Embracing Soil Blocks

Welcome to the world of soil blocks, an innovative and sustainable method of starting seeds that has revolutionized my gardening approach. If you’re looking for a way to enhance the health of your plants right from the start, you might want to consider adopting soil blocks. In this post, I’ll guide you through what soil blocks are, their benefits, what you need to start, and a step-by-step guide on how to make them.

What Are Soil Blocks?

Soil blocks are cubes of compressed soil used for seed starting. Unlike traditional methods that involve plastic trays or peat pots, soil blocks eliminate the need for containers. Made with a specific mix of soil, water, and nutrients, these blocks hold their shape naturally and provide a unique growing environment for seedlings.

Mini soil blocker with trays and Tilth seed mix.

Benefits of Soil Blocks

Reduced Transplant Shock: The roots of seedlings grown in soil block air-prune rather than circling around, which often happens in containers. This promotes healthier root growth.
Zero Waste: Since there’s no need for plastic pots, soil blocks are an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce waste in your gardening practices.
Better Growth: A soil block's airy, moist environment is ideal for root growth and helps plants develop stronger, more robust root systems.
Space Efficiency: Soil blocks can be closely nested together, maximizing your seed starting area without the need for bulky trays or pots.

Getting Started

What You Need To begin soil blocking, you’ll need a few key supplies:

Soil Block Maker: This special tool compresses the soil into sturdy blocks.
- Although it can be pricey upfront, these tools will last you years! You can also forego the soil block maker and make soil blocks with your hands into soil balls -- farmer Jesse from No-Till Growers demonstrates that here.
Soil/Seed Mix: A fine, peat-free mix works best. You can buy a ready-made soil block mix or make your own with compost, coconut coir, and perlite or vermiculite.
- A friendly PSA on peat moss: the method by which peat moss is harvested enables carbon to be released back into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate. Harvesting peat moss also destroys a native habitat essential to the survival of many birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals.
Seeds: Choose your favorite seeds to start your garden.
Trays: To hold the soil blocks and catch water.
- To save on trays, reuse styrofoam from meat packaging or any other solid tray. Consider open-based trays for soil blocks, which allow for natural root pruning and prevent root-bound plants. These trays are not necessary for starting soil blocks though.

Care for Your Seedlings: Keep the soil blocks moist and in a warm, bright place until your seedlings are ready to transplant.

See below for a video demonstration of each of these steps!

Personal Observations

Since switching to soil blocks, I’ve observed remarkable improvements in the health and vigor of my plants. The seedlings grow faster and stronger, and when it’s time to transplant them into the garden, they adjust quickly without the setback of transplant shock. The benefits of using soil blocks have been clear in my garden’s increased productivity and health.

Summary

Soil blocking might seem like a small change, but its impacts on plant health and garden efficiency are profound. I encourage all novice or experienced gardeners to try this method and see the difference for themselves.