Young plants require not only careful care. So that the seed germinates reliably and the cuttings develop strong roots quickly, special potting soil is required. This meets the requirements of young plants far better than conventional potting soil, but unfortunately it is not exactly cheap. Especially if you want to grow a lot of plants, it is worth making the substrate yourself.
Potting soil consists of topsoil, compost and sand
Why is potting soil useful?
There are two main differences between seed soil and conventional substrate:
- Sowing soil has a different composition. It is poorer in nutrients and has finer pores than potting soil.
- The substrate is sterile. Spores and fungi, which can seriously damage the seedling that has just emerged, have been rendered harmless by sterilization.
- It contains no roots or seeds of other plants.
Mix seed soil yourself
The optimal mixing ratio is important here. Use:
- 1/3 fine topsoil
- 1/3 mature compost
- 1/3 sand
and mix the ingredients very carefully. Stones should be picked out, so sift the mixture well.
This composition has a loose, fine-grained texture. This prevents waterlogging and minimizes the risk of rotting. The young roots can spread easily in the fine substrate and grow more vigorously.
Sterilize potting soil
Depending on the amount required, you can sterilize the seed soil in the microwave or in the oven. Either slide the substrate into the tube for half an hour at 200 degrees top/bottom heat or place it in the microwave for 10 minutes at maximum wattage.
tips
Some gardeners still recommend peat as a component of potting soil. If you make them yourself, you should refrain from adding this material for ecological reasons. The extraction of peat contributes to the destruction of moors and thus the important habitat of many microorganisms.