With just a few ingredients, you can make your very own seed raising mix to give your plants the best possible conditions for developing strong root systems and growing into strong, healthy plants. Learning how to make your own quality seed raising mix is just one of the many factors that contribute to successful seed germination.
Seed Raising Mix
To successfully germinate seed, you need a good quality seed raising mix. Yes, you can purchase seed raising mix, though this is a bit hit and miss with poor quality ingredients and can end up being quite expensive. Seed germination can be tricky at the best of times, so by making your own mix, you know exactly the quality of the ingredients used.
Do I Need Seed Raising Mix?
As you may already know, many seeds can, and prefer to be planted straight in the garden where they are going to grow. Therefore, on these occasions, seed raising mix is not necessary.
Depending on your location and if you want to get a jump start on growing seeds, then a quality seed raising mix will give your seeds the best possible start.
Can’t I Just Use Potting Mix?
Well, you could, but you may not get the same result. Potting mix is heavier than seed raising mix. It can also be less porous and more compacted which can hinder the germination of seeds. Often in purchased potting mix, you will find large pieces of things such as bark which won’t help you successfully raise seeds.
If you already have some potting mix on hand, try adding putting it through a sieve, then add some vermiculite and coconut coir to it to lighten it up. Then it can be used for your seedlings.
Seed Starting Mix
The perfect mix to start your seeds in should:
- Hold onto moisture without becoming soggy
- Has a finer texture and no large particles, bark or stones that can interfere with germination
- Be a lighter mix with good drainage and aeration
- Provides a small amount of nutrition to support seedlings after they germinate
- Provides an environment that is weed free
Making Seed Raising Mix
Making a good quality mix takes a few ingredients that are measured by volume. To make a good quality seed raising mix, you will need:
- 2 Parts Quality Compost – This can be your homemade compost or you can purchase it is you need to. Good quality compost which will slowly release nutrients into your mix, feeding your seedlings as they grow. Make sure to remove any lumps before using. They can be broken down with your hands or run your compost through a sieve before using.
- 1 Part Vermiculite or coarse sand – Vermiculite or sand help lighten the mix, allowing for good drainage and aeration which aid in root development. Vermiculite is a natural volcanic material, that is slightly more expensive than sand.
- 2 Parts Coco coir – This natural fibre is extracted from the husk of a coconut. It is light, helps retain moisture and can be purchased as a block from your garden supply store. Before using it, you will need to soak the block in the required amount of water until it expands. I put it in a bucket, add the water and a lid and use what I need. The rest is stored for later or placed in the garden. Peat moss is an alternative to coir that if often used, though it is not as sustainable, and takes a long time to regenerate.
- Optional – ½ part Worm castings. A handful of worm castings can be added to your seed raising mix as a fertiliser, though is not essential for germination. Once your seedlings have germinated, they will need a small dose or fertilisation. You can water with a diluted organic fertiliser or add a small amount of very diluted and aged manure at this time. Too much fertiliser will burn your seedlings.
Soak the coco coir to rehydrate.
Sift the compost with the sieve.
Place all ingredients in a large bucket or tub and combine. Fill your punnets or trays and with the mix and plant your seeds.
Once they grown their true leaves, transplant seedlings into a suitable pot with potting mix or into your ready garden bed.
DIY Seed Raising Mix Notes
- When making your own seed starting mix or when using commercially made mixes, always wear a mask to avoid inhaling any unwanted particles.
- Also, work outdoors in an open area to help minimise the risk of inhalation. Thoroughly wash hands after using any of these products.
- Wearing gloves is also a good option to help prevent exposure to any unwanted bacteria.
More Garden Resources
- Nourishing Soap for Gardeners
- Printable Gardening Journal
- Ways to Save Money on your Garden
- How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden
- Composting for Beginners
- How to Grow Sweet Potatoes
- Vegetable Garden Printable Pack for Kids
- 7 Tips for Gardening with Kids
- How to Grow Basil
- How to Harvest, Preserve and Use Basil
- Tips for Growing Tomatoes
- Tips for Growing and Harvesting Rosemary
- How to Grow, Harvest and Dry Calendula
- Growing and Storing Garlic
- How to Grow Lettuce in Containers
- Tips for Growing Fruit and Vegetables from Scraps
- Why Should you Grow a Garden?
DIY Seed Raising Mix
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 2 Parts Quality Compost
- 1 Part Vermiculite or Coarse Sand
- 2 Parts Coco Coir
- ½ Part Worm Castings Optional
Instructions
- Soak the coco coir to rehydrate.
- Sift the compost with the sieve.
- Place all ingredients in a large bucket or tub and combine. Fill your punnets or trays and with the mix and plant your seeds.
- Once they grown their true leaves, transplant seedlings into a suitable pot with potting mix or into your ready garden bed.
Notes
- When making your own seed raising mix or when using commercially made mixes, always wear a mask to avoid inhaling any unwanted particles.
- Also, work outdoors in an open area to help minimise the risk of inhalation. Thoroughly wash hands after using any of these products.
- Wearing gloves is also a good option to help prevent exposure to any unwanted bacteria.
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