Garden seeds should be started in a medium that offers a nice balance between good drainage and moisture retention. Commercial seed starting mixes are available at garden stores, home improvement stores, and from Amazon, but you can also make your own.

Here are three different recipes for seed starting medium. They all work well; the one you choose is based on personal preference.

Seed Starting Mix Recipes

Seed Starting Mix with Compost
3 parts finely sifted compost made from shredded leaves and straw
2 parts sphagnum peat moss and/or coir
1 part perlite
1 part vermiculite

Place all ingredients in a large container and mix well.

Seed Starting Mix without Compost
1 part sphagnum peat moss and/or coir
1 part perlite
1 part vermiculite (water absorbing material made from the mineral mica)
1/4 teaspoon of lime for every gallon of peat moss

Place all ingredients in a large container and mix well.

Seed Starting Mix with Worm Castings
8 parts sphagnum peat moss and/or coir
2 part worm castings
2 part perlite
1 part vermiculite
1/4 teaspoon lime for every gallon of peat moss

Place all ingredients in a large container and mix well.

Function of Each Ingredient

Sphagnum peat moss –
Lightens the mix and allow it to drain more quickly
Provides for good drainage
Encourages moisture retention

Coir
Coir is a sustainable substitute for peat moss. It’s made from coconut husks.

Perlite
Perlite is a volcanic ash that has been heated to high temperatures causing it to “pops”, forming sterile and lightweight particles.
Lightens the mix
Provides for good drainage

Compost
Counters the natural acidity of peat moss
Increases moisture retention
Feeds seedling so they don’t need to be fertilized

Vermiculite
Increases moisture retention
Retains air

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