Mini Soil Block Maker

Full Description

This Mini Soil Block Maker produces small soil blocks, which are ideal for sowing seeds into. This Mini Soil Block Maker is designed to be used in conjunction with the standard Soil Block Maker with a Cube Insert fitted i.e.  with a Cube Insert fitted into the Soil Block Maker, when the soil blocks are produced it will make a square indentation in the top of each soil block that is the correct size for the Mini Soil Blockers blocks to fit straight into.  The Mini Soil Blocker produces 20 x 2cm blocks each time. Simply sow your seeds into the mini soil blocks and then once these have germinated, transfer them into the indentation in the top of the soil block that is the correct size.

As demonstrated on Gardeners World – Instead of buying plastic seed trays and pots, use this handy Soil Block Maker to make your own soil blocks in which you can raise your young plants. This soil blocker maker transforms compost into 5cm blocks of compressed compost, which hold their shape without a container. They are ideal for seed sowing and pricking out young seedlings. Once grown the plants PLUS the blocks can be transplanted directly into your garden / container. Better for you- no pots to clear up and better for the plant-no root disturbance.

This Soil Block Maker is made of robust zinc-plated steel, which will last for years and is very easy to use. As well as reducing the need for plastic pots (which is good for the environment and reduces the clutter in your shed!), soil blocks also help seeds germinate. Sow seeds into the top of each block and once germinated, the roots are free to fill the block. When large enough plants can be planted directly into the garden / container. The key to making soil blocks that hold their shape is to use soggy compost – regular compost from the garden centre works well or specialist blocking compost is available from some suppliers. The soil block maker produces 4 x 5cm blocks at a time. The air space created between each block is enough to keep the roots from growing from one block to another, so they can be easily separated and once transplanted into the garden / container the plants quickly establish as there is no root damage.

4 x Cube Inserts included – As standard the Soil Block Maker creates a seed insert in the top of each block, however fit the Cube Inserts included and it will make a square indentation in the top of each soil block that is the correct size for the Mini Soil Blockers blocks to fit straight into i.e. sow smaller seeds into mini soil blocks and then once these have germinated, transfer them into the indentation in the top of the soil block that is the correct size.

To make your soil blocks :-

1. Wet the compost thoroughly.
2. Press the soil blocker into compost 2 or 3 times to fill the chambers with compost.
3. Scrape the end of the blocker to remove any excess compost from the bottom of the blocks.
4. Depress the plunger to eject the blocks.
5. The soil blocker leaves a small indentation in the top of each block ready for a seed.
6. Fit the Cube Inserts included and it will make a square indentation in the top of each soil block that is the correct size for the Mini Soil Blockers blocks to fit straight into – CLICK HERE to see the Mini Soil Block Maker.
7. Plant one seed into the top of each block or if sowing very small seed such as lobelia ‘pinch’ sow a few seeds. For larger seeds cover with vermiculite but leave smaller seeds uncovered.
8. At the correct temp. (see seed packet for guidance) germination will be rapid as the soil block will provide all the moisture needed (do not water until after germination). Once established, the plants can be planted directly into the garden / container.
9. Water soil blocks regularly as the plants grow  – if they do dry out plunge them into water 20-30 minutes.
10. Once the plants are big enough transplant into the garden / containers.

Special Offer – Buy and Soil Block Maker and Mini Soil Block Maker together for £54.99 saving £4.99 off the combined price (discount applied at checkout).

N.B. Soil Blocks were featured earlier this year on BBC Gardeners World. “Monty’s on a mission to reduce the amount of plastic he uses in the garden and one solution is to make soil blocks for seed sowing. Here he gives a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.” If you did not see it, CLICK HERE to see the clip on the BBC website.