Seed Starting Mix - Make Your Own?

14 years ago

I was interested in making my own seed stating mix. Last year was my first attempt at seed starting and I bought the typical 12qrt mix from the store. I was surprised how quickly that little bag disappeared and ending up buying 3 more.

If I'm not mistaken, is it simply peat with lime to bring up the ph? Can someone help out with a recipe that is inexpensive or a link to a previos post regarding the ins and out of the process? I have searched, but couldn't find one.

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Comments (5)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
Generally the seed is only in the starter mix until true leaf, when they are potted up, in my case to old sixpac containers. I make my own mix, half peat and half vermiculite. I transplant into a potting mix. Al
aztomn
Original Author
14 years ago
Al,

Since you have been kind enough to answer, and it sounds like you have made your own and used it with success: May I add to my question (from your experiences)?

1. I have heard that peat is low in pH, and I have noticed some manufactures add lime. Is this not necessary? You have graciously offered your recipe, so I apologize for being redundant. I was wondering if you have any knowledge on that subject, just for a deeper understanding.

2. The peat I have purchased in the store is not nearly as fine as manufacturer's soiless mix purchased at the store. Do you shred it further? How? Or is that not really necessary either?

3. Do you sterilize the indgredients?

I am not sure if it matters, but I want seed starter for a wide range of vegatables and some flowers to be transplanted in the garden. I (like many others) don't want to go to through the work of killing my seedlings, wasting seeds, and then buying transplants because I was to dumb to ask. : )

Thanks!
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calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
I have never added lime to a seed starting mix. I also have never checked the PH. As I mentioned the seedlings are not long in the mix and when transplanted into potting soil they are then fertilized from the bottom with a weak solution of Foliage Pro 9-3-6.
I buy peat by the bale, break it up and moisten it before storing in 33 gallon lidded garbage containers. I buy and store vermiculite the same way. I do not sterilize either.
Unless you are growing exotic or tropical plants from seed I don't think sterilization is needed. It is my opinion that fungus spores and bacteria are everywhere and are best dealt with by careful management of the growing conditions. Al
aztomn
Original Author
14 years ago
Al,

Thanks for adding to that, and for your help. I'm going to give it a go this spring. I'll be saving a lot of money this way! : )
dirtdiver
14 years ago
I do pretty much as Al does, except that I've been using perlite instead of vermiculite. (I might add some vermiculite this season if I get around to visiting the local Brew & Grow.) If you use perlite, it can send up huge clouds of perlite dust when you dump the bags, so it's good to plan around that (mask, well-ventilated area, breath-holding, whatever).

Seed Starting Mix - Make Your Own?

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Seed Starting Mix - Make Your Own?

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