What Soil to start seedlings? - Page 3

Urbanfarmer · March 11, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by sergeant69

where does one get rockwool cubes?? never heard of it but sure would like to try it. thanks

Google Grodan rockwool and order online. 3 x 3 x 2.5" is a good size, or 4 x 4.

crmauch · March 11, 2014

I'm not sure I agree about the soil being neutral. The only time I remember damping off is when my father used to use garden soil for his seedlings.

I've used Miracle Gro with OK results, I have had problems w/ gnats (and once you have them, it's nearly impossible to get rid of them (if anyone has, please let me know what you did) Though w/ the gnats I've never seen where they've actually killed off a seedling (but I do believe they weaken them). I can't say for sure that MG was where the gnats came from. I now buy soiless mix by the large bushel/cube.

Wayne Schmidt's testing of mix (and some of my own testing with alternative seed starting methods) has proven to me that what the seed is in is not neutral. Wayne's testing:
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/pottingsoil.htm

Chris

sergeant69 · March 11, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanfarmer

Google Grodan rockwool and order online. 3 x 3 x 2.5" is a good size, or 4 x 4.

man, they be proud a dat stuff!!

kevn357 · March 14, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by feldon30

I've found Fafard and Ferry-Morse at Walmart and local nurseries, so no need for Miracle Gro. I consider Miracle Gro anything to be a "last resort".

Not to be rude, but walmart, fafard and ferry-morse are not above Miracle Gro. All garbage and very short sighted...

b54red · March 14, 2014

I think the use of DE as a seed starter gives the best of both worlds. It is far easier to handle than coconut coir and has the same quality of not staying too moist. It is also very easy to bottom water in a very short time. It doesn't have any nutrients so plants need to be fertilized earlier and potted up a bit sooner. It does seem to promote spectacular root growth. I have never used rock wool so I can't comment on it.

I find that I get faster and far better germination with UltraSorb than Jiffy Seed Starting Mix, Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix, potting soil, peat, peat cubes, compost or garden soil. It has the added benefit of almost totally eliminating damping off and those pesky little gnats. At 6.95 for a 15 lb. bag it is hard to beat the price.

Also if I spill a little oil while changing the oil in my Mantis I have something handy to soak it up with.

Bill

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March 11, 2014	#32
crmauch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2013 Location: Honey Brook, PA Zone 6b Posts: 399	I'm not sure I agree about the soil being neutral. The only time I remember damping off is when my father used to use garden soil for his seedlings. I've used Miracle Gro with OK results, I have had problems w/ gnats (and once you have them, it's nearly impossible to get rid of them (if anyone has, please let me know what you did) Though w/ the gnats I've never seen where they've actually killed off a seedling (but I do believe they weaken them). I can't say for sure that MG was where the gnats came from. I now buy soiless mix by the large bushel/cube. Wayne Schmidt's testing of mix (and some of my own testing with alternative seed starting methods) has proven to me that what the seed is in is not neutral. Wayne's testing: http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/pottingsoil.htm Chris

March 14, 2014	#35
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	I think the use of DE as a seed starter gives the best of both worlds. It is far easier to handle than coconut coir and has the same quality of not staying too moist. It is also very easy to bottom water in a very short time. It doesn't have any nutrients so plants need to be fertilized earlier and potted up a bit sooner. It does seem to promote spectacular root growth. I have never used rock wool so I can't comment on it. I find that I get faster and far better germination with UltraSorb than Jiffy Seed Starting Mix, Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix, potting soil, peat, peat cubes, compost or garden soil. It has the added benefit of almost totally eliminating damping off and those pesky little gnats. At 6.95 for a 15 lb. bag it is hard to beat the price. Also if I spill a little oil while changing the oil in my Mantis I have something handy to soak it up with. Bill