mix entirely. It does have extra amendments to help the seeds grow after germination and is Omni approved.

[@rickytorres9089]

Indeed I think the bottom line is that use something free of bugs in case they eat the seeds but still have MULTIPLE stores and accesses of nutrients.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes, I like happy frog but unfortunately isn’t peat free ❤

[@rickytorres9089]

@@Blossomandbranch It might not be but their extraction methods might be more gentle than others. As with anything else, it's depends. So I don't think we should AUTOMATICALLY be saying "peat is bad", but OFTEN the means of extracting it is.

[@cindypierce6269]

Thank you for sharing your results I just got some to try this year.

[@lauriepeterson9401]

I spin wool, could I use a little pinch of it in place of a wool "pellet"? Newbie at gardening. Thank you. Loving your videos. New subscriber 😊

[@johnwouters9835]

Do you have a link for the green sand? I want to try your soil block recipe but dont want to buy the wrong thing. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@nikkiwolfe300]

I am neR denver as well. Can you say where you buy the wool pellets, coco loco and coco coir???

[@user-md7fm1be6n]

Where do you source the green sand? I have been looking for it locally and have not found it. If you know a source please share. Thanks!

[@gwendygay]

Great info! So for the wool mix with the soil blocks, did you do that a ratio of 4:1 or 8:1? I just got my soil blocker the other day and I’m getting ready to mix up a batch this weekend!

[@adventureswithdanielle]

Is there an alternative to Coco Loco soil if it's not available in our region?

[@jonathanborchardt891]

Coco coir killed my tomatoes Seedlings! 200 small market gardner Water temp is also important. Store bought jiffy has worked well . Using 6 parts vermiculite, 1 part perlite, 1part worm casting, and finally 1 part 10:25 blood meal.

[@user-yq1tc3ui3q]

What is the soil recipe for the wool pellets? Also any tips on what type of fertilizers you recommend?

[@kristasahlin]

Great video!! I'd love to do this. Question.... We build out a van and put 100% wool as the insulation. I have a ton of this left and not sure what to do with it. Do you think this would be a good substitute? It like a batting form though (not pellets). Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!

[@MsKpuff]

how do you reuse your seed starting mix? the one you use to make soil blocks with the coco loco and stuff? that coco loco is pretty dang expensive so im wondering if you reuse it?

[@brandyschwartz5387]

So, do seedlings need to be fertilized? If so, how often? Organic fertilizer to use? I started my seeds in coconut coir this year...

[@kelrune]

i would love to come see everything in your green house

[@ebradley2306]

What was the leaf mix in the soil block? I missed that.

[@Normalizethis]

Use a surfactant when wetting peat and it is easy to hydrate.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Still dehydrates easily!

[@francesherman9083]

Where can I get the products in your recipe with the full green plants

[@j.b.6855]

Interesting test. But I dont use seed starting mix. I use a good quality potting mix. This year it was promix because I got it at $9 a 2cu ft block. Its peat based, but I dont have a problem with peat since its Canadian and I am in the US. Coir may sound environmentally friendly until you take into account how its made and how far its shipped. Since I mainly do container gardening the plants will eventually be in my potting mix, and they start well in potting mix.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes, coco loco which forms the foundation of our seed starting recipe is also potting soil. I agree with you, seed starting soil isn’t necessary!

[@dianaanderson6448]

Well, for all of the people in Northern zones who swoon to seed start early, I think you have the answer of which seed starting mix to use. You can grow slow and steady. 😂 Thank you for sharing this. I've used Jiffy mostly for the past few years (easy to buy), and I haven't had any issues. I do fertilize with diluted fish emulsion after they get their first true leaves. Thanks for sharing! Great info! ❤️

[@thx3188]

I’ve only ever had success starting with hydrated coco pucks. I’ve tried starting in Ferry Morse, Jiffy and MiracleGro and they’ve all had issues with damping off or yellowing. If I put the hydrated pucks in larger 3”-5” pots with seedling mix after they germinate they do gangbusters, though, so it may just be a process thing for me?

[@lauraduchek5080]

Excellent video. I have never soil blocked, however I am going to watch some of your videos and check it out!

[@sagimoon54]

I tried the wool pellets but not sure how you can distribute it better. Pellets are hard to break up when dry & once soaked it kinda clumps & I have to tear the clumps apart as I come to them when mixing the recipe. I thought about putting the dry pellets in a blender/processor maybe to chop the pellets up before soaking? Kinda time consuming! Also the wool pellets are not cheap! I am trying it though just to see difference but haven't started seed yet. Thanks for all the info & trials you share. Will stay tuned...

[@emilywellington5007]

I was wondering the same thing... this is my first time wat hing this channel so IDK how she handles wetting&mixing the wool but I immediately thought of buying a big old food processor (with a pulse setting ideally) at a thrift store to use on the dry pellets...

[@charlenemalcolmson3135]

For many years I use 1 part miracle seed starter 1 part coacoa core 1 part vermiculite 1 part pearlite. The coacoa core block is wet with warm water. All peat gets wet with mixing Seeds do not need fertilizer for first week or more. I use neptunes fish after true leaf and they grow great.

[@carahoglund5266]

Surprising to see Black Gold not perform very well. It's my favorite seed starting mix. It usually just needs a bit of fertilizer/food of some kind added to it, and the plants usually thrive. Plus there's usually never any random large chunks of organic material! Easier to fit into smaller containers for seed starting.

[@Lynn-jk1qb]

Surprised as well-I’ve never had a problem either other than it’s pricey when growing a lot of plants.

[@pendlera2959]

Since she didn't add fertilizer, but used mixes with fertilizer in them already, it wasn't really a fair test. Mixes without fertilizers are meant to have them added in once the seeds have true leaves. It's like comparing cake mixes to plain flour. Just adding the same ingredients isn't going to give you an accurate representation of how they work in normal use.

[@jenniferwolford4646]

I tried it last year and had to transplant every tray I used it in. Seeds germinated, but that's it!! Snapdragons, which are my easiest seedlings, would not grow in it!!

[@jenniferwolford4646]

Black gold was a huge fail for me last year. 3 entire flats of snapdragons germinated, but wouldn't grow! All my others using jiffy were great! I ended up plucking the seedlings and transplanting them with Jiffy and they did recover, but never had the normally strong stems. A soil fail at this stage is devastating, especially since I spend a fortune with Johnny's and usually can't just reorder most seeds that late in the game. I'm too afraid to try anything else now. I feel like it's not worth it! That miracle grow surprised the heck out of me too!!!

[@mikej70]

Use sungrow poting mix just jiffy at top very fine seds sproat easy. Have coir will try it with Greensand. not sterile tho

[@ausfoodgarden]

Yeah, that Perlite, Vermiculite, and peat moss (or coco coir) to me is the kind of mix you use to germinate seeds indoors, not grow them on. I use a coir, vermiculite, and sand mix for early seeds under lights but pot them on into a mix with nutrients once they have their true leaves. A great comparison video that's very useful for all of us searching for better methods.

[@inthehouse9062]

Can you make soil blocks with coco loco and worm castings alone?

[@yourwardrobewhisperer4606]

Where are you getting the wool pellets?