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I love starting plants from seed. It's the anticipation of seeing what you can grow from such a small starting point. However, I do have a problem with patience. If they take too long, I tend to get distracted, forget about them, and lose everything! So when I heard about soil blocking, I thought this may be the answer to efficient seed germination.
You may be asking whether soil blocks are worth it, and I have to answer it depends on your perspective and priorities. If you are lacking space or are environmentally conscious then soil blocking may be worth it. However, if you are short on time or money then the standard approach to seed sowing with seed trays is probably a better investment in your time and money.
Whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, getting a head start on the growing season can make all the difference in your garden's success. So choosing the right method for starting your seeds is an important decision for you to make.
Soil blocking has recently become very popular in the flower-growing world, so I thought I would compare this with traditional seed trays to determine the pros and cons. The video covers the subject in detail, but if you prefer a quick read, then check out the summary below the video.
If you want to find out what soil blocking is, check out this post, and if you want to understand what size soil block to choose look here.
Pros of soil blocking
1. Eco-friendly
Soil blocking is a great way to reduce environmental waste by eliminating the need for plastic pots. When you use soil blocks, there's no need to worry about disposing of plastic containers that can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
2. Better root development
Seedlings grown in soil blocks develop more robust and extensive root systems than those grown in traditional containers. Soil blocks allow for air pruning, which encourages roots to grow more fibrous and robust. This results in healthier plants that can better absorb nutrients and water from the soil.
3. Cost-effective
While the initial investment in soil blocker or moulds can be expensive, soil blocking can save you money on seed-starting materials in the long run. The cost of soil and other materials needed each year for soil blocks is typically lower than that of traditional seed trays or peat pots.
4. Space-saving
Soil blocks take up less space than traditional containers, making them perfect for gardeners with limited space. The amount of space each tray of soil blocks requires to grow is minimal, allowing for more efficient use of space in small greenhouses or on windowsills. So you can plant more seeds in less space.
5. Easy transplanting
Soil blocks can be easily transplanted without disturbing the roots of the plants, leading to less transplant shock and healthier plants. You don't have to worry about damaging their delicate roots when transplanting seedlings grown in soil blocks, as you might with traditional seed trays or peat pots.
Cons of soil blocking
1. Requires special equipment
Soil blocking requires specific tools, such as a soil blocker (aff) tool or mould, which can be expensive. The initial cost of these tools may be prohibitive for some gardeners, especially those who only plant a few seeds each year. Buying quality seed trays may end up being as equally cost-effective.
2. Time-consuming
Preparing soil blocks can take some time, especially for large-scale seed starting. Each soil block requires a specific soil mix and preparation. Then you need to make each soil block individually before you even sow the seed. So this can be a slow and tedious process and requires experience to get it right. Using seed trays is easier to get started and maintain.
3. Requires precise watering
Soil blocks dry out more quickly than traditional containers and require consistent and precise watering to ensure proper hydration. Overwatering or under-watering soil blocks can lead to poor plant health or growth or even death, so it's essential to get it right. Seed trays are more forgiving, and you can have a more relaxed watering regime.
4. Not suitable for all plants
It's important to note that some plants, such as those with deep taproots or large seeds, may not grow or thrive in soil blocks. For plants with deep taproots or large seeds, such as sweet peas or sunflowers, traditional seed trays or peat pots may be a better option. Soil blocks restrict root growth, which can be a problem for these types of plants.
5. Less forgiving
Soil blocks are less tolerant than traditional containers if you make a mistake, such as letting them dry out or overwatering. However, with a little bit of care and attention, you can easily avoid these issues. Because soil blocks dry out quickly and require precise watering, they can be more challenging to manage than traditional seed trays or peat pots. Still, many gardeners find the extra effort to be well worth it in the end.
Choosing between soil blocking and traditional seed-starting methods will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for an eco-friendly, space-saving, and cost-effective way to start your seeds, soil blocking may be the way to go. However, if you have plants that have deep taproots or need a less finicky watering schedule, traditional seed trays may be a better option.
In summary, I believe there is definitely a place for soil blocking for many gardeners, especially if you have limited space. But I don't see them completely replacing the usual seed-sowing regime using seed trays or pots.
For me, I will continue to improve my soil-blocking process and try out different soil blocking recipes, but only for seeds that need to be sown early in the season in the warmth of the house. Then, once the temperatures rise and I can safely sow seeds in the greenhouse, I will resort to seed trays for the ease and less required watering.
Have you tried soil blocking before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
If you want to find out more about soil blocking here are a few suggested articles:
- What is a soil block and is it the secret to healthy plants
- The surprising effect of different soil blocking mixes
- How to choose the right soil blocker
- Are soil blocks worth it? – Soil block versus seed trays
Happy gardening!
