What kind of soil for starting seeds

Seed starting mixes are designed to provide the perfect growing environment for seeds. Just using potting soil will be okay, though, in most cases. All these different soils are confusing and can get expensive. This would be devastating for plants, though. Never use garden soil to start seeds or with container plants. It is too heavy and may contain pests, weed seeds and diseases. The following article on our website provides an excellent detailed description of the problems with using garden or topsoil.

Yes, and no. Many companies put the organic label on their products, but these growing mediums are not approved for organic gardening. Most potting soils and seed starting mixes are inherently natural because they are made up of ingredients from the earth, like soil, sphagnum moss and perlite. In fact, all potting soils and soilless mixes should be natural, by default.

Adding the label onto the package means nothing. So many options are out there all making the same claim that they are the best. Seed starting and potting soil mixes range widely in prices and claims, and sorting through them all is time-consuming. Being an informed buyer, though, is the best way to get the best mix to grow plants. Not fun! It is best to start with the correct product and save the time and heartache of failed or poorly growing plants. An effectual seed starting mix will contain some combination of these ingredients: sphagnum moss, peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, and a wetting agent.

In many cases, yes. It depends on the particular advertised use. For example, succulents and cacti absolutely need specialty soil. Sand is an essential element for these plants, while for other plants, sand is detrimental. Orchids and African violets also require special potting soil. Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

Peat moss has long been used to create soil mixes because it is an almost perfect medium. It is lightweight, natural, and retains water and air exceptionally well. Peat moss is excavated from bogs that took hundreds of thousands of years to form.

Recently, the sustainability of this practice is being brought into question. Native soil often does not drain as well as seedling mixes. And it can develop a crust that prevents seedlings from pushing though. Edmund's recipe for a good basic pasteurized medium for growing seedlings is a mixture of one-third pasteurized soil or compost, one-third sand, vermiculite or perlite, and one-third peat moss.

To pasteurize a small quantity of soil or compost in an oven, put the slightly moist soil or compost in a heat-resistant container or pan. Cover with a lid or foil. Place in a degree oven; check the temperature periodically using a candy or meat thermometer. When the mix reaches degrees, cook for an additional 30 minutes. Avoid overheating it, as the structure of the soil may be damaged, rendering it useless as a seedling soil ingredient. Mix pasteurized soil or compost with peat moss.

Add sand, vermiculite or perlite. All ingredients are available at most nurseries and garden stores. To me, a guarantee indicates that a company is willing to stand behind their product. Keep the sales receipt just in case you are not satisfied with the performance of the product. It is generally required to obtain a refund.

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