Which Seed Starting Method Is Best For YOU?

I love seeing more of Meg on the channel! She's such a great presenter.

Thank you for pointing out that soil blocking is hard on those of us with arthritis. I hope the Epic team will do more tips for disabled gardeners.

I have used the milk jug method several times. I find I get better looking plants when I use a clear bottle rather than the opaque milk jug.

I've been soil blocking for a few years now and do agree with pretty much all of the cons listed, its definitely not a good intro point for people new to gardening. I have arthritic hands and wear thick gloves to press the blocks, which helps but it still hurts after you do enough of them. However I love not dealing with plastic cells, I'd have to remortgage my house to buy enough epic cells to fill my racks here in canada, and the flimsy ones are frustrating and wasteful. Figuring out your soil blocking mix that works for you is key for them to not fall apart. I found that adding coco coir and sheep wool pellets to the mix helps a lot, but pressing the ever loving crap out of them is the biggest help. Lean on that soil blocker like it owes you money. Which is does, because it was like $70 to buy. You end up with packed blocks that stay together, and everything grows like stink in them. You Can't Eat the Grass and Regenerative Gardening both have great videos on soil blocking technique. I'm considering a Swift Blocker for next year. Super expensive to get in canada, but I think my hands will thank me.

No paper towel method? That's one of my best methods with almost 100 percent germination

With the squash, I would think the cause of the difference in colour between the jug and the soil block/seed trays is more likely because the jug doesn't allow a same amount of light through the jug container that the other two methods get through the greenhouse. It's obviously still enough light, but the jug is not completely clear, so it would still be slightly less.

I was just going to write you a note today and tell you how special it is to receive a package from Botanical Interest. When seeds arrive in the printed boxes that I have come to know, its so special to open the box and find your seeds tied into a bow with the lovely green ribbon and carefully packaged into the box with the special paper that I don't even know how to describe. It's just really special, so please don't change that. I love giving these seeds as gifts. Meg is awesome!

Thanks Meg for pointing out the accessibility angle to the seed methods!

I have arthritis in my hands so I get you on soil blocking, but I still love it. I hadn't seen someone pack them like you do. I use a wide tub and essentially scrape the blocker at an angle through the soil then pull it upright at the as it gets close to me and push it down into the soil. IMO, easy and quick and less pain on the hands--at least my hands.

Meg is such a good communicator! Love her in the Epic fam videos. I learn so much from her even though we live in such different climates.