Before springtime planting officially begins, you can get a jump on seed-starting with the help of soil blocks. Soil blocks are made from a mixture of water and high-nutrition soil, which is then compressed and then either carved into blocks or punched out using a manufactured “soil blocker.”
Soil blocks can be made in a variety of sizes to suit the seeds you’re working with—you can even make large soil blocks to transplant smaller soil blocks into. It’s easy to make several trays of soil blocks to suit your scale of planting. Make one tray or make several—it’s up to you—though be warned: Making too many at one time can result in some serious hand cramping.
Once your soil blocks are ready, plant your seeds and set them in a greenhouse to sprout. Once the seedlings are an appropriate size, transplant the entire soil block into your garden. This method is perfect for a number of plants you want to start early, including tomatoes, cucumbers and squash.
Watch the video above for step-by-step soil-block-making instructions.
