🌱 The Complete Guide to Soil Blockers, Homemade Soil Blocks & Seed‑Sowing Alternatives

The Dartana Soil‑Starting Method for Stronger Seedlings

Soil blocking is a game‑changing way to start seeds without plastic pots, giving seedlings better roots, less transplant shock and healthier growth. But do you need a metal soil blocker? Can you make homemade blocks? And what about using cell planters or slicing compost trays into cubes?

🌿 What Is a Soil Blocker & Why Use One?

Soil blocking is the process of compressing a specially mixed moist compost into firm cubes that hold their shape without pots.
Benefits include:

• Air‑pruned roots for stronger seedlings (commonly praised across soil‑blocking communities).
• Zero plastic waste compared with cell trays.
• Easier transplanting and reduced root shock.
• Fits more seedlings in less space, as seen in many soil‑blocking demonstrations online.

🌱 How to Use a Traditional Metal Soil Blocker

1. Mix Your Blocking Compost

A good mix needs to be fine, sticky and moisture‑holding. Tutorials show an ideal consistency similar to a “brownie batter” texture. 

Recommended recipe (inspired by soil‑blocking guides):

• Compost
• Coco coir or peat
• Perlite
• Worm castings or fine compost
• Water enough to squeeze into a clump without dripping

2. Prep the Blocker

Press the blocker firmly into the moist mix until full.

3. Compress & Release

Push the plunger to release uniform blocks into a tray.

4. Seed Each Block

Use the built‑in dibble hole to place one seed per block.

5. Keep Moist

Water gently with a mister to avoid block collapse.

🌼 Can You Make Homemade Soil Blocks Without a Blocker?

Yes — completely.

DIY methods documented online include:

• Cut‑down tins
• Muffin tins
• PVC tubes
• Hand‑pressed blocks in a wooden frame
• Sliced soil trays (more on this below)
  
  

DIY tutorials also show step‑by‑step soil block making using simple frames or scrap lumber.

Best DIY hack:
Use a cut‑down drink can or yogurt pot as a manual compressor. Pack compost tightly, push out the block, and let it dry slightly before seeding.

🧱 Slicing Soil Trays Into Blocks (Your Method)

In your soil‑sowing experiment email, you note:

“Treat Kernock and tap out. Then do a seed insert say a 9 pack one then do sold in seed tray and cut.”

This method is basically pre‑filling a tray with compost, compressing it, then slicing it into cubes.

Advantages

• No special tools needed
• Large batches at once
• Easy to adapt size
• Works with any compost

How To Do It

1. Fill a seed tray with moist compost.
2. Press down firmly to compress (use a board or second tray).
3. Using a knife or divider, cut into cubes of equal size.
4. Dibble holes and sow seeds individually.
5. Water from beneath so cubes don’t collapse.

This is an excellent seed‑starting alternative and very close to professional soil blocking.

🔲 Cell Planters vs Soil Blocks vs Sliced Blocks

Your sliced‑block idea merges the convenience of trays with the benefits of soil blocks — a perfect hybrid for Dartana trials.

🌞 Tips for Successful Soil Blocking (Any Method)

• Moisture is everything: Too dry = crumble. Too wet = collapse.
• Bottom‑water once seedlings emerge.
• Use fine‑textured mixes so roots bind the block.
• Start timing right: Seedlings grow faster in soil blocks due to increased oxygen and root pruning.
• Great for sensitive crops — herbs, flowers, lettuces, brassicas.
• Not ideal for giants — pumpkins, squash (they outgrow blocks too fast). 

🌱 FAQ

Are homemade soil blocks as good as the tool-made ones?

Yes — as long as your compost is mixed correctly and compressed well.

Can I use normal multipurpose compost?

Yes, but sieve it finer. Add coir and perlite for better structure.

Why do seedlings grow stronger in blocks?

Air pruning produces compact, fibrous roots rather than spirals.

Can I reuse soil blocks?

No — they are biodegradable and break down after planting.