Organic Soil Blocking Recipe
This year we decided to place the old way of germinating our seeds to rest and begin a new modality using soil blocking. It’s not that the previously documented way that you can find many articles on this site about are wrong or even inferior, simply that soil blocking allows for a bit more control on root + plant health and reduces the need for materials. If however you do not have enough funds to begin your journey with blocking, you can find very easy and affordable ways to germinate on the “Gardening” category of our site!
W H A T I S S O I L B L O C K I N G??
Soil blocking is unique act of nurturing. In this method, the seed is placed within a block of soil- a natural vessel formed from a crafted soil recipe and a soil blocker. The block envelopes the seed, its nutrients and structure, fostering the life from embryo to fruition. This somewhat mimics the idea behind why so many would use plastic seed trays often referred to as “plug trays” however, soil blocking tends to outperform in many ways.
1. Sustainability:
No Plastic Waste: Soil blocking eliminates the need for plastic plug trays, which are single-use and often end up in landfills. Since soil blocks are made from soil, they are biodegradable, which is a much more eco-friendly option.
Fewer Resources: Soil blocks require fewer resources to produce and dispose of, whereas plastic trays need to be manufactured, cleaned, and eventually disposed of, contributing to plastic waste.
2. Root Health:
Better Root Development: In soil blocks, the roots can grow naturally without being confined by plastic, which means they are less likely to become root-bound (a condition where roots circle around and around in search of space). This promotes stronger, healthier plants.
Air Pruning: When roots grow through the sides of soil blocks, they encounter air, which "prunes" them by stopping further growth at the tips. This results in a more well-developed, fibrous root system, which leads to stronger plants.
3. Watering Efficiency:
More Efficient Watering: Soil blocks tend to dry out more evenly and slowly than plug trays, which can help reduce the risk of overwatering or underwatering. The blocks absorb and release moisture in a way that’s more balanced, which is beneficial for the plants.
4. Space Efficiency:
Compact Planting: Soil blocks are often more space-efficient than plug trays. You can pack more plants into the same space, which is particularly helpful if you're growing a lot of seedlings. The blocks can be arranged closely together, and there’s less empty space between them.
Easy to Transplant: When you’re ready to transplant, the soil block’s structure makes it easy to handle. The block holds together well, and you don’t have to disturb the roots when transferring to the garden or larger pots.
5. Soil Health:
Better Soil Structure: Because soil blocking uses a mixture of compost, peat, and other organic materials, the resulting blocks encourage healthy microbial activity, which can improve soil quality and plant growth.
No Plastic Contamination: With plastic plug trays, there’s always the potential for plastic to leach chemicals into the soil, which could negatively affect plant growth. With soil blocks, this concern is eliminated.
6. Cost-Effective:
One-Time Investment: Once you have a soil blocker tool (which can last a long time), there are no ongoing costs for trays. With plastic trays, you may need to replace them over time due to wear and tear, or if they get damaged.
7. Healthier Transplants:
Less Shock During Transplanting: Because the roots aren’t disturbed when transplanting from a soil block, there’s less transplant shock compared to plastic trays, where the roots are often disturbed or broken during the process.
RECIPE
Makes one 5 gal bucket full
2-3 Parts Coco Coir (I used two bricks) | Water (about a gallon and a half) | 3 caps full of Fox Farms organic liquid fertilizer | 2 parts organic potting soil (I put enough to make like a dough that holds form | you could add 1-2 parts worm castings (optional)
In a recent recipe I added bio-ag inoculator ( 1 cap full to a 1 gal water). I didn’t use it in the typical fashion most folks do but that’s kind of my MO. Ill update you guys on the difference between the blocks with inoculator and those without!
ASSEMBLY
Start by adding two bricks of coco coir to a five gallon bucket.
Add enough water that when you push down on the bricks, they will be fully covered. This is around a gallon and a half. I personally recommend starting with what you are comfortable with, and if its not hydrated enough, you can slowly add more.
Once water is in the bucket, add 3 caps of the Fox Farms organic fertilizer and give a good stir. (you could at this point add an inoculator if you wanted to try it before my update)
You’ll check within a few hours and see how hydrated the bricks are. You can start pulling them apart a bit to allow water to easily access the dry parts. You could even add another five gal bucket inside, weighted down with something to keep the bricks submerged in the water.
Once bricks are fully hydrated, it should be very swampy. If not, add a bit more water.
Take a second five gal bucket and begin to layer your fertilized coco coir and your organic potting soil (or worm castings). I took about 2 large scoops within both hands of the coco, and added 2-3 large handfuls of soil.
Mix and churn with hands every couple of layers to avoid caking on the bottom and leaving unmixed layers
Repete until bucket is full
If visuals help a bit more, I have a youtube video available. Admittedly, its not the BEST orchestrated video but, as time goes on I’m sure I will improve.
BLOCKERS
You can pick up soil blockers on Amazon for about $40. We recommend the 2” blocks. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the additional funds to grab all of the equipment we needed but I made to with a few methods you’ll see in the video. I formed them using the corner of a seed tray or I simply filled the tray and made sure I packed everything down before cutting them out.
Let us know how the recipe works for you all and we would love to see your photos!
