So, the DIY Soil Cube maker was a total hit. And it was FREE y’all! It really is as simple as it gets. Find a can. Open it and empty it. Then open the bottom (here’s where you might want to take a minute to pick a can without the rounded edges on the bottom). Wash it out and then find a lid from a jar that just fits inside the can. Attach some sort of handle and get going. (I used the busted handle of an old kitchen spoon, the spoon part with the sad, short handle became my soil spoon)
For the soil mix I used Jiffy’s Organic Seed Starting mix. Why? Because that is what everyone else said to use. I added water until the mix was moist and crumbly sort of like oatmeal, but not too runny. Then I spooned it into the can and pressed. Seriously, that is it. It isn’t the least bit hard! And did I mention that all this has cost was the price of the seed starting mix?
I used some painters tape and a Sharpie and some toothpicks to label my cubes and got to planing. Thus far we’ve got 3 kinds of onions, 2 kinds of broccoli, leeks, cilantro, stevia, chives, and Italian parsley. They live in this clear plastic tub over on our sunny windowsill (with protective barriers to keep inquisitive dogs out) and over a heating vent for warmth.
Now comes the hard part. Waiting.
I’ve never started seeds before (!) so I am fairly certain I’m doing it all wrong and that since I don’t have a fancy warming mat or grow-lights that my seeds will all be sad and puny or, worse yet, not germinate at all. But I also know that there were plenty of gardeners before me that did all this without fancy equipment, so I’m putting my stock in with those folks and hoping for the best. So, what are you all growing this year? Have you started any seeds yet? What method do you use to get your seeds going?
Another idea for starting seeds, especially for plants who dislike having their roots messed with, it to use old toilet paper tubes. Fill them with dirt, plant a seed or two in each, and when you’re ready to transplant, tear off the outer layer of the cardboard (kind of wiggle your finger nail in the corner of the spiral at one end until it “frays” and pull it off). The thin cardboard will keep the soil in place so the roots aren’t disturbed but will break down over the course of the season.
Wow, that’s a really excellent idea! I’m getting ready to sow some seeds (indoors, of course) so I am going to try this out – thanks a mil for the tip
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