We made some soil blocks today in preparation for seeding our onions and leeks.
I used the soil block recipe from Eliot Coleman’s The New Organic Grower book, and did decide to buy a 2″ soil block maker from The Peddler’s Wagon. We mixed up the soil in a large rubbermade tub. I will have more than enough seedling mix, but we’ll only use what we need as we go along.
Today, my friend Heidi helped me with the blocks (my energy is running low and I’m not moving around too well so it is really nice to have the help!). We mixed about 2 1/2 parts soil with one part water and then pressed the block maker in nice and snug.
Then we pushed the blocks out into little trays that we made. These trays were used to carry the plugs that went into the roof. We lined one with plastic then put another one on top to hold the plastic in and keep the seedlings from sitting in the water. (Does that make sense?)
I’ll seed these with Onion and leek seeds on Wed. afternoon or Thursday, when the moon is in Virgo, an earth sign, and good for starting root crops.
For now, the blocks are in their ‘green house’ that Toby made for me. He made a long shelf to fit in our biggest window and I’ve wrapped it in plastic to keep moisture and warmth in. I think it will work well. We’ll have to move the dining table somewhere so that I can get to the seedlings… but for now, here it is:
Would you please keep posting what you’re doing for your garden, and when? I’d love to peek over your shoulder and be a copycat!
That is great!. I have been looking at the block makers for a while now. Seems like it works as well as I would like it to. When you water the plants does the soil “melt” away from the started plants? Or do you not put the water directly on the soil?
The window looks like it will work well. Great idea
Karyn