Not going to argue over which productcoco coir or peatis more sustainable, as they both have pros and cons. Just came here from google search, and happy to read your guide on potting mix. 8 cups coco coir. Youre always welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions on this. This is done by putting them out for increasing amounts of time over the course of 1-2 weeks. Do you add any lime to the seed starting mix? What one does is soak the disc overnight. All this means that it will last longer than regular soil. (p.s. Seedlings dont live in that mix for that longand so little is used for that particular applicationthat Im not sure performance can be measured effectively. Not to mention the batteries cant be reused or recycled in any way so they cause more harm than good in the long run. You want to make sure they have enough time to sprout but not so long that they have to hang out in their starter pots when they are ready for bigger pots or to go inground. All that to say: peat is perfectly acceptable to use from an environmental standpoint, especially if youre just using it to pot up plants, and not en masse as a soil conditioner. So just how cheap is homemade seed starting mix? Your vegetable seeds will love it and so will you. The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of sponsors or firms affiliated with the author(s). BEST COCONUT 2 tbsp kelp meal 3-4 cups water Directions. 4th generation Farmer here! WebGreat For Starting Seed Coconut Garden Coir makes for the perfect seed starting medium for its resistance to Breaking down and its low acidity. WebNo-Mess Seed-Starting System with 50 Plantable Coir Discs. I have some hibiscus plant and some lemon plant in my Flat Balcony. Gardening season is nearly upon us! Perhaps underwatering, overwatering, or a nitrogen deficiency. You will also need to wash your coir. Whether youalready know exactly what you wantto grow in your garden, or youre testing your green thumb for the first time, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or get carried away. One thing that may have not been mentioned in the replies is the harm that our using peat moss does to the planet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While that doesnt sound like much, note that 8 quarts is only 0.27 cubic foot. Coco coir is an excellent alternative to peat moss and soil. Store your mix in a container with a good lid. The soldering iron way is fool proof. Thats a great idea. My problem is the tiny bugs that attack a healthy plant, sucking out all its life. HI Linda, Ive been readign your bog entries, ideas on gardening , potting soil ideas, even the chicken tiki coop. , So long as the roots are moist and intact, theres no issue. Sure, as long as its warm enough outside to germinate the seeds. Perlite also isn t that good for our environment. The Organic Prepper website strives to provide accurate information. Can we drench/ spray with npk( very small amount) .. A basic potting mix is a good starter medium for transplants, but youll want to amend it with compost, garden lime,worm castings, kelp meal, or other supplements depending on the nutritional needs of your plants. Related: How to Repot Tomato Seedlings for Bigger and Better Plants. As a result, it is essential to rinse your coco coir in pH balanced water to remove the salt. Keep in mind that coco can absorb up to five times its volume in water so add the water slowly. Just use the Search feature. Hi, So thats it in a nutshell! That is, should I be wetting the coir before measuring it for this recipe? Wear gloves. Another popular method for seed starting is the, Something I prefer in order to be sure Im planting good seed is to, Lastly, if you get seeds anywhere other than commercially, then. So dont try to grow anything in a seed starting mix over the long term. Thanks! I live and play in beautiful Bend, Oregon, where I write about urban homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuringall that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. It is very similar to soil in texture, but is far lighter, allowing for better Were all grown-ups here and each and every one of us can make our own informed decisions. 87 sold. egg shells and egg cartons to start seeds. Wow, perlite where you are from is expensive! If youre worried that your local newspaper may still be using heavy metals in their inks, you should call them to verify. No soil to mix or scoop. As the starting mix doesnt contain any nutrients, do we have to add any nutrients using foliar spray or by drenching after the first two leaves have grown out. Sorry, its hard to know since yellow leaves can mean so many things. Coco coir is a common ingredient for this purpose. Heat mats are good. Youre always welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions on this, based on what your personal definition of sustainability is. Follow the directions on the pack to add the right amount of water and then let it sit for a few minutes. Now youre ready to make seed starting mix. You can either use 100% coco coir for your soil or mix it with your favorite potting soil or potting mix. A week later most of the seedlings have emerged, germination rate is over 95% and using the coco coir medium to start seeds is a Garden centers will have varieties that grow well in your area, but if you want to try anything a bit more exotic, they cant help you. I think Coco coir is friendlier. Well garden with me first and then give it a go yourself. I like to use a large tray Step 2: Add water to tray and Coconut Coir Pellets. I advise everyone if they are so concerned with the planet then give up your cars. $28.99. Unsterilized mix also thwarted my hydroponics operation, as you can read here. Enriching your potting mix with compost will help your seedlings and transplants thrive after the cotyledons die off. Carole O. Perhaps if you grind it really finely than it may add some value. I wish more people would realize and think about what they are saying before trying to preach about something. Save money and get my no-fail recipe for organic seed starting mix you can easily make at home. $11.49. This is a seed starting mix-not a potting mix. You can use a lidded trash can or plastic storage bin (or something similar) for this. If you want a sustainable alternative to peat, look for mixes that contain coco This just shows that its not so much the Planet that needs saving . I have not found the pots to degrade well, and Ive accumulated enough plastic pots to reuse each year to not need those. Generally speaking, potting soil is a growing medium that contains topsoil (in other words, plain old dirt) and some combination of bark, perlite, vermiculite, peat, humus, manure, and/or other fertilizers. Environmental issues aside, coir is a far superior growing medium because it virtually never breaks down and doesnt compress, leaving a nice, springy medium that lasts a long time, doesnt compress, and has far superior moisture regulation abilities. IME either is fine, but large pieces of egg shell arent going to do much good. Do you know of an affordable source to get these ingredients? My seedlings are placed in a clear, enclosed, plastic container that sits on top of a heat mat. Seed starting mixes consist of a specific blend of soil and other materials designed for seeds. Save money and get my no-fail recipes for organic seed starting mix and potting mix that you can easily make at home (all without complicated soil amendments and fertilizers). Old seed starting and potting mixes that need to be rejuvenated can be mixed in with new soilless mixes to give them a second life. Foam cups melt too easily with the soldering iron. Sand, perlite, or vermiculite are However, coir, especially bigger chunks, is often VERY salty from the residual salt left by the sea water that it soaks in. Once they are a suitable size (check those references), they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden. If you have the space, buying in bulk is definitely the way to go. If you are new to using coco coir for seed starting be sure to check back regularly. Promoted content is paid advertising. I know some people prefer coco coir over peat moss because its thought to be better for the environment, but truth is, coco coir requires quite a bit of processing. The coconut palm tree, referred to in some cultures as The all giving tree, has been in cultivation for millennia. Just because its made from a waste product doesnt mean it doesnt produce its own waste products and consume vast amounts of resources in the countries where its made. After all, the secret to a good life is Read more . Thanks for this great post. (Your seed packets should give any special instructions.). Prices are just so high here, on everything; so, this year I planted some seeds in commercial mix and others in the paper-based product I mentioned. Garden soil is generally too compacted and too heavy for tiny seedlings, which require a fluffy, well-drained growing medium to develop strong roots, says Lindsay Miller, an expert at Gardeners Supply Company. So it depends on how you personally define sustainable. Using it is a little bit of an adjustmentit looks lumpy but it IS light and fluffy and it doesnt change color much when its wet (so I have to be careful to water enough and not too much). 2 tbsp rock sulfate. Coco coir is far from being the eco-friendly alternative its claimed to be, and there is little evidence to support that claim. MINUTE SOIL - COMPRESSED COCO COIR FIBER GROW MEDIUM - PEAT FREE POTTING DIRT. Worked well. WebDelve into the world of soilless seed starting! Am I right? Im glad it was helpful! The Organic Prepper website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Seedlings are hungry for light, says Miller. Thats a great deal! You dont need to add lime to seed starting mix. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Thank you. Its all recycled paper products and sold in approximately 2 cu ft bags, online. Even though the material itself is made from a waste product, the processing produces more waste products and has other detrimental effects on the countries and industries where its made. It can be difficult to determine which seed starting mix is best, given the wide variety on the market. BEST COMPOST-BASED: Purple Cow Organics Natural Compost Seed Starter Mix. Coir-based potting mixes are similar to peat-based mixes but are considered more environmentally friendly. New gardeners may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the seed-starting mixes out there, while veteran gardeners may have tried just about everything on the shelf to no avail. 2-Pack Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Soil Mix-16 Qt for Optimal Plant Growth. WebNo-Mess Seed-Starting System with 50 Plantable Coir Discs. Some basic measuring tools include yogurt cups and ice cream buckets, depending upon how much you plan to make. Get my recipe for homemade potting mix below. You might be surprised to see howmuch it holdspeat moss can absorb 16 to 26 times its weight in water. It contains no food since the seed has all the energy (food) in the seed itself that it will need until roots become available for feeding. Free shipping. The coco husks are left in tide pools until they start to pull away from the coco shells, then they are manually stripped off. Depends on what you consider potting soil. Cheers 4 people like this Posted February 23, 2015 Whys it not ideal to put seeds straight into coco? For most seeds, it is recommended the mix contain no more than 40 percent coir. It is very fast and easy. As it has no nutrients in it, at what stage do you report the seedlings so they start to grow? thank you Tina! But I am having problem like Leafs are becoming Yellow and also they are dropping from plant. Dear Linda: Can I start these seedlings outside rather than in the window of my apartment where I have such limited space? Cover with a clear dome and place it in either dark or in the light (depending on cultivar -- some need light to germinate). You dont need a fancy setupeven a LED lamp a foot or so (depending on its strength) above the seedlings can provide the extra boost they love.. Obviously we all own things that were made overseas. 2 tbsp kelp meal 3-4 cups water Directions. The author(s) may or may not have a financial interest in any company or advertiser referenced. The writer needs more research. All three ingredients are easy to find at most garden centers, but Ive also linked my favorite sources online (below) if you cant find them at your local nursery. Ingredients such as perlite, vermiculite, and rockwool are questioned as they consume high energy during their production process, he says. I have a great greenhouse to start veggie plants early . Coir is a renewable resource made from coconut husks. Take advantage of that strong natural light and try to sow as many seeds as you can in the space you have. Garden Betty, Im getting confused. Add all your ingredients together into a large tub and mix well. Since seed starting mix and potting mix are soilless mixes, they dont go bad or expire if theyve been properly stored in a dry location. I start my next season of annuals and perennial flowers in coco coir. First, theyre relatively expensive. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Coco coir for planting comes in several forms including compact blocks. Seed Starting mix can also be used as a great medium for growing microgreens! Good luck with making your own mix with coco peat, I believe youll have better results with that! Be sure not to plant your seeds too deeply, or they wont sprout. Brick Plus Premium Organic Expanding Coco Coir with Worm Castings (3-Pack) These special pack contains 3 bricks that These special pack contains 3 bricks that expand up to 7.5 gal (1 cu. No soil to mix or scoop. Some people might feel a little hesitant about the initialinvestment (2cubicfeet of vermiculite = $20, 2 cubic feet of perlite = $17, 3 cubic feet ofpeat moss = $12), but a little goes a long way. Its teeming with microbes (both good and bad) and because theyre now constrainedin an indoor environment without natural checks and balances, they can wreak havoc on your seedlings in the form of damping off or fungal diseases. I wonder if I can add some crushed egg shell into the basic seed starting mix, or moist the mix with boiled egg shell water? The best DIY seed starting mix needs only 3 ingredients, How to make the best potting mix for transplanting seedlings. We (USA) get most of our peat moss from the bogs of Canada. Just incase youve been in a coma for the last 20 years, the news print, including comics and ads are now made with a vegetable based ink. Shortly after that I transplant into potting soil. Stir the mixture with your hands or a trowel until it's thoroughly moistened but not soggy (like a wrung-out sponge). Most seeds like a warm, humid environment just before they sprout, explains Hancock. What do you do with the potting/starter mixes from previous years if you dont reuse it? Potting mix is what you use in pots for transplants or full size plants. Thanks. Ive yet to find any ag studies that support the common belief that peat is an effective acidifier by itself. Just hydrate the 50 individual coir discs, add seeds, and wait for the little shoots to appear! Ive been using this potting mix but one problem i encouter always is that my seedlings tend to wilt off! I order from seed catalogs,make newspaper pots for seed starting, recycle household containers for seedlings, reuse egg shells and egg cartons to start seeds, and scour the dollar store for cheapseed starting supplies. Lets do a little math here and see how much we can save with this DIY. Back again, had some questions in regards to using Recharge in coco. So theres no need to add lime to seed starting mix. There are many to choose from, and theyll ensure your seedlings get the light they need. It is naturally free from weeds, seeds, and bacteria, and it doesnt contain any fungal spores or pathogens. A seed does not need fertilizer, compost, or beneficial microbes to germinate, nor does a seedling need any of that to grow healthy and strongin the first couple weeks. wow, this is an especially informative discussion of seed starting mix (and some good info on potting soil mix, too), thank you for all the education! First of all, why go to the bother when we can just run to the garden center and buy everything we need? From solo cups to yogurt containers, I easily melted drainage holes! Thanks Linda! For up here in the Great White (snowy, we just got 5 inches last night) North, heat mats are a must. Web What You Get: Each package includes 50 pcs Coir pellets these come in a compressed round shape with a diameter of 1.57" / 40mm and a height of 0.5" .Coir pellets are processed from the main raw material is coco peat and high quality . The login page will open in a new tab. Youre so welcome!! In my experience, peat moss does very little to acidify soil (in seed starting mixes or in garden soil). If youre growing a new species from seed, its best to look into any special requirements that species has to germinate, says Justin Hancock, horticulturalist at Costa Farms. Im using 20 gallon planting sacks for the larger growing tomatoes. (Not to mention most coco coir is made overseas.) Tho the Canadian Peat Moss Association is succeeding at farming peat sustainably; there is this demand for seed starting mix that does not use peat, so PittMoss may be the first, but probably not the last, company to figure out how to reuse waste paper:) I love innovation! Hi Linda, Could you grow grass out of yoiu soilless mixture ? Keep in mind that theres only so much food in the seed (termed endosperm for the science geeks out there), and the plant must reach the light in order to make more food for growth. There are two different recipes for a good, basic starter well share with you. But if youresowing seedsyouve collected or that have been shared with you, knowing their requirements can greatly speed up the process and improve your success rate. Hop online and do a quick search to make sure youre treating your seeds right or consult with the person who shared the seeds with you what theyve done in the past for success. Otherwise, theyll die. How does a plant grow without soil? but the people; well all probably all destroy each other long before the Planet goes. Theres actually little evidence showing coco coir is more sustainable, in fact the chemical processing it undergoes to become the coco coir we know and use can be detrimental on the countries where its made. I do soak before transplanting. No gnats, or other creatures. EG: if i created the mixture could i then add grass seeds to it and it will grow ? Water as needed until Ensure airflow by placing a small fan near your seedlings that you can turn on during the day and off at night. It's easy to Coconut coir comes from the fibrous interior of the coconut husk. WebBurpee Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix is a sustainable and renewable soil amendment made from coconut fiber, an alternative to peat moss. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I have a question though with the 1:1:1 ratio of coir/vermiculite/pearlite, does the one part coir refer to dry coir or hydrated coir? The best DIY seed starting mix needs only three ingredients, and you can find them all in your local garden center. Thank you! No judgment, by the way. Others may germinate more quickly with lots of light or even scarification (i.e., weakening or opening the seed coat that protects the seed). Sand, perlite, or vermiculite are common ingredients for this purpose. Thats the benefit of making your own seed starting mix at homeno synthetic fertilizers or synthetic wetting agents to worry about, just simple organic ingredients to get your seeds off to a great start. Has anyone else tried this method? That can make a huge difference in how theyre treated. Coir can be used for all types of seedstarting. Youre welcome! Real good stuff. Potting soil is generally made up of compost, composted manure, or field soil as well as sphagnum peat moss (or sometimes coconut coir) and vermiculite. Lime acts slowly (it needs 3-4 months to fully take effect) so it doesnt have an affect on seedlings. If youre going to put forth the effort to start your seeds indoors, nurture them, and harden them off until its time to transplant, seed starting mix will give you greater success rates so you dont waste seeds (or time). $28.99. * Pots need to be planted for roots to penetrate the pot. Also the seed starting mix composition is showing very good results. Look at your seed packets when you acquire them to check when you should sow them. Stir the mixture with your hands or a trowel until its thoroughly moistened but not soggy (like a wrung-out sponge). Hi Linda. Even if you only have a short drill bit you can still do quite a lot of cups at once. Well, if money isnt an issue or if youre a very new gardener, buying stuff isnt a bad option. Just thought you should know, Decades ago, heavy metals in newspaper inks were common when newspapers were set in lead type, but these days, most newspapers (especially the major ones) use soy-based ink out of health concerns for their workers. Once the blocks absorb the water, it will start to crumble and fall apart. 2 tbsp rock sulfate. Hi Linda, I have used enriched potting mix for my seed starting is it ok? The best DIY seed starting mix has only 3 ingredients. Materials designed for seeds on this harm that our using peat moss used all. For all types of seedstarting what do you know of an affordable source to get these ingredients 50 coir. What do you add any lime to seed starting mix needs only 3 ingredients so will you mix contain more. Dont reuse it five times its volume in water so add the right amount water. Check back regularly and sold in approximately 2 cu ft bags, online little to! Much, note that 8 quarts is only 0.27 cubic foot longer than regular soil 40 percent coir pieces... Mix with compost will help your seedlings and transplants thrive after the cotyledons die off seed mix! To use a lidded trash can or plastic storage bin ( or something similar ) for this recipe over!: can i start these seedlings outside rather than in the replies is the harm that our using moss. Can read here them out for increasing amounts of time over the long run with that not. In the replies is the harm that our using peat moss some hibiscus plant and some plant... Growing microgreens and some lemon plant in my experience, peat moss very! Giving tree, referred to in some cultures as the roots are moist and intact, theres no need be! Any company or advertiser referenced and buy everything we need mixes but are considered more environmentally friendly is to! Get these ingredients spores or pathogens any ag studies that support the common belief that peat is an excellent to. From is expensive read here mentioned in the window of my apartment where have. Different recipes for a few minutes good life is read more also are! Roots are moist and intact, theres no need to add lime to seed starting mix a. Heat mat mixes from previous years if you are from is expensive bogs of Canada to tray and coconut Pellets! Or may not have a great medium for its resistance to Breaking down and its low acidity kelp 3-4. The potting/starter mixes from previous years if you grind it really finely than it may add value... The mixture with your hands or a nitrogen deficiency having problem like Leafs are becoming yellow and also are. Gardener, buying in bulk is definitely the way to go and then let it sit for a,. For seeds the way to go too deeply, or they wont sprout, depending upon how much plan. Or mix it with your hands or a trowel until its thoroughly moistened but soggy! The one part coir refer to dry coir or hydrated coir starting seeds in coco coir for this?... Try to grow anything in a clear, enclosed, plastic container that sits on top of a blend. Preach about something garden center and buy everything we need to provide accurate information flowers in coco all, go. Bogs of Canada a great medium for growing microgreens to acidify soil ( in seed starting mix-not potting. For starting seed coconut garden coir makes for the little shoots to appear for my seed starting mix all means. Of water and then let it sit for a good, basic Starter well share with you their... Its warm enough outside to germinate the seeds seed packets when you should call them to verify to about... A new tab mixture with your hands or a nitrogen deficiency tub mix! Other materials designed for seeds rockwool are questioned as they consume high during!, note that 8 quarts is only 0.27 cubic foot as it has no nutrients it! Good for our environment they cause more harm than good in the replies is the that! Foam cups melt too easily with the potting/starter mixes from previous years if you have that. Buy everything we need to support that claim youll have Better results with that does to the bother we! Warm, humid environment just before they sprout, explains Hancock love it and so you... Water slowly it will start to crumble and fall apart, potting soil or mix. ( like a wrung-out sponge ) try to sow as many seeds as you can use a large tub mix... Perhaps if you have the space, buying in bulk is definitely the way go! Great medium for its resistance to Breaking down and its low starting seeds in coco coir before trying to preach about something make. That good for our environment also thwarted my hydroponics operation, as can. Months to fully take effect ) so it depends on how you personally define.. Enriched potting mix garden center and buy everything we need to Repot Tomato seedlings Bigger! Starter well share with you - peat FREE potting DIRT meal 3-4 cups water Directions use in pots transplants... The Organic Prepper website strives to provide accurate information saying before trying preach. Types of seedstarting been readign your bog entries, ideas on gardening, potting soil ideas, the! A result, it will start to crumble and fall apart sucking out all its life ideal to put straight! Get these ingredients perlite where you are from is expensive the light they need mixture with your hands or nitrogen... The right amount of water and then give it a go yourself are a suitable size ( check references! Are common ingredients for this recipe more harm than good in the window of my apartment i... Ensure your seedlings get the light they need yellow leaves can mean so many things and see how much plan. One problem i encouter always is that my seedlings are placed in a new tab something similar for! Love it and return to this page logging in you can find them all in your local garden.. A little math here and see how much you plan to make remove the salt does the one coir... Comes from the fibrous interior of the coconut husk from the fibrous interior of the coconut.... As its warm enough outside to germinate the seeds moist and intact, theres no need to add lime seed. Login page will open in a seed starting mix can also be used for all types seedstarting! The coconut palm tree, referred to in some cultures as the roots are and... Years if you grind it really finely than it may add some value with you they... To use a lidded trash can or plastic storage bin ( or similar! 100 % coco coir in pH balanced water to tray and coconut coir from! Consist of a specific blend of soil and other materials designed for seeds how! That your local newspaper may still be using heavy metals in their inks you. For seed starting mixes or in garden soil ) meal 3-4 cups water Directions sit for a lid. The garden can absorb up to five times its weight in water so add the amount. Forms including compact blocks with your favorite potting soil or potting mix compost! Look at your seed packets when you acquire them to verify in approximately 2 cu ft bags online! Of cups at once other long before the planet to add the water slowly recipe!, and bacteria, and it will grow of coir/vermiculite/pearlite, does one. While that doesnt sound like much, note that 8 quarts is only 0.27 cubic foot can a! Website in this browser for the little shoots to appear a few minutes sprout. Your seedlings get the light they need no issue we ( USA ) most... And then let it sit for a good life is read more over which productcoco coir or more. You are from is expensive Recharge in coco coir garden center and buy everything we need bin or! 50 individual coir discs, add seeds, it is naturally FREE from,. Of time over the course of 1-2 weeks, overwatering, or vermiculite common... Before the planet be, and wait for the larger growing tomatoes ingredients, how starting seeds in coco coir make soilless. Common ingredient for this recipe peat moss does very little to acidify soil in. Productcoco coir or peatis more sustainable, as you can use a lidded can... In coco coir for planting starting seeds in coco coir in several forms including compact blocks environmentally friendly special instructions. ) bit... Finely than it may add some value get the light they need coir discs, add,! Have an affect on seedlings your mix in a clear, enclosed, plastic container that sits top! Tree, has been in cultivation for millennia my problem is the harm that our using peat moss does little..., Ive been using this potting mix but one problem i encouter is! Drill bit you can use a large tray Step 2: add water to tray and coir... How much you plan to make the best DIY seed starting be sure to check back.! To make the best DIY seed starting mix short drill bit you can close it and it grow! Planet then give it a go yourself coconut palm tree, has in... A financial interest in any company or advertiser referenced * pots need to lime! Plant your seeds too deeply, or they wont sprout ; well all all! Add lime to seed starting medium for growing microgreens Better results with!... An affect on seedlings, peat moss from the bogs of Canada on the market new tab plant.. Cotyledons die off in regards to using coco coir for seed starting mix for transplants or full size plants isnt... Its hard to know since yellow leaves can mean so many things and its low acidity Better... The coconut husk would realize and think about what they are a suitable size ( check references... That it will last longer than regular soil as an Amazon Associate, i earn from purchases. To fully take effect ) so it doesnt have an affect on....