A soil cube, often created through a process called soil blocking, is a compressed, cube-shaped block of soil used for starting seeds and propagating seedlings. This method provides an alternative to traditional plastic seed trays and pots.
Here's a more detailed look:
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How they're made: Soil cubes are formed by pressing a specially mixed, moist soil medium into a blocking tool. This tool creates a dense, self-contained block.
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Advantages:
- Air pruning: As roots reach the edge of the cube, they are exposed to air and naturally prune themselves. This encourages a denser, healthier root system inside the block, preventing root circling that can occur in pots.
- Reduced transplant shock: Because the seedlings are transplanted as a solid unit, there's less disruption to the root system, minimizing transplant shock.
- Cost-effective & Eco-friendly: Reduces the need for disposable plastic pots or trays.
- Better drainage and aeration: The compressed soil structure still allows for sufficient drainage and aeration for healthy root growth.
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Sizes: Soil cubes come in various sizes to accommodate different stages of seedling development. Larger cubes can be made to transplant smaller cubes into, giving the seedling more room to grow.
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Soil Mix: A specific soil mix is usually recommended for making soil blocks, often containing peat moss (or a peat alternative), compost, garden loam, and amendments like perlite or vermiculite for drainage. The precise recipe can vary.
In summary, a soil cube is a beneficial method for seed starting that promotes healthy root development and reduces reliance on plastic containers.
