Soil Blocking: A Simple Beginner’s Guide 

to Get You Started Planting TODAY!

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Soil blocking is a unique way to improve seedling health, creating stronger root systems and better transplant survival rates. Use this guide to soak up the basics of soil blocking, to create a simple two-ingredient soil blocking mix, and to get started quickly.

Start the tutorial

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Here's What You Need

1

SOIL BLOCKERS:

 Soil blockers come in several different sizes. Most common sizes include "mini blockers", 2 inch, and 4 inch.

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2

LARGE FLAT BOTTOMED CONTAINER

You will need a large container that you can mix the soil and water together in and form the blocks. The bottom needs to be flat in order to produce well packed soil blocks.

3

Trays

You have many options for trays including recycled bread containers, old cookie sheets, standard greenhouse trays, or these homemade wooden soil block trays. I prefer the wooden soil blocking trays because they are stronger, hold moisture, have a flat surface area for small 3/4 inch blocks, and are easy to transport.

First things first: Prepare The Soil Mixture

01

sift soil

02

add soil + water

03

mix well

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Do the Squeeze Test!

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Squeeze the soil in your hands and you should be able to squish out a few drops. If you cant squeeze out any drops, add more water. If it’s too wet simply add more potting mix.

Fill + Form

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Fill the soil blocker by pressing it into the soil and rotating from side to side repeatedly until it is well packed. Release the blocker onto your tray and continue the process, filling up the tray with as many blocks as you want.

Sow Seeds

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 Sow your seeds according to the instructions on your packet, covering them with enough soil for optimal growth.

Grow

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At this point, your blocks are already moist- you can mist them but shouldn’t need to water them for a day. Watch your seedlings grow and thrive!

Tips + Tricks

01

tightly pack soil into blockers

02

wash equipment immediately after

03

use a strong tray or double up plastic trays

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