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5 Best Seed Starting Mixes

 


There's nothing more exciting than watching a plant grow from seeds. It is as good as seeing a newborn baby and watching him grow up. While some crops can be direct seeded, others are better off when started indoors before being transplanted outdoors. 


One of the most important factors that determines the degree of success when starting seeds indoors is using the right growing medium which is specially formulated to start seeds. A good seed starting mix  typically composed of vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss. These soilless ingredients are lightweight which allows fine new roots to easily penetrate. They also absorb enough moisture to keep seeds evenly moist without getting soggy. 


Although there are plenty of seed starting mixes available in the market, you don't need to be overwhelmed. We've compiled a list of 5 best seed starting mixes that can make your seeds germinate and grow into healthy seedlings.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links with no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    1. Black Gold 8-Quart Seedling Mix 

    If you have tried different seed starting mixes with no success, this starting mix is the answer. This is an OMRI-listed mix (Organic Materials Review Institute), meaning that it's certified for organic use. It is a finely textured blend, and doesn’t not have any fertilisers that may burn seedlings.


    Black gold seedling mix contains Canadian sphagnum peat moss which helps to maintain adequate moisture until the seedlings are ready to set out in the garden. Not only is this mix suitable for starting seeds, but it is also ideal for root cuttings.

    2. Jiffy Seed Starter Soil Plugs

    Jiffy seed starter is one of the most reliable growing medium for starting seeds. These starter pellets look so small, but they expand into fluffy grow pods when they get soaked. With these compressed discs, you don't need to spend hours sifting rocks or debris like on other starting mixes that come in bags. 


    These plugs are easy to use with no mess to clean up. You simply add water to them according to the instructions, they expand and are ready to place the seeds. Additionally, they have biodegradable mesh which helps to hold it all together without falling apart. 


    They also make it easy to transfer seedlings once they're ready to be transplanted in a container or directly into the garden. These peat moss pellets come in 50 per package.  

    3. Window Garden Mini Greenhouse Seed Starter Kit

    If you don't like dealing with soil and pots when starting seeds, this seed starter kit is the perfect solution. The kit includes 3 grow trays and each tray has 10 compressed coconut coir grow pods. Just like Jiffy compressed discs, you simply add water accordingly and they expand.


    This mini greenhouse is so easy to use and small enough to fit on a windowsill. It has a transparent cover which makes it easy to keep an eye on the growth of seedlings without disturbing the process. Moreover, the dome helps to keep the moisture level constant. This seed starter is suitable for flowers, herbs, vegetables, and many more. Another added advantage about this product is that you can reuse seed starter trays.

    4. Miracle-Gro Seed Starting  Mix

    Miracle-Gro is one of the biggest names in gardening. Sadly, I've read some comments about having issues with other Miracle-Gro potting soils and getting an infestation with fungus gnats (I hope they'll take appropriate steps to deal with this issue). 


    But their seed starting mix is among the very best starting mix with less incidence of fungus gnats. Miracle-Gro seed starting mix is composed of a mixture of sphagnum peat moss, perlite, wetting agent, and other fine ingredients. These ingredients provide a balance of moisture retention as well as drainage.

    5. Espoma Organic Seed Starter

    Espoma organic seed starter is one of the great organic seed starters available in the market. It is a rich mixture of blended natural ingredients, including sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and  peat humus. Moreover, it contains Myco-tone, a proprietary blend of mycorrhizae which helps in root development. Myco-tone further  provides increased water as well as nutrient absorption capabilities.


    If you're ready to start your seeds that you want to transplant into the ground, garden containers, and raised beds,  Espoma seed starting mix will give you greater success rates. Not only is this mix used for starting vegetables, flowers, and herbs seeds, but it is also suitable for root cuttings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between a seed starting mix and potting soil? Seed starting mix has a fine texture. It doesn't contain actual soil. It is typically composed of peat moss, pertile, vermiculite, and coconut coir.  On the other hand, potting soil has a coarse texture. It is composed of ingredients like field soil, compost, peat moss, etc. Also some brands of potting soil include fertiliser in their soil mix.


    How wet should the seed starting mix be? In order for the seeds to germinate, it's important to keep the growing medium damp, but not too wet or soggy. Make sure to read and follow the instructions of the seed starter mix package to avoid overwatering. Too much water can cause seeds to rot.


    What causes failure in seed germination? Planting into the wrong soil, too much water and too much sunlight are some of the reasons seeds fail to germinate.

    Verdict

    Now that you know the best seed starting mixes, your time won't be exhausted by combing through so many types of seed starting mixes available in the market. 


    All the products listed above are formulated to start seeds and they contain ingredients that make it easier for the seeds to germinate. Don't make the mistake of buying the wrong type of product that can break your success.  


    Last but not least, good starting medium and good seeds equals excellent results. You can get seeds from Baker Creek or SeedsNow which are the best places to buy heirloom seeds. 


    Happy Gardening Adventures! 💚


    RELATED

    Best Potting Soil for Your Plants

    The Best Grow Lights for Your Plants

    What is the Best Worm Composting Bin?

    How to Successfully Start Seeds Indoors




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