Seed Starter Mix

What is it:

How to make it

A quality seed starter mix should be light and fluffy for aeration and have water retention as well as good drainage. The bulk ingredient of the mix should be one of three choices, Compost, Peat moss or Coconut fiber. The other ingredients are Vermiculite and Perlite with the use of dolomite lime in certain applications. Now when choosing a base you should consider where your going to be using it and what you have available.

What you need to get Started !

Seed Starting mix

Knowing which bulk ingredient to use.

Good Vs. Bad

1.  Compost

   • is a organic material

   • has living bacteria

   • can have mold and mildew

   • fungus can be a problem with over watering

2. Peat Moss

   • soilless

   • acidic

   • nonrenewable resource

3. Coconut fiber or coco coir

   • is the inner layer of the coconut husk

   • it has a high salt content due to where it grows it has to be washed to remove salt

   • and has excellent water retention

Understanding Micro Components.

Vermiculite a light volcanic rock expanded with heat. It is porous, allowing it to absorb water as well as water soluble nutrients. Its small and comes in different size grades you will want one that is small.

Perlite is a expanded volcanic rock. It is porous but allows for water to shed from mix and drain. It also works for aeration creating a looser soil keeping compaction to a minimum. It should also be a fine or ultra fine grade. This has the chance of becoming airborne so a dust mask may be something to consider.

Dolomite Lime is Calcium Magnesium Carbonate. It is used to bring up the PH of the soil to a more neutral number. This is only needed with a acidic base ingredient.

How to mix ?

First some questions to ask

How much do you need ?

Where are you going to be using it?

What are you getting out of the mix?

For this mix

It makes just over 8 1/2 quarts of seed starter mix

8 Quarts bulk ingredient from above

2/3 Cup Vermiculite

2/3 Cup Perlite

You will need 8 quarts of the bulk ingredient, you can mix them or use just one that is completely up to you.

When using Peat Moss you will need to add Dolomitic Lime to the mix a 1/4 cup is all it needs proportionally for 8 Quarts of peat moss.

Sifting mix with compost

These ingredients should be sifted for a fine fluffy medium. If mix is to coarse it will not be ideal for seeds.

Then add water you don’t want to use dry mix nor a overly saturated one.

Optional step: you can add a little fertilizer as you mix at the end if you want. Fertilizer is not a requirement especially if you use a nutrient rich compost. Seeds don’t need nutrients to germinate.

Seed starting mixes can be pricey but they don’t have to be if you do it yourself. It can be quite satisfying to do something for cheap for the same or greater value. If you have never tried to make your own its a simple way you can do more with less. This will leave more for other thing you have been wanting to try on your wandering path and wait till you see your plants amazing.