What's the best way to get seed starting mix to absorb water?
Asked by G33kNinja99
I'm having trouble with my seed starting mixes, particularly those made with peat or coco shreds. They just won't absorb water properly, and it leads to issues like seeds floating around instead of staying buried. I'm wondering what I might be doing wrong and how I can fix this.
Answers
You might also consider mixing in some vermiculite; it can help the mix retain moisture better in the long run.
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I've had success by putting the dry mix in a bucket, adding a little water, and mixing it by hand until it starts to absorb moisture. After that, I just fill my seed trays and plant the seeds in!
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These mixes can become hydrophobic if they dry out too much, so it’s super helpful to pre-soak them before use. You could use a wetting agent like yucca extract, which works wonders, or if you're looking for something cheaper, just a few drops of dish soap in your water will help a lot!
G33kNinja99: Sweet, thanks! I'll give the dish soap a shot. The mix I've got is pretty old and has been open for quite some time.
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I’ve been using Burpee seed starting mix for years, and it really absorbs water well. It keeps the seeds in place, which is a bonus! You might want to check it out if you're looking for something reliable.
G33kNinja99: Thanks! Someone else mentioned that old mix can dry out, so that must be part of my problem.
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G33kNinja99: I appreciate the tip, but my main issue is that the mix isn't absorbing water at all.