How To Make Soil Blocks: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of using plastic seedling trays that rarely last more than one season? Are you looking for a more sustainable way to start your plants from seeds? Then soil blocks may be just what you need!

Soil blocks are essentially cubes of soil that hold the perfect amount of moisture, air, and nutrients to give your seeds an ideal start. They eliminate the need for disposable plastic containers and reduce transplant shock, resulting in healthier plants.

But how do you make these soil blocks? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all the steps:

Gather Your Supplies

The first step is to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Seed starting soil mix
• A soil blocker tool
• A container to hold the soil blocker and catch the soil blocks (a tray or shallow box works well)
• Water

Mix Your Soil

The next step is to prepare your soil mix. You can either buy a pre-made seed starting mix or make your own by mixing together equal parts of peat moss or coconut coir, vermiculite or perlite, and compost. Add enough water to make the mix damp but not too wet.

Prepare Your Soil Blocker

Now it’s time to prepare your soil blocker tool. This tool comes in different sizes and shapes, but they all work on the same principle. It has a handle and a metal plate with indentations that form the soil blocks.

To use the soil blocker, press it into the soil mix and pull it out. The indentations on the metal plate will create individual soil blocks.

Make Your Soil Blocks

Once your soil mix and blocker are ready, it’s time to make your soil blocks. Press the soil blocker tool into the soil mix and then lift it out. You should have a block of soil with a small indentation on the top. Repeat this process until you have as many soil blocks as you need.

Plant Your Seeds

Now it’s time to plant your seeds. Use your finger or a pencil to create a small hole in the top of each soil block. Drop one or two seeds into each hole and cover them with soil. Water the soil blocks gently.

Care For Your Seedlings

Place your soil blocks in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have grown big enough to transplant, simply remove the entire soil block and plant it directly into the ground. The soil block will disintegrate over time, leaving behind a healthy root system and well-drained soil.

A soil blocker tool is essential to making soil blocks.

Troubleshooting

If your soil blocks aren’t holding together, the soil mix may be too dry or too wet. Adjust the moisture level as needed.

If your soil blocks are falling apart when you try to transplant them, they may not be compacted enough. Try pressing the soil blocker tool harder into the soil mix to create a more solid block.

Seedlings planted in soil blocks.

By making your own soil blocks, you can save money, reduce waste, and grow healthier plants. With the right supplies and a little practice, you’ll soon be able to make soil blocks like a pro. Happy planting!

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