seed starting mix

[Bonnie Hildebrand]

Does it matter terribly what I dirt I start my seeds in as long as it's loose and well drained? I'd rather not buy anything. I have a large amount of potting soil, peat moss, and coir. I could also just dig some dirt out of the garden bed (I would think that's better as the seedlings wouldn't be shocked by transfer to a different soil mix?).
I would appreciate your thoughts.

Bonnie

[Ole Ersson]

Hi Bonnie,
You definitely do not want to use dirt, unless your soil is like potting soil. (Unlikely!)
Also, wild soil has too many potential pathogens for delicate seedlings. You can run into different problems like seedlings emerging fine, then wilting from fungal or bacterial rot.
The key is that it have good drainage and be pathogen free.
Potting soil from prior plants is probably OK, as it will likely be fluffy and nice texture.
There are plenty of recipes for starter mix. It is mainly peat moss, but has nutrients mixed in also. Sometimes sand or other materials.
You can sterilize any mix using heat/steam also if pathogens are a concern.
Ole

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Sustainable community living in inner SE Portland, Oregon
Experiments in sustainable urban living