SEED STARTING MIX FOR VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS

I would like to begin this blog with an apology for not being able to post photos , i hope to correct this issue in the near future .

WHAT IS A SEED STARTING MIX ?

A seed starting mix is a sterile non soil based medium into which seeds are sown or planted . Seed starting mix can be used in pots, planters, seedling trays or any other type and size container the gardener wishes to use . It is designed to give the seed a sterile environment to germinate and sprout in after being sown/planted . Giving seeds this type of environment to start life in ensures they have the best chance possible to grow into strong ,healthy, productive plants ; free from any viral or microbial stress and infection at the begining stages of life when they are most susceptible to disease .

WHAT ARE SEED STARTING MIXES MADE OF

Seed starting mixes , especially the commercial ones can be a mixture of just about anything ranging from , peat moss, sand, coconut coir , ground peanut shells , ground bark , perlite , vermiculite , worm castings and other types of fertilizers . It has been my experience that these commercial seed starter mixes work , they do not work very well and can at times kill your seeds as they try to become seedlings . Seeds when first planted need NO fertilizer , everything the seed needs to grow and become a viable seedling is inside the seed it self and the addition of fertilizers or "nutrients" in the starting mix can be too strong and "burn" the young sprout killing it . I have found that it is BETTER , HEALTHIER and CHEAPER to make your own seed starting mix , using only a few ingredients . I will explain to you below , what ingredients to use , how to measure each , and what each one does in the mix ; ensuring that you can make a cheaper and far superior seed starting mix than you can buy in the big box stores .

THE INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL SEED STARTING MIX AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY IN SUCCESS

PEAT MOSS
Peat moss is used as the base of the mix and is the main component of "structure" for the mix .
COCONUT COIR

Coconut Coir has the same properties in the mix as peat moss and achieves the same "structure .
PERLITE

Perlite is a type of volcanic rock that becomes very light and airy when super heated as it is being produced . Perlite is used to" lighten" or aerate the mix , although it does not add any water retention properties to the mix .

VERMICULITE

Vermiculite is a type pf Mica that has good water retention properties , as is used for that purpose to hold moisture in the mix , helping to ensure it doesn't dry out .

GARDEN LIME

Garden Lime is used in small quantities to off set the acidity of the peat moss and help ensure a ph of the mix that is conducive to the seeds sprouting and the seedlings not becoming burnt by an overly acidic medium.

HOW TO MIX ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS INTO A STARTING MIX

You will need to decide what you want to use as a type of "PART " measure for your starting mix ingredients .... either a measuring cup of a certain volume, such as a one cup measure ... a planting pot of a certain size ... a scoop , or anything else you wish to use ; the important thing to remember is that each individual ingredient is measured with the same " part measure " . Garden Lime would be the only exception to this rule and is measured with a 1/4 teaspoon measure , only a 1/4 teaspoon would be added to each gallon of mix made .
An example of this would be you decide to use a one cup measuring cup as your " part measure " , the you would use this for each thing in your mix , adding the total number of parts of each ingredient , ie , 5 parts peat moss , 2 parts perlite , 3 parts vermiculite and so on , then when the number of gallons of mix made has been determined ,add the required number of quarter teaspoons of lime to the entire mix .
After choosing your " part " measure , choose a type of container to mix everything in , such as a bucket , tote , wheel barrow , you get the idea .

It is a good idea to PRE-MOISTEN the peat or coir before use as they can be difficult to hydrate and will cause your mix to float when blending .

MY RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEED STARTING MIX

8 parts PRE-MOISTENED Peat Moss or COCONUT COIR

1 part PERLITE

1 part VERMICULITE

Blend well with a garden trowel , or other mixing device sized appropriately to the amount made and mixing vessel .

Then depending on the amount of mix you have made by gallons , add 1/4 teaspoon of garden lime per gallon .

I hope you can find this blog helpful and that maybe it will get some of you out there having a better success rate with seed germination and survival.