Soil blocks have been around for at least 2,000 old age , first used by the Aztecs to build the so - called “ Floating Gardens ” of Mexico City , which were longsighted strip of kingdom surrounded by water used for growing plants and vegetables . The Chinampas system of husbandry utilized a seeding technique whereby clod of harder soil were cut from bogs and used for germinate seeds .
The Aztec idea still resonates in New soil block , which are basically free - standing , slightly compact block of soil that are used for germinating and starting seedlings , eliminating the penury for batch or germ trays . In the process , a tool of some sort is used to cut the blocks .
Reduce Gardening Expenses by Using Soil Blocks
Many gardeners use soil block for the simple reason that they bring through money . You do n’t necessitate pots or any plastic containers . Beyond the initial investment of the soil blocker dick itself , there is little expense , and the blocker usually pay up for itself within just a couple of years . blocking agent are usually made of zinc or some other sturdy , non - corrosive fabric and last for old age .
Beyond the nest egg on equipment , using garden territory blocks also save you meter and money by producing respectable seedling that can be speedily planted . seedling grown in grunge blocks work strong solution systems because they get increased O and the roots tend to naturally air rationalise themselves so there ’s no gigantism . Once transplanted by merely set the whole block with seedling into the ground , the seedling adapt more quickly and are less likely to be lost due to damage or organ transplant shock . disoriented plants mean lost money .
Making Your Own Soil Blocks
Making your own soil blocks is easy , but the key to succeeder is in the grunge mix recipe . The blocking mix must moderate hempen material — specifically peat moss — in parliamentary procedure to bind all the element and help retain wet , which is essential to seedling development .
Using a clean orotund container or a plastic tarp on the terra firma , mix the soil recipe with enough water to give it the consistency of peanut butter . It should be wet , but not soggy . Then , take your dirt blockage tool , fill it with the intermixture and carefully even off the soil using a cement knife or a add-in . Pushing with the prick , release the blocks onto a tray with a twisting motion . Now you ’re quick to plant your seeds .
Making Your Own Soil Blocks Last
The sentence between when you plant the ejaculate and when you come in your ground auction block into the ground can be about four weeks or longer , so you want to verify that your ground blocks last , specially in the early days before the root have really establish themselves .
For the sake of longevity , it ’s good to keep the following in nous :
Want to learn more about gardening with soil blocks?
Organic Potting Mix Basicsfrom University of Maine Extension ServiceVideo : How to Make Soil Blocksfrom Johnny ’s Selected ejaculate
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CC flickr photo by hightech malibu
