soil blocks

I remember watching an episode of gardeners world last year where Monty Don did a piece on soil blocks. He was talking about reducing the need for plastic and the actual benefits of growing seedlings in soil blocks

The whole thing looked very fiddly and untidy, it didn't appeal to me

However, i've recently had a change of heart.

I've come to realise that you can create small blocks. These can then be planted direct into a medium block which can then go into a large block. A bit like a russian pot doll.

It's the process of potting on

Has or does anyone use these? What are your experiences?

many thanks in advance

 

I think montys choice to use it was so when the roots grow to the edge the air proon and corse the root to branch out and make a large root ball in stead or just going round and in a plastic pot would be interesting to see how well it worked

 

He used a tool to make them which also made a small invention in the top for seed.

 

Sorry, indentation :-)

 

I have used in the past and got on quite well with them.

The advantages I found were:
1. You could sow individual seeds in very small blocks and then recycle individually those that didn't take.
2. Potting on was very quick, simply inserting the smaller block into a larger one
3. You could see the roots reaching the side of the block and tell how well the root system was doing
4. I couldn't run out of pots!
5. Watering was as straightforward as pots by sitting them on capillary matting
6. Planting out was very easy just put the soil block in the ground (no root disturbance)

They grew on well when planted out, but I can't say better than pots as I never compared.

The disadvantages:
1. Potting mix, you can't get easily so have to mix your own. Great to be in control but can be a faff if you need in a hurry.
2. Getting the mix the right 'wetness' is an acquired skill. Too dry and they don't form out of the mould; too wet and they slump. There is a wide range, it isn't rocket science, but just needs getting right.
3. They are slightly harder to handle than pots, and less forgiving (if they dry out then they can crumble)
4. Sometimes the roots grow into the capillary matting, undoing in part one of the reasons to use

I haven't really used much this season, but was going to get some made up this weekend for some more salad leaves etc - is it interesting enough to people that I should post some pictures?

David

 

That would be great, i think its a route we all will need to go down in the future

without sounding too much like a hippy!