How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil - With 5 Simple Ingredients! (2024)

The best way to grow incredible vegetable and flower transplants from seed is by starting with incredibly rich and fertile soil – and there is no better way to do that than by taking the time to make your own seed starting soil right at home!

Not only is making your own seed starting soil easy, it gives you the opportunity to load it up with all of the vital nutrients and resources tiny seeds need to get off to a great start.And you won’t believe just how easy it is to make!

With just five basic ingredients, you can create a powerful seed starting soil that results in quick germination and healthier seedlings. One that will have you planting transplants into your garden and flowerbeds that are ready to rock right from the start.

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Let’s face it, growing your own transplants from seeds is a great way to save money on your gardening budget. Buying plants every year can certainly get expensive. Bur growing your own plants also allows you a chance try new and unique seed varieties that you simply can’t find locally.

In order to start seeds at home, you need soil that is light, airy and powerful enough to provide your young seeds and seedlings with everything they need to germinate and grow. Unfortunately, that is something commercial potting soil and seed starting soil mixes often don’t have.

That is exactly where making your own seed starting mixture can give you a big advantage. It allows you to grow your own seeds while being in control of the entire process – from start to finish.

Why Potting Soil Isn’t Enough – How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make when starting seeds indoors is to use ordinary potting soil. Potting soil alone is great for growing mature plants and flowers. Unfortunately, it isn’t the best option for tiny seeds or seedlings that are just beginning to grow.

Potting soil tends to be more dense and heavier than seeds can handle. This can not only hurt the germination process, but in addition, when the soil is heavier, small seedlings struggle to push out new roots. This prevents them from creating a good support system for growing into healthy, strong plants.

In addition, even high-end potting soil mixtures often lack the nutrients and organic matter that seeds need in order to thrive. And without those nutrients, seedlings may germinate, but they will still struggle to develop good roots.

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It’s not that potting soil isn’t a good ingredient for a seed starting mix. It’s actually a great foundation for one. You simply need to add a few more ingredients to it to make it perfect for growing growing great transplants.

So what does it take to make great seed starting soil? Here is a look at five simple ingredients that together, create an incredibly powerful, lightweight soil that will have your seedlings growing like crazy! As for how much to use of each, we have included our simple recipe at the end of the article.

#1 Potting Soil – The Base Ingredient

While potting soil alone isn’t great, it does act as an excellent base for the seed starting mixture. Ensure that you are choosing a high-quality mixture that doesn’t include any fertilizers.

When seedlings are young, they are very susceptible to powerful fertilizers. Not only can it cause excessive foliage growth, it also doesn’t allow the stems to become strong and sturdy. In fact, too much or too strong of a fertilizer can actually kill young seedlings.

Seedlings need more of a lighter, slow-release type of fertilizer that allows for slow but consistent growth. That way, the seedlings can absorb the nutrients more gently over time.

Listen In Below To Our Podcast On How To Start Seedlings Indoors With Ease!

#2 Compost – How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

When it comes to slowly and safely powering plants, it doesn’t get any better than compost. Compost helps to add vital nutrients to growing seedlings and transplants. It also helps to add loads of organic matter to the soil as well.

Organic matter is critical for increasing the drainage of the soil, which is extremely important for seeds. At the same time, compost helps to absorb moisture and provide seedlings with hydration right where they need it most – at their roots.

When it comes to using compost for starting seeds, make sure that you sift or break apart the compost first. If you have materials that haven’t fully broken down in the compost, they will negatively affect the overall composition of the seed starting soil.

Also, only use well-aged compost. Young seedlings are very susceptible to being harmed with too much power. Using compost that hasn’t completely finished breaking down can be too hot and kill young seedlings. Affiliate Link: R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost

#3 Perlite – How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

Perlite is a major ingredient for making great seed starting soil. Perlite is an all-natural product that is made from volcanic glass. When it gets exposed to high temperatures, perlite puffs up into a light and airy substance. It’s similar to how popcorn pops into fluffy kernels when it’s heated.

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You have likely seen perlite in commercial potting soil mixtures or in the soil of houseplants. Although it actually resembles styrofoam and is often confused with it, it is 100% organic and safe for plants.

The reason why it’s so useful for seed starting soil mixtures is that it helps to lighten the soil. Those little white puffs also create air pockets within the soil that allow both water and air into the soil. In addition, it helps to create open paths where young seedling roots can grow and expand with ease.

The best part of adding perlite to your mixture is that it never breaks down. It will continue to help prevent the soil from compacting indefinitely.(Affiliate Product Link: Organic Perlite Bliss)

#4 Worm Castings – How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

Worm castings breathe huge life into seed starting soil. Casting are the byproduct that worms create as they eat and break down the soil. And are they ever loaded with gentle power! See our article: How To Use Worm Castings To Power Plants

Like perlite, worm castings help to lighten and break apart the potting soil and compost part of this mixture. But unlike perlite, worm castings are packed full of nutrients and minerals as well as organic matter.

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So in addition to helping the overall composition of the seed starting soil, worm castings act like a gentle slow-release fertilizer that is perfect for seeds and young seedlings. Castings take seed starting soil to the next level!(Affiliate Product Link: Wiggle Worm Worm Castings)

#5 Egg Shell Powder – How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

Last but not least, there is egg shell powder, which is nothing more than finely ground egg shells. Egg shells contain large amounts of calcium, which is critical for early plant growth. They also happen to contain phosphorous and magnesium, which are important for early development as well.

The key with using egg shells is to completely grind the egg shells and pulverize them into a powder. This allows the nutrients in the shells to break down faster and be more readily available to young seedlings as they grow.

The best way to grind and pulverize egg shells is with a basic electric coffee grinder. It makes quick work of the shells, turning them into a fine powder in just a few seconds. Affiliate Link: Electric Coffee Grinder

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The Perfect Ratio– How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil

Mixing all of the above ingredients together to create the perfect seed starting mix is a breeze. To create, simply take 1 cup of potting soil, 1 cup of compost, 1 cup of perlite, 1 cup of worm castings and 4 to 6 tablespoons of egg shell powder and mix together.

With this simple mixture, you will create a soil that is lightweight, drains well, and is packed with nutrients. And it all but guarantee your seeds and seedlings will get off to an incredible start. Here is to making your own powerful seed starting soil this year – and to growing your best transplants ever!

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How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil - With 5 Simple Ingredients! (2024)

FAQs

How To Make Incredible Seed Starting Soil - With 5 Simple Ingredients!? ›

To create, simply take 1 cup of potting soil, 1 cup of compost, 1 cup of perlite, 1 cup of worm castings and 4 to 6 tablespoons of egg shell powder and mix together. With this simple mixture, you will create a soil that is lightweight, drains well, and is packed with nutrients.

How do you make incredible seed starting soil? ›

For an amazingly fertile seed starting mix, we use this simple formula : 1 cup of potting soil, 1 cup of fine compost, 1 cup of worm castings and 1 cup of perlite. It really is that simple.

What is the best starting mixture for seeds? ›

Combine compost, topsoil, a bit of coarse sand, and something like vermiculite, perlite, or coco coir until you have a mix with a consistency that holds together when wet. For seed starting, you'll avoid using as much sand as you would when making soil for your garden.

How do you make a good seed raising mix? ›

You can make your own seed raising mixture
  1. · 1 part sphagnum peat moss (or coir peat)
  2. · 1 part perlite.
  3. · 1 part vermiculite.

Should I put worm castings in my seed starting mix? ›

Once you add our worm castings to your seed starting mix, you'll see how easy it is to start seeds all on your own. It's also worth noting that adding worm castings to your starting mix can be hugely beneficial when starting plants from cuttings (or slips).

What do you add to soil before planting seeds? ›

Adding large amounts of organic matter such as organic compost and manures will greatly improve the nutrient and water holding ability of these soils. Vegetables may be grown on heavier soils if they are well-drained. Heavier soils have clay particles which are smaller than sand and become quite hard.

How to make a seed starter? ›

How to Start Seeds Indoors in 4 Easy Steps
  1. Fill a large bowl with seed-starting mix and mix in a little water to evenly moisten the soil. ...
  2. Place your seed tray inside the drip tray and fill each cell to just below the top with soil.
  3. Sow your seeds. ...
  4. Cover the tray and place it under your lights on the heat mat.
Feb 10, 2023

Is seed starter soil necessary? ›

You can use just a regular potting mix, however, this makes it much easier and more likely to run into issues with drainage, moisture retention, pests, soil density, nutrient availability, and more. If you want a smooth and seamless experience starting seeds indoors, we highly recommend using a seed starting mix.

How long can seedlings stay in seed starting mix? ›

WHEN TO TRANSPLANT SEEDLINGS FROM A CELL TRAY? Typically, your seeds will stay in their seed tray for 4-6 weeks. After this period, you will either need to transplant the new seedlings into larger pots or transplant them outside.

Should I wet my seed starting mix? ›

DON'T forget to moisten the seed starting mix prior to adding your seeds. If you add your seeds to dry potting mix and then try to overhead water, there's a pretty good chance you'll send your seeds floating to the corners of the container.

What is the best homemade potting mix? ›

A standard recipe for a homemade soilless mix consists of half sphagnum peat moss and half perlite or vermiculite. To mix ½ bushel basket or four gallons of media: Start by pouring two gallons of peat moss into the bushel basket. Add two gallons of either perlite or vermiculite and mix thoroughly.

What liquid helps seeds to grow? ›

Which liquids help plants grow? There are a number of common options, such as milk, juice and water, and though each one has its merits, pure water is still the most reliable liquid for optimal plant growth. Carbonated water. Carbonated water induces plant growth as the bubbles are carbon dioxide.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds? ›

Seeds can grow in just about anything that holds soil and allows for proper drainage. Using cardboard egg cartons is a great option because they are biodegradable, and you likely have a carton already in your fridge. Plus, starting your seeds in cardboard egg cartons is easy!

How long should seeds be soaked in water before starting in soil mix? ›

Examples of seeds that benefit from soaking include peas, beets, cucumber, corn, squash, pumpkin and beans. In a bowl, cover your seeds with warm water and leave to soak for 6-24 hours. Smaller seeds and those with thinner coats need the shorter time, and larger seeds with thicker coats need the longer period.

Do I need special soil to start seeds? ›

Do not use soil from your garden or re-use potting soil from your houseplants. Start with a fresh, sterile mix that will ensure healthy, disease-free seedlings. Before filling your containers, use a bucket or tub to moisten the planting mix. The goal is to get it moist but not sopping wet; crumbly, not gloppy.

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