Effortless Soil Blocking: Master the Art with These Easy Steps!
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- čas přidán 3. 02. 2024
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Welcome to our gardening haven! In this video, we'll guide you through the world of soil blocking, making the entire process a breeze for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
🌱 Choosing the Right Size Soil Blocker:
Discover the perfect soil blocker size that suits your gardening needs. From tiny seeds to robust seedlings, we'll help you navigate the options, ensuring your plants get the ideal start for vibrant growth.
🏡 Simplest and Easiest Soil Mix:
Say goodbye to complex soil mixtures! We'll share a foolproof recipe for a soil mix that's not only simple to prepare but also guarantees optimal nutrition for your plants. Achieve the perfect balance for successful germination and robust seedling development.
💦 Watering Wisdom:
Master the art of watering your soil blocks with precision. Learn the dos and don'ts to keep your seedlings thriving without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. Our watering tips will empower you to create a nurturing environment for your plants.
🌱 Transplanting Techniques:
Navigate the transplanting process effortlessly! Gain insights into the best practices for moving your seedlings from soil blocks to their permanent homes. Whether it's the garden bed or larger containers, we've got you covered with tips for a seamless transition.
Join us on this journey to cultivate a thriving garden from the very beginning. Hit play, grab your soil blocker, and let's dive into the world of soil blocking made easy! Your green thumb will thank you. - Jak na to + styl
I don't usually leave a comment, but I just had to after following the information in this video. I bought a 4 block blocker a few years ago and was really disappointed in the results I was getting with it. I was going to get rid of it but instead just put it away. I watched this video and decided to try it again. Well, let me tell you, it worked like a charm! I was so happy. The blocks were perfect and it was so easy. I have plans to make many blocks and plant many seeds this month. My main problem was that I wasn't getting the soil wet enough. Thank you so much for this tutorial on block making.
The beeswax wraps as humidity dome is amazing. Brilliant! I've stopped using them for food and didn't know what to do with them.... and since I got the same trays as you, I was trying to figure out what to use as a humidity dome that I didn't have to buy and wasn't plastic. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Bri! Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with your audience. Your use of wool pellets inspired me to try covering my seed trays with a thin layer of sheared wool from our sheep. It has been a game changer for me! The wool keeps the soil blocks from drying out, holds in the extra warmth from the heat mat, and allows for air movement. I tried it on my Lisianthus and the germination was incredible. Thank you for all of your informative videos and spreading so much awareness for alternative and better ways to grow!🐑🌱
I'm so glad to hear that, Laurie! It's really such a great renewable garden resource!
Hi I really enjoy your videos. I have been gardening for 56 years and have definitely learned so much from you. This is my second year soil blocking. When I ask for info from the garden centers here they pretend they don't know what soil blocking is This year when I was looking for the medium she was giving me contradicting information and assuring me I needed to take a course from her. The product that I found was Miracle-Gro indoor potting mix as it is coconut. I took about a litre and added a cup of the wool that I got on Amazon I wasn't sure but I threw about a cup of mushroom and worm compost. I found a good alternative for mixing. I used my old stick blender. I did sift everything first and make sure to soak the wool and product before I blended it.
I have some alyssum in its third week,and it's looking really good planted in the 1 and 3/4 block.
The blocks held up really good in the minnies and I have a flat of in them in Pansies
I thought I'd share as we have different products in Canada and if you're just starting it's difficult.
What does anybody think about the addition of the mushroom worm compost as the miracle grow I believe does have fertilizer.
Brianna - Thank you so much for doing this updated info video as I know you are very busy! It is very much appreciated. Enjoy 2024 gardening.
I have seen lots of your soil blocker videos over the last few months and this one is by far the best information for beginners, thank you for all your time and effort for us newbies, much appreciated.
I'm constantly looking for informative gardening videos, and yours is by far the most practical, informative and unpretentious. Amazing channel! 😊😊
Wow, thank you! That means a lot ❤️
Bri - I’ve learned so much about soil blocking from you! You really provide the details needed and seeing it in a video is what this topic really needs.
Glad it was helpful, thank you!!
Major kudos on your comments about peat. 😊👍⭐️
😮 Bless youuuuuuuuu! Omg this is so amazing... I have always scratched my head about the crazy amount of plastic usage in gardening. And beeswax wraps!? Why have I never made that connection 🤦🏻♀️
Glad you talked about humidity dome options, I need to get creative with my trays.
I've just been using coco coir and worm castings at a 2:1 ratio, respectively. Seems to work well. Just don't let them dry out or they become bricks.
THANK YOU for the simplified recipe! I know you saw my Instagram comment about limited access to “fancy” ingredients, and I hugely appreciate this response.
You are so welcome!🤗
Thank you for this 2024 soil blocking update. As always, your presentation was meticulously thorough and easy to follow. You anticipated and answered all my questions. Your manner and pace of your hands on teaching is contagiously motivating!
Shazam! You are the best. This was so helpful. I LOVE the wax wrap. Makes so much sense!
I'm totally changing over my seed starting practice, Thank you for helping to clean out my shed of old plastic!!!
Yes! Soil blocking is the best! I converted two years ago and am never looking back.
I'm on year 2 of soil blocking and love it. I'm hoping to be able to make my own potting mix one day but not there yet!
I purchased the sifter that you recommended and it's made soil blocking with the baby blocker SO MUCH easier!!
Yes it’s worth the time!! ❤️
I am giving soil blocking for the first time this year. Thank you for the quick tutorial
Great idea with the bees wax wraps !.. you can also use burlap.
Thank you! I’ve used burlap in the past and didn’t love it but I think my climate is just toooo dry 😜
This was helpful - thank you!
This is so helpful!! Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing all your time and experience! Bonny
Brilliant video! Easy Peasy............
Trying this out this year for the first time - thanks for the insight!
Your videos are so helpful and full of great information. Thank you.
Thanks for the update on a simpler mix. Looking forward to trying soil blocking for the first time this season. I’ll be making wooden trays as seen in the shorts.
This is exactly the video I needed. Thanks Bri! 🌱
This is the best soil blocking video I’ve watched! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Love love love all the education you provide Bri! I looked on Amazon for the Dr Earth product you mentioned but I cannot find it. You mentioned there was a link…I may be looking in the wrong place for that…but I would love to purchase it through your Amazon link if you wouldn’t mind sharing. I just purchased and received my first soil blocker and am eager to use it! Can’t wait to see all the big changes with your reno! Y’all keep up the great work!!!
Try the dr earth website! Any high quality myco should work though.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you so much! I have been so intimidated to start soil blocking. This video explains the process simply and so well. You make it seem so easy that even us older home gardeners can do it.
You are the 1st one I've seen on YT to use Beeswax humidity dome. What a great idea!
Do you have a soil recipe for raised vegetable beds? I am excited to start soil blocking, but I have read so many different recipes/prep ways for raised veg. Beds to transplant the seedlings into when they are ready. I have also seen people put logs into the bottom of their beds before filling it. Any recipes or suggestions would be oh my God GREATLY. Appreciated! Thank you so much for all your videos!
II purchased the medium soil blocker and wondered what those little white pieces were!😅 Thank you! You’re the best!
Happy to help! ❤️🤗
This is so exciting learning about this! I had wondered what soil blocking was. Very cool! Thank you!
love learning from you! thank you!
Thanks for being here! 🥰
Thankyou .I use the wax wraps all the time for food but never thought to use them for my seeds . Brilliant idea xx
This is a fantastic video! You have me inspired me to soil block (I’ve started today) and found some local wool pellets to add as well. Thank you
@meggrowsplants good soil
Block video demo ❤ like i was telling you about push down fill method. Xoxo
Excellent presentation. Thank you!
You're very welcome!☺️
I appreciated the mention and examples of peat-free mixes, and the mycorrhiza mix too. I found Back-to-the-Roots peat-free at Tractor Supply and will try that this season. I'll likely try 50/50 (peat/no-peat) utilizing my leftover peat-inclusive mix, and some with 100% peat-free to assess performance differences, if any.
New subscriber here. I just got my medium, 5 block, soil blocker and I'm looking forward to starting seeds with it! I'm also a fiber artist, so I hope you have lots of videos on uses of wool in the garden!
Coming this spring, absolutely!
Thank you so much for helping others I love this so much! Now I am gonna try the seed blocking again!
Have fun! ❤️❤️
You’re the best teacher!
You're so kind! Thank you!!
Thank you so much this was awesome ❤
You are so welcome! 🤗
What a wonderful video. I taught my sister this process last Friday!!!! It’s such a fun process. Curious if you’ve had any issues with the mini handle detaching. Mine decided to pop out right when first started and it was a bummer. I was able to get it back in but it was so weird cause I’ve never had a problem with it before. Anyway, Im excited for 2024 season and am a soil block addict!!!!!!
This was so helpful. Were turning our large yard in town into a cut flower garden and my only ick about it all was buying the plastic seedling trays - we cant recycle them where I live and sending them to the landfill, as I've had to every year after purchasing seedlings from garden centers, feels terrible. I had seen soil blockers on a few other channels but this one really sold me. Thanks from Zone 3!
Wonderful! So glad to hear, I’ve felt the same way!
Wonderful! So glad to hear, I’ve felt the same way!
Question: do you use heat mats for any of your soil-blocked seedlings? I was curious if there were 10"x20" trays to match the standard heat mat size. It seems not, so I'm curious how you use the trays with heat mats, if you do.
I love the idea. Though I'm going to try the method you used with the wooden tray (I've got some rescued pallets), making a big slab of solid soil and cutting it apart. I have sensory issues and can't deal with the squeaking and gritty noise of the blocker.
Could you put up a link for the sifter? There are so many out there and I want to make sure I get one that fits the 5-gallon bucket. thank you for this updated video. I should be soil blocking some seeds here in the next month.
Game changer! Another convert here 😊 question, I started tomatoes in the largest block and they're quite large but still a bit early, weather wise, to transplant. How would you recommend I proceed - just transplant or pot up into a larger container (plastic)?
Fox Farm soils can actually be found on Amazon. I've been using fox farm for 4 years and it's wonderful! All my roses and strawberries absolutely love it. My grandma first found it at a local nursery and it has since become more available at Armstrong Garden centers and Ace hardware store. So excited to try soil blocking this year❤
What type of their soil do you use for your roses? I love roses and have a few plants from last year out there, I need to learn how to prune them better and try this soil you mentioned.They are doing ok but not great. Fuller on top but not full on the bottom of the plant. I have some brown dots on the leaves to try to figure out what to do about. Would you know what that is possibly? TY for any info on the type of soil you use for your roses and also my rose plant question. :)
@lisadarrenp4704 I love the Ocean soil. My roses are about 7-8ft tall now after I got them last year as little things from home depot.
I love your videos! Thank you! My seeds are sprouting and I did add Mycorrhizal to the soil blocks. I just recently saw a fungus gnat flying around from my other house plants that I have treated already. Can I water with your chamomile and cinnamon tea without killing the Mycorrhizal in the soil of the seedlings? If I can’t use the tea is there something else you can recommend that won’t harm the Micorrhizal? Thank you in advance! 😊
Super helpful! I started soil blocking just last year because of you and I love it! Just tried to search if you have a recipe for compost tea. Also, I am curious how you soil block your onions. In a previous video you had you were sprinkling soil on top as they grew. Were those onions started in 1/4 soil blocks? Thanks again!
They were! But this year I’m thinking I’ll just start them in a flat and not bother blocking them, and just pull them apart to plant :)
Hello I am thankful that I found you searching youtube. :) I am starting to research how to get the best results from planting seeds and the how to's etc. :) You have been wonderful.I'm wanting to plant a butterfly garden using native plants to my area in Central Florida. We are zone 9b here. I wanted to ask something about the cocoloco soil I purchased and I also bought the wool pellets over the Mycorrhizae. But I really like the idea and results of the Mycorrhizae too.Which is your very favorite? I wondered if after I use this recipe for my seeds, if when I transplant them outside in the raised bed they'll do fine? Would I need to do the same soil outside once ready to transplant? Sorry I'm REALLY new at planting seeds and researching everything to do it successfully. Thank you
Do you have an opinion on smart pot fabric bags? I am an apartment gardener trying to find the best option. Love your content, thanks!
Hi Briana! I have watched several of your videos and just got my equipment for soil blocking. I am trying to understand which Mykos to get. I was looking at Xtreme Gardening and they have Mykos and then Mykos WP, which is a powder and water soluble. Which one of those should I be using? Does it make a difference? How much of them should I be using when I make my soil to make the blocks? Your starts are so gorgeous and I would love the success you have had. I am not doing flowers, I am mainly doing vegetables. I have watched videos comparing the different mycorrhizal and it seems as if the Xtreme Gardening is the one to use. I would greatly appreciate your input. I love watching your videos! Thanks... Jami
1/4 size aluminum baking sheet might work? I have a bunch of those, and I love the waxed cotton cover idea. I think you could warm the wax cotton in the over over the aluminum sheet pan upside down to create a dome shape to rest on top of the new soil blocks. I LOVE your videos. Thank you!
I am also wondering about this. The fiberglass trays are a bit cost prohibitive this year. I have a lot of the 11x7 brownie trays from dollar tree. Wondering if theres any disadvantage to using metal.
@@leilaghboyle759 I think if you have them in sunlight they can get warm. So a greenhouse would probably get them too hot. I think if you're just using LED lights and they aren't real close or warm, it would be okay. I'm going to try with my LED setup. 🤞
I like the video. I have had so much lousy germination using soil blocks. The video pointed out some of my mistakes, one of which was in watering. The blocks require frequent and daily watering, more watering than cell trays. Also, some seeds will not germinate when covered, and some seeds need light to germinate. I make a different mixture of a peat-free seeding starting mix plus some amendments. I am a home gardener, and I need about 1000 plants. After the seeds germinate, is the tray removed from the heat mats? At what distance should the light be placed above the new sprouts?😇
I love your soil blocking videos! I recently started seeds using the mykos recipe. The wool pellets were expensive so thank you for coming up with a more affordable option! I noticed that some of my blocks are disintegrating. I'm thinking I didn't have enough water/too much when I made them? Please help! I'm worried they are turning to one big tray of sprouts! What did I do incorrectly and how do I stop them from continuing to crumble?
I'm using the medium soil blocker
Super super helpful! I love the medium size blocker too.
Question- a friend of mine and owner of an heirloom seed company has always said humidity domes just aren’t necessary. What are your thoughts on that?
In my climate they’re definitely necessary! I think it depends on what your seed starting climate is like but for seeds that sit in the surface like lisianthus, basil, snapdragons, they would be in big trouble if we didn’t use some kind of cover!
Maybe she lives here in Vancouver BC where our humidity level is very high. Though I know local growers use humidity domes. Fraser Valley Rose Farm's demos always include a dome. He doesn't use plastic wrap.
Any advice on what to do if you overwater your seed starting mix BEFORE you make your soil blocks?
Love the video! Going to give soil block an other try. Could we use aluminum baking sheets?
Downside of metal is that they can heat up when on heat mats or under lights/during hardening off stage, unfortunately-but just bear that in mind and give it a try, at least you’ll get good practice with making and shaping them! Some folks recycle the old meat trays ground beef etc come on as well. ❤️
Hi Bri, love your videos they are very informative. I’m new to soil blocking and this video helps a lot. Is it best to use the regular potting mix from Fox Farm or the coco loco potting mix for soil blocking? Thank you
Coco loco :)
@@Blossomandbranch Thank you
Fox farm potting soils contain sphagnum peat moss.
I have the fiskars soil block maker. I make the bigger soil blocks, which are about the size of a solo cup. Lately it's been hit or miss if my seedlings sprout or not. I am wondering if it's because the soil block is too compacted for a seedling to sprout from?
I’m new to starting seeds and wanted to know can you use heat mats and lights with blocking? I see other gardeners use them with their potted seeds to get germination, but is it necessary for soil blocking?
Can't find a 1.5 or 1.75 inch soil blocker you speak of in the video. I had put the coco nor and other stuff you recommended in a previous recipe video in my Amazon cart. Now I'm confused on which vid/recipe to follow. Do you end up potting the seedlings down the line? I need to start celery (should have two weeks ago) but keeping them on the tray for 10 or more weeks may be tough? Any insite? Thanks
Not sure if this has been asked before but where do you get your overalls from? They are so cute!
Thanks for the soil blocking explanation. Would it be ok to use a leftover plastic domed container for them about (12x17) clear Costco croissant container, does it need holes in bottom, I’m assuming not.
No holes needed, love using what we have!! Should be fine!
Great video….thank you! Is there something else you use as a humidity dome if the seeds need light to germinate?
This fabric is very light, use a white fabric and it still allows enough light through! You can use black for things that need darkness ❤️
Thanks!
Thank you for this video, it is super informative! This is my first year soil blocking and I am running into a problem. I have algae growth all over my blocks. I feel like this is stunting the growth of my seedlings and maybe even impacting germination rates. Any advice on how to lessen the amount of algae on the blocks? Thank you!
Algae can definitely impact growth if it gets too thick, it competes for nutrients with the seedlings. I’d suggest manually scraping it off with a butter knife, and then dusting make sure to let your blocks dry out a bit more between watering. If you can, try to water so only the bottom gets wet and the top surface stays dry, so just a bit of bottom watering at a time!
Thank you!! Never thought about scraping. I’ll give it a try!
So when the seeds have not germinated yet, how dry do you allow the block to get before watering. I have used the mini blocker and seem to be overwatering by bottom watering. I pour off the excess, but maybe I am not letting them dry out enough?
Thank you for this video! I tried soil blocking earlier this year had problems with damping off using the fox farms/ wool combo. What should I try to combat this? I know you said cinnamon can help. Is it likely a problem with the coco loco and I should try sterilizing it?
Do you have a fan on? I absolutely wouldn’t sterilize your seed mix! Where did you source the wool?
@@Blossomandbranch yes I definitely need a fan! I am trying to find something to repurpose to use as a fan but I’ve not had any luck. May need to give in and buy one because I was so sad to loose my seedlings. I bought the wool from wild valley farms off of Amazon. Thank you for the feedback!
I ordered the coco loco and wool pellets! I feel like the soil blockers are falling apart! Do you have an idea on what I've done wrong? I noticed way more once I started watering from the bottom!
I did one tray of blockers with black gold soil (it was given to me) and those are doing really well keeping their shape!
PS. I am not top watering. I water from the tray and it's the bottoms that are disintegrating on me! Thanks
Thank you so much for your informative videos, they have helped me so much! I have just purchase mycorrhiza and added it to my seed tray. I was wondering if once the seedlings emerge and as the plants get bigger, am I supposed to fertilize with fish emulsion or anything easily available? Is fertilizer even necessary once I plant the flowers outside? I’m a bit confused with the further maintenance. I also am wondering if their is a cheaper soil I can use to transplant my flowers into bigger soil blocks?
I’ve found that fertilizer is unnecessary for most seedlings when growing in potting soil and some added myco, but if you think they need a boost we have a stinging nettle recipe if you go back a year or so in vids!
Yes I did watch that one! Was not sure if that would kill the spores, thank you so much for answering so quickly! Just watched your newest video, as always awesome info, thank you!
So I don't have access to sheep BUT I have a big dog I have to shave every month so I have been using his fur in my soil blocks 🤣
Do you have issues with damping off or fungus gnats with soil blocking? If you do any suggestions for preventing them?
Can’t underestimate the importance of air circulation! I like these trays because they really allow for that. A fan in the seed starting space helps with so much of those issues.
I have another request, please. Where did you get the inserts for the larger soil blocker when you need to put up the minis?
From the same company, ladbrooke-/you can buy them separately!
How do you label your soil blocks? I have tags but they seem to want to wreck the block. I'm only doing about 200 starts so i don't have a full tray of each variety. Just 5 blocks. So i need to label.
I lay it in-between but agree if anyone has a better idea
We our masking tape along the edge and use a sharpie on the tape! ❤️
Could you post the link for the screen on top of five gallon bucket. Thanks
You may have already found your answer but if not you can get one from the gardener’s workshop. They have a website and they also have an app where you can purchase seeds and seed starting supplies.
Great video! Thank you. I am having trouble locating the link to your Amazon shop. Can you share it with me please?
Just linked in the description ❤️
@@Blossomandbranch Thank you
You mention that you are using the tiny blocks because it allows you to fit hundreds/thousands of seedlings in a small space. How does that work, though, given that all of those seedlings have to then be potted up to a larger block? Are you potting them up and immediately putting them outside? Or is there some part of your indoor seed starting process that restricts the space for the initial sprout but has lots more space for the larger sprouts? Like a special lighted space or something?
By the time we pot up temps are usually much warmer and don’t need as much additional light and heat so we can put them in a protected outside space and only move in if we get unusual cold or frost temps. It’s in the very cold early months that we are tightest on space!
I mean... I wanna become a self-sustained gardener, not a gardener that has to buy thousands of bags of soil every year. Is it possible to make decent soil blocks every year with what I can make or find at home, or was my purchase completely wasted?
I can only find the mini and large soil blockers in the UK
Really?! Ladbrooke is made in England, so that surprises me!!!
@@Blossomandbranch yeah it’s very strange. Maybe I’m not looking in the right places but Amazon don’t have the mama bear size and local garden centres don’t have them at all that I’ve seen. I’ll try Ladbroke directly and see if that helps.
Edit I think I found it on Amazon (finally). They have the micro and mini (2inch). Yey that’s an early birthday present for myself 😊 thank you for the recommendations
Instead of adding myko to the mix, could you use a bit of compost tea? Assuming it has a good fungal biomass….
Definitely! Or even a scoop of homemade compost.
I just ordered the mini blocker a week ago. Oh well
I started with the In and 3/4 and ordered the mini this year it's addictive anyway
It’s true, I have them all because as I’ve learned more I just like having the options!
May I please ask why you stopped using vermiculite?
I just don’t like buying a bunch of products, simplifying is freeing!
Hi - where can I find the link to your Amazon store?
Just added it in description:)
@@Blossomandbranch thank you!
Where do you get the 5 cell seed blocker? All I can find is the tiny ones and 2" ones. :/
Just added the link in description :)
@@Blossomandbranch thanks so much! The 2" is really larger than I need, though it'll be a bit before I can afford to add the 1 3/4"
I can’t find your store.
Me too. Her trays look like the ones Epic Gardening sells that are fiberglass and made in America. In fact, she may have mentioned that those were them a long while back.
I brought them to the epic store last year when I was creating content for them but they chose to discontinue them. You can get them from webstaurant in bulk or I linked them in my amazon shop if you only need singles.
Just linked it in the description!
Anyone in Canada source peat free potting soil? Fox Farm Coco Loco is $109 a bag!
That’s insane!
Wow! I couldn't bring myself to spend that. I made my own from my own very aged compost, chopped dry leaves and well rotted wood chips. I mixed it then sieved it. I googled substitutes for peat and went from there.
I just googled and found a Canadian peat free bagged potting soil.
soil booster dot ca
@@MyFocusVaries Thank you! I did see that, but some of these websites come across as being scammy using kick starters and not detailing exactly what is in the mixes. I will look closer at this one. I have my own worm compost I am considering adding to coconut coir with perlite and some green sand.
@@Brad-rr6cn I looked at perlite and vermiculite and found that for the volume I needed, they were also really expensive. I was lucky to have brought leaves from my mother in law's (who has a massive lawn and mulches and bags all her leaves 😢). And I had a compost bin of conifer needles that had fully composted, which was a fine, woody texture. I added them to the compost until the texture was similar to seed starting mixes I've used in the past.
🤩 "Promo SM"
I don’t understand why seedlings need these blocks etc. why not just put soil in a tray and let them grow?
Because soil blocking uses far less plastic and produces significantly healthier seedlings.
Peat is awful to work with. Easily becomes hydrophobic in dry climates.
Exactly, terrible to rehydrate when it dries out
It doesn't look like you use a Swift Blocker. If I had your volume, I'd need one to save my hands.
I do, we have them in one of our previous videos about sizes-in fact we were one of the first testers! Love them a lot. I’m waiting on the newest model to do a video about that but the full swiftblocker is overkill for most home gardeners.
The only problem I’ve found with them is that I haven’t found a non plastic tray to use with them that fit the dimensions right without wasted space. I don’t like using plastic if at all possible.
@@Blossomandbranch Have you thought about approaching the company that makes the smaller fiberglass trays? You can't be the only one with that need.
Well, I see ya never got Fat over the Winter Ma'am !!! 🤣🤣🤣😘