Seed-Starting Mix
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An equal-parts mix of pasteurized soil, coir or peat, and perlite or vermiculite for starting seeds indoors.
What You’ll Need
- 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost
- 1/3 sand vermiculite or perlite
- 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss
Equipment
- baking sheet
Directions
- To pasteurize the soil or compost, moisten it lightly, spread it in a heat-safe pan, and cover it with a lid or foil.
- Bake it at 250°F, checking with a candy or meat thermometer. When the soil reaches 180°F, keep it there for 30 minutes. Don’t let it get hotter.
- Let it cool, then mix it with the coir or peat moss a little at a time.
- Mix in the sand, vermiculite, or perlite.
Notes
Start vegetable and flower seeds indoors 4 to 12 weeks before your last spring frost. Wash pots and trays before sowing and rinse them in 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling dry, dusty mix.