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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Soil Blocks

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  • From: "Maggie Palmer" <maggiepalmer AT wyoming.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Soil Blocks
  • Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:42:05 -0700

I started using soil blocks last year.  Only the 2" size with the handblocker.  Here is my recipe (thanks in part to Eliot):
 
Mix 1 brick of coir with 3/4 gal water until reconstituted and fluffy. You may need more water.
 
Mix 1/2 of the coir with 1/3 c. lime and 1/2 c. azomite.
 
Add 5 qt sand and the rest of the coir, mix well.
 
Add 1/4 c. rock phosphate, 1/4 c. greensand, 1/4 c. bloodmeal, 1/4 c. azomite, 2.5 quarts compost, 2.5 quarts potting soil.
 
Mix well.  Add water until mixture holds together when squeezed, but isn't dripping water.
 
This amount makes about 2 1/2 10" x 20" black trays.
 
 
I would not go back to plastic pots.  I will try to use them with a Hatfield Transplanter this year.
 
 
Maggie Palmer
Painted Sage Farm
Quanah Parker Place
Daniel, Wyo
307-859-8349
 
www.paintedsagefarm.wordpress.com
 
"The purpose of agriculture is not the production of food, but the perfection of human beings."
                                     ~ Masanobu Fukuoka
 


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Deb Taft
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 3:28 PM
To: Market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [Market-farming] Soil Blocks



Hi All.

I'm putting off the purchase of seed starting stuff because I'm seriously considering  soil block makers from Johnnys.  Avoiding all that plastic is really appealing, and it seems like the cost could be significantly lower if I can find or make the right soil mix.  I've only seen one in action and I wasn't convinced but definitely intrigued...

So, do you use one?  What are pros and cons?  Do you use it/them for all applications or are you still using flats for some things?  If so, what?  What soil mixes have you used with them?  Have you tried your own mix?  Are the stand up models worth the extra cost for the sizes that are similar to the hand-held types?  

I would really love to hear whatever you might have to say about them.


I've decided -finally!- on a name:  Mobius Fields ...now I just have to secure some land to lease!!!  yikes.  Cutting it close.  Crossed fingers, prayers, good vibes all greatly appreciated for this.

Warmly,
Deb
Sleepy Hollow NY










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