Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
so decomposition isn't an issue, transplant shock all but
disappears. They are also the least expensive option when
used in volume.
A standard 2-inch soil blocker with rectangular inserts.
Compressed soil blocks are made with a device called a “soil
blocker” into which a soil mix is poured, and the mix is then
compressed.
A standard mix for the soil used in the blocker contains 30%
fine peat moss, 30% good finished compost, 30% sterilized
garden soil and 10% fine sand.
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A balanced organic
fertilizer such as Cockadoodle DOO is added to the mix at the
rate of 1/2 cup per four gallons of soil mix, and the pH is
adjusted with lime if necessary to fall between 6.2 and 7.0.
My own mix is 50% peat moss, 40% worm castings, and 10%
coarse vermiculite with a bit of balanced fertilizer. (Garden
soil can be sterilized by spreading it no more than 1-inch
thick on a baking pan and baking in the oven at 200 degrees
for 20 minutes. Don't use a good pan!) It is important that the
ingredients used in a soil mix be sifted so large twigs don't
interfere with the operation of the soil blocker.
Even though the devices for making soil blocks cost about
$30 each, they are made of steel and will last many years, so
they will save many times their cost compared to multicelled
