Soil for starting seedlings

13 years ago

Hi All,

I learned a hard lesson this year with my peppers. I had them in peat pots and a seed starting soil. They barely survived long enough for me to discover they should not be in peat pots and they needed a different soil. They are now in plastic cups with orchid mix and are very happy.

I'm wondering about the soil I should use for my tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, etc. Would the orchid soil work for them or do I need something else? TIA

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Comments (3)

susanzone5 (NY)
13 years ago
Buy a bag of seed starting mix. I like Pro-Mix but it comes in big bags. Look for something that has peat and perlite.
blowell
13 years ago
I use Pro-Mix BX.
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digdirt2
13 years ago
Two stages to growing seedlings - germination and then growing on. Under some conditions different mixes are used for the 2 stages. So when you title your post with "starting seedlings" it isn't clear which stage you are talking about.

You mention "a seed starting soil". Which brand? Seed starting soil is what many use with no problems so your problems may not be the stuff you used at all. The peat pots or any of several other issues may be the cause.

Orchid mix is a good growing mix but the bark fines it contains can be problematic for germination and it can be expensive.

ProMix is the most frequently recommended germination and growing mix. I use it too. But it can be difficult to find in some locations. The next best IMO is Metro Mix 360. Not that I am recommending it but many use nothing more than green bag Miracle Grow for both germination and growing on.

Dave