Seed starting mix Vs Potting Soil
Do you need seed starting mix? Seed starting can be an easy way to get tons of plants on a budget. Especially if you want special varieties!
I see it all the time, garden enthusiasts showing how they start seeds and stating that you must use seed starting mix. Is that completely accurate?
In short, no. I have been seed starting for my garden for 20+ years and I have tried many methods.
Note: the one caveat is if you live in a very high humidity climate seed starting mixes do help to keep fungal problems at bay.
You can also sterilize or pasteurize potting soil. But that is an extra step and buying the seed starting mix may be a better option for you.
I decided to create this test to put my money where my mouth is. I have never done a side-by-side test to really see if my previous experience was correct or just what I thought was happening.
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I am testing 3 different brands that were readily available in my area. I also have some regular potting soil that I mix with a little bit of perlite to make it a bit lighter.
My potting soil mix is 3 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite.
Seed starting mixes usually are higher priced than potting soil so if you live in a drier climate then using potting soil as opposed to seed starting mixes can save you money.
Plus as gardeners, we usually have some kind of potting soil around so the convenience factor comes into play.
Related: DIY potting soil
Seeds to be Germinated
Today I will be using these two types of tomatoes. Both of these are a favorite of mine and I try to grow them every year.
Costoluto Genovese is a fantastic sauce tomato. It is yummy for eating too but this is my favorite tomato for creating my Oven Roasted Marinara Sauce. I usually use San Marzano with the Costoluto.
The smaller tomato is called Camp Joy Cherry, they come out to be about the size of a ping pong ball rather than a cherry tomato and the flavor is hard to beat. Even my friends who swore by Sun Gold switched over to this one as their favorite once they tasted them.
Fill containers
For this trial, I am using recycled cleaned, and sanitized 6-pack containers. I fill 1 of each container with one of the seed starting mixes and one container I fill with my potting soil mixture.
I don’t pre-moisten any mixtures, it is easier to fill the containers when the mix is dry. I show how I safely moisten them after they are planted.
Plant the Seeds
Following the advice on the seed packets sow the seeds to the recommended depth. With tomatoes, it is very shallow.
Just gently pressing them into the soil and making sure they are covered is usually sufficient.
Marking the Seed Containers
To keep track of which seed mix you used it is wise to mark each one and make sure you note the name of the seed you planted.
I kept the Camp Joy seeds on one side of the six-pack and the Costoluto Genovese on the other.
I am always recycling, I use plant markers that have come from plants I have purchased previously.
Sanitize first with either a bleach-water solution or I keep a spray bottle of my handy DIY cleaner in the greenhouse. See that post for the recipe.
Water your seeds
Now that you have the seeds all planted it is time to get them watered. You can spritz it with water in a spray bottle but I prefer to bottom water.
Tepid or warm water is best. I have an inch or two in a large tray-like container. (this one was recycled from a gathering, cleaned, and sanitized)
Place the 6 packs into the water and let them absorb for 24 hours. Some wick up water faster than others but allow the full time to be sure they are good and moistened.
As I stated before warm water absorbs best, not too warm but just warm to the touch.
Germinating Tomato Seeds
Place the six-packs in a warm, bright place and wait for the little seeds to germinate.
Right now it is still so cold I have them on my plant rack inside under lights.
Once they germinate and get their second set of leaves I should be able to take them out to the greenhouse.
We are to have warmer temps and lots of sunshine next week so they should do great. Right now our nighttime temps are getting down into the 20’s.
Seed starting mix video
Results?
I will be sure to share in a couple of weeks what happens. If you want to be informed of my latest updates just sign up below.
UPDATE: see how the test came out here, it surprised even me.
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Until next time…Happy Gardening!
You are very correct. I love using worm castings and incorporate them in my own DIY potting soil mix. I need to set up my worm bin again, I had taken it down after the bears tore into it. This time I will having it in the chicken pen so they can’t maul it. Thanks for the reminder!
Next year’s seed starting growing media trial should include an evaluation of worm castings and their impact on seedling survival and health. You cannot ignore the academic and real world evidence of a high quality earthworm casting component in your mix. Damping off disease (from several fungal and water mold causes) can practically be eliminated with a high quality worm casting component in your mix. Your seedlings will thrive.
Pamela,
I want to share this link with you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmafDH4oQxo
After I watched your results I was cruising around YouTube. Watch how this lady trasplants her seedlings…..skip to 4:40 in her video. I thought you may be interested.
Allie
Okay, just saw the results! I left a comment on YouTube. Thank you so much! I started my seeds shortly after you did so for me, you are a little bit ahead of me which makes it so easy to follow along and stay inspired by your results.
The seed mix trial is so very fun. I can’t wait to share once they grow larger.
Pamela,
I meant to comment on your seed starting posting the other day. This is such a great thing to do so we can see for ourselves what the differences are.. My guess would be, “yes” there are differences, but which soil produces the strongest seedlings, I’m not sure. And does one soil work better for certain seeds? I hope you are keeping your spirits up as you help others do the same. Allie
Can’t wait to see the results. Sometimes when I sow seeds into the yard they don’t come up or don’t perform well. Of course there are so many things to consider when you self sow. Soil condition, weather,critters and birds etc.. When you start them indoors with a potting mix,the results can be better than outdoors. I think that but we’ll see what the results prove. Waiting patiently……