Propagation: Best mix for propagation?, 0 by dividedsky

dividedsky wrote:
I used coconut coir as the medium for my most successful seed starting endeavor and will continue to use it each time.

Here's a link that shows you how it's typically packaged: http://www.wormsway.com/detail.aspx?t=prod&sku=SCCB300&AC=1 It's available from many different sources. I found mine shelved with other seed starting supplies at a midwestern chain hardware store.

After I soaked mine in water, I put batches of it in the microwave to sterilize it. I don't know if that's necessary, but I've suffered the disappointment of damping off often enough that I'm happy to take the extra step to prevent it.

Around the time that the seedlings develop their first true leaves, they will need nutrients that the coir doesn't provide. I added some controlled-release fertilizer pellets to the coir before I planted the seeds. It worked fine, but I'd like to find an organic solution to use instead.

Some people say that you should pay attention to the sodium content, as some coir has a lot. It seems to be true, as I saw something that looked like sodium in my coir after using it for several weeks. So this year, I'll look for a brand that says it has a low sodium content.

Good luck with the seed starting, whatever medium you decide to use.