Seed Starting Mix

Seed Starting Mix


Spring is coming soon, and it is time to begin thinking about what you want to plant in your garden.  Some people buy plant starts, some people start from seed, and many people do both.  


Starting from seed can be an overwhelming undertaking.  There are so many different things to take into account.  But like anything in life, a good foundation is needed to build something great. Using a good seed starting mix is the foundation to your plant growing adventure. 


What is in a seed starting mix?  And how do you know which one to choose?


Potting soil, raised bed soil, and seed starting mix are not all the same.  Seed starting mix has very fine particles, light weight, absorbent yet drains well, and allows air circulation. 


You can make your own mix or purchase from a local nursery or big box store. How many seeds you are going to start would help decide which option is best for you. If you plan on starting trays and trays of seeds, making your own mix is a better financial choice and you can make the mix to your own specifications.  If you only plan on growing on a small scale, like backyard gardening, it would be easier and less work to buy a pre-made mix.  


And I am all about easier, simple, and less stress.  So what kinds of pre-made mixes are out there?


Now, I am all for growing organic, but sometimes organic is out of the price range, here are some different seed starting choices:



If you do want to tackle the project of making your own seed starting mix, it isn’t that difficult, but it does require more effort.  You will find many different ways to make seed starting mix.  There are many gardeners out there telling you their perfect ratio and perfect method.  I am not here to do that.  Because if I am being completely honest, I do not make it the same every time.  This is most likely why I am not a chemist or a chef.  I don’t like measuring and making it exact.  


So here is my round about type of recipe:  



Now sometimes I decide to add a dash of compost or a dash of bone meal.  Some recipes out there always call for compost in the mix.  But this adds to the cost of the mix and if you add too much you can burn the seeds.  Also the seeds have all the nutrients they need to start their life.  Yes they will need more nutrients after they get their true set of leaves, but at first, they really DO NOT NEED extra nutrients. 


You might be wondering, what are these 3 substrates used for?  They all have their functions.  The coir or peat moss aids with moisture retention and light in structure for root growth.  Perlite helps with both holding water and drainage.  Vermiculite is much like perlite in helping with drainage and aeration, but it also retains nutrients to leech into the soil over time. 


After I mix my Perlite, Coconut Coir, and Vermiculite together.  I like to sprinkle in some compost.  I usually throw just enough that I guess that every seed container might have a sprinkle or two of compost.  So for numbers sake, I would say ⅛ of the substrate is compost.  I mix all of this either in a wheelbarrow or even just a Home Depot bucket.  It all depends on how much seed mix I need to make.  After I mix this all together, I moisten the mix prior to putting the mix into seed trays.  You want the mix to be moist before adding the seeds into the trays.  Pre-moistening the mix will help keep the seeds in the mix and keeping the mix moist increases germination rate.  


When choosing which route to go for picking seed starting mix, it is really up to your preference.  Do you have the time and resources to make your own mix?  Or do you need the time and you have the money to purchase a pre-made mix?


Again, I like simple and easy.  So picking the right method will be different for each of you.