Soil Blocker

**mcdood** · 05-01-2019, 09:08 AM

I'm sure I saw Monty Don use either this or something very similar on Gardener's world this season. Might be worth trying to dig that out.

**mcdood** · 05-01-2019, 09:09 AM

I found the link
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p068y4ps

**Thelma Sanders** · 05-01-2019, 09:37 AM

I just use paper pots, simple enough for me - and very cheap

Unless you are good at DIY those machines are expensive to buy..

**Snoop Puss** · 05-01-2019, 10:25 AM

Thanks, mcdood. I've looked at these devices and wondered how the blocks hold together. They look a bit sloppy for seeds that don't germinate very readily.

I've made paper pots in the past and will using them far more this year. Transplanting is a cinch, and they hold together well enough in most cases. Only ever had a couple collapse on me. I use a long aerosol can to make ones for parsnips, shorter stubbier cans for other plants. Here's a link to an article showing how to make them using a wine bottle. I've never used a bottle (too big a diameter for my purposes), but the principle is the same. I staple at the top to ensure they stay together and then tear away the staple and any paper that might protrude from the soil when planted out, so that moisture isn't wicked away. Not sure the staple is necessary, but gives me peace of mind.

https://www.instructables.com/id/How...ng-old-newspa/

**4Shoes** · 05-01-2019, 12:01 PM

The Monty video is a bit misleading. Other "Organic" sources suggest that the compost if left for a while to allow the coia/peat to soak up the water and ensure there is no competition getting moisture the seeds. I expect the tip regarding squeezing compost to check water content is correct, but the "rest soil" bit was missed out because of production time limitations. The other sites seem to suggest you get a good solid block with "sharp" edges that holds it shape well and the composition of the block aids germination.

Once the seedlings are growing, air pruning forces the root back into the cube to form a solid mass.

As I say, I don't know if any of this is true, hence the question "Has anyone any experience?"

I'm interested because I started onions from seed this year. I've a tray of approx. 200 which will take some time to make paper pots. Plan is 2 or 3 varieties in a 2.4 x 4m plot.

By my workings, if you need 1000 plugs, each will cost about 7p including compost. Perhaps one for an allotment group where they have shared facilities and are trying to reduce plastic usage.

Like paper pots, you just pop them in whole. No faff trying to get plugs out of modules.

Almost convinced myself

**roitelet** · 05-01-2019, 01:15 PM

If you are going to use this method you will need to buy Blocking Compost which will hold together in the block. Could prove to be rather expensive!

**veggiechicken** · 05-01-2019, 01:30 PM

Here's an old thread with links to other even older threads.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...kon_78303.html

**4Shoes** · 05-01-2019, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by veggiechicken View Post

Here's an old thread with links to other even older threads.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...kon_78303.html

Thanks VC.
That is the sort of information I was looking for....

This one made with plastic elements so reported to be not so good....
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...tml#post174925

And concrete blocks that I an aware about... More peat / coia needed in mix.
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...tml#post192611

And the BrenInPots links page
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ml#post1228875

All very good stuff.

**4Shoes** · 05-01-2019, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by roitelet View Post

If you are going to use this method you will need to buy Blocking Compost which will hold together in the block. Could prove to be rather expensive!

There are several mixes. Most of them start with 3 to 4 parts Peat or Coia to retain the structure and water
1 part perlite or vermiculite again to retain water.
1 part soil for bacteria
0.5 part chicken fertilizer or BFB .

**Snoop Puss** · 05-01-2019, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by 4Shoes View Post

I'm interested because I started onions from seed this year. I've a tray of approx. 200 which will take some time to make paper pots. Plan is 2 or 3 varieties in a 2.4 x 4m plot.

For onions, I just sow them at a couple of centimetres apart in a washing up bowl with drainage holes poked through the bottom. And I don't bother to prick them out or anything like. Just prise apart and transplant into the soil when they've got at least two leaves. Never had a failure yet. I'm not sure I'd bother with paper pots. I treat leeks the same way, but in fact paper pots might be a better bet come to think about it. Better get pot-making sharpish.

**mothhawk** · 05-01-2019, 06:55 PM

The soil blocks still have to go in a tray, so it seems a lot of faff. Why not fill the tray and block it down, then push a strip of thin wood or a ruler lengthways down through the soil and jiggle it a bit to divide the soil into blocks. Faster, cheaper, and just as effective.

**SarrissUK** · 05-01-2019, 07:53 PM

I am far too clumsy and imprecise to ever be able to do this. I scatter seed in a tray instead. Works for me

**4Shoes** · 06-01-2019, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Snoop Puss View Post

For onions, I just sow them at a couple of centimetres apart in a washing up bowl with drainage holes poked through the bottom. And I don't bother to prick them out or anything like. Just prise apart and transplant into the soil when they've got at least two leaves. Never had a failure yet. I'm not sure I'd bother with paper pots. I treat leeks the same way, but in fact paper pots might be a better bet come to think about it. Better get pot-making sharpish.

Leeks I understand well. Grow them on to pencil sized, top and Tail and Dibble them in with a watering can. Onions I was lead to believe minimum disruption to roots to get a good crop.... Hence this thread.

For washing bowl - I read a bowl with 100mm deep compost ?

Last year potted up leeks into Mackie's ice cream tubs. Could use similar for onions.

**4Shoes** · 06-01-2019, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by mothhawk View Post

The soil blocks still have to go in a tray, so it seems a lot of faff. Why not fill the tray and block it down, then push a strip of thin wood or a ruler lengthways down through the soil and jiggle it a bit to divide the soil into blocks. Faster, cheaper, and just as effective.

See the logic. Bit like making bricks. Turn out compressed seed tray onto smooth surface. Cut into blocks. The only reason for the tray is to assist moving them. If they are on say a fascia board cutting, that would work.

Would at least let me know if process works this year. Thx.

Announcement

Soil Blocker

Soil Blocker

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Latest Topics

Recent Blog Posts