Crafted in the UK from robust zinc plated steel, Ladbrooke Soil Blockers are eco-friendly, easy-to-use garden tools designed to simplify the process of growing and transferring seedlings. In addition to drastically reducing plant loss from root shock, this cost-effective system eliminates the need for plastic pots leading to a healthier garden and a less-cluttered greenhouse.
Soil blockers create multiple cubes of soil, each with an indent at the top to house your seed. Seedling roots grow down into the soil block, which can then be transplanted into a larger soil block or directly into your garden. There’s no need to remove the plant from the block, or for pricking out – simply pick up your block and place it into its next home. Potting mix is both the container and the growing medium for your soil blocks. This means healthy air-pruned seedlings and no plastic waste!
When looked after properly – cleaned after each use with water and hung to dry in a well-ventilated space – your soil blockers will last years, even generations.
Soil Blocks in 5 Easy Steps:
- Prepare Your Potting Mix
Fill a large tub or bucket with potting mixture and moisten with warm water. We recommend using a compost-based organic potting mixture for best results. Potting mixture used for seed blocks will require more moisture than potting mixture used in cell trays. A squeezed handful of soil mixture should release some water between your fingers— nearly dripping but not quite.
- Fill Your Soil Blockers
Press the soil blocker firmly into the potting mixture, applying pressure while rocking side to side to achieve densely packed blocks of soil. Scrape away any excess soil on the bottom of the blocker, creating a flat base for your soil blocks.
- Release Your Blocks
Place your blocker directly against the base of a reusable garden tray. Eject soil blocks by pressing the spring-loaded handle and raising the blocker in a smooth, steady motion. Repeat this process to fill your garden tray with soil bocks in even rows.
Tip: For uniform cubes of soil, rinse the soil blocker with water between each new set of blocks so that the soil mixture comes into clean contact with the inside of each chamber.
- Plant Your Seeds
Sow one or two seeds in the center of each soil block. Cover seeds with soil depending on amount of light required for germination.
Tip: Dry soil blocks are prone to crumbling and difficult to rehydrate. To keep blocks moist, water from the bottom. Do not use a large or course water flow as it will erode the blocks.
- Clean Your Blocker
As with any metal, your soil blocker is prone to rust if not cared for correctly. We advise dipping your soil blocker into water after each use, wiping off any excess water, and leaving it to air dry. Always avoid storing in a damp place.
