I have a question about using soil from my yard for starting seeds. Last year, I tried planting directly in the ground but didn't have much luck. I know that seed starting mix is usually recommended, but I wondered if I could heat the soil from my yard (which has no plants in it) to make it suitable. It seems to have good drainage and isn't clay, but I want to avoid wasting my time and money if it won't work. Thanks for your insights, and I appreciate you all putting up with my newbie questions!
1 Answer
You can certainly heat up that yard soil, but honestly, that might not be the best idea. Even if your soil looks empty, it likely has lots of tiny seeds waiting to sprout right alongside your new seeds. Trust me, dealing with those unexpected plants can be a hassle!
That's true! But remember, seed starting soil is usually sterile and much finer, making it easier for seedlings to break through. Plus, if you're in a bind, local stores often sell affordable seed starting mixes that aren't just dirt from someone's yard.
But if you heat the soil, won't that kill off those seeds?