It’s just about time to start seeds indoors for peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes here in TN so I thought I would share a quick post on how I make my seed starting medium (mix). Seed starting mixes can be bought with the same ingredients as what I’m about to share with you but when you mix it yourself you can make larger quantities and save a few dollars over the long run.
For my basic seed starting mix I use organic peat, vermiculite, perlite, and compost. I want a little nutirtion that won’t overwhelm the plants which is why I use a little compost. The vermiculite and perlite are light ingredients that will help create good drainage. Both are mineral based ingredients that are safe to add to your soil.
My typical recipe may vary slightly (I’m not a strict measurer when it comes to soil ingredients). Sometimes I may not have an ingredient on hand like vermiculite or perlite and have to make do with only one or the other.
Basic Seed Starting Mix Recipe:
- 1/3 Peat or Coir (if you can find it cheaply enough)*
- 1/3 Compost (well composted compost of course!)
- 1/3 Vermiculite and Perlite mix
*Coir is a great substitute for peat which has many environmental issues. You can find coir, which is made from coconuts at the pet store. You can also order it on Amazon in its compressed form here: Coconut Coir for Gardening.
There are many seed starting recipes that can be used successfully but this is what I typically use. All of the above ingredients are listed on the OMRI lists and are safe to use for organic gardening! For more on seed starting check our the Seed Sowing 101 series I wrote a while back. Happy Seed Starting 2014!
How Heucheras Begin (Starting Heuchera Seeds)
Recently I started some heuchera seeds while we were suffering through the record setting deep cold of the last several weeks. I had to do something garden related to lighten my spirits that were quickly being squashed by the weather’s entrapments and starting some seeds…
Growing Dogwood Trees from Seeds (Cornus florida)
Have you ever wondered what the inside of a dogwood (Cornus florida) seed looks like? If you read yesterday’s Name that Seed post you caught a glimpse of some dogwood seeds that were cleaned off by the birds. Many birds enjoy eating the berries that…
How to Grow Sweetbay Magnolia from Seeds
No matter where I go when I see seeds that are ripe I’m tempted to collect them. That was the case when walking around Knoxville last year and seeing some ripe magnolia seeds on some Sweetbay magnolia plants. Sweetbay magnolias have several names including: sweetbay…
Starting Tree Seeds Outdoors: A Simple Guide to Diverse Landscapes
Trees are the anchors of our landscapes. They enrich the soil, provide oxygen, offer shelter and food for wildlife, and deliver incredible seasonal beauty. My goal is to diversify our property by replacing invasive plants with a variety of beautiful, beneficial trees and shrubs. In…
Starting Tomato and Pepper Plants from Seeds
I find that there are few things more rewarding in gardening than growing plants from seed. It saves money and lets you grow a variety of really cool plants that aren’t locally available. More than that though there is a feeling of satisfaction you get…
How to Grow Southern Magnolias from Seed
The other day while on a shopping trip I sat in the car with my daughters while my wife ran into the store for a few things. In front of our parking space was a magnolia. I doubt it was the full sized magnolia (Magnolia…
Discover more from Growing The Home Garden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.