Marianne's Response
Quality of soil for growing seeds?
Hello!
I have some old soil that was left here in the apartment where I am in, that seems kind of old and dry, not very rich and luscious like the potting soil I recently bought. I’m trying to germinate some seeds for flowers for later in the summer. Can I use this old soil just for germinating the seeds? Or is it important to use good potting soil it’s kind of lush and moist for even the baby seeds. The seeds are various flowers, seeds from the supermarket.
Posted by Lisa Braff on April 26, 2020
Marianne's Response
I would not recommend using the old soil. Seedlings are susceptible to molds and root rots and old soil could hold old disease spores. Fresh potting soil or better yet a lighter soil made for starting seed is best. The seed starting soil will be labeled as such at the garden center and is more light weight to drain quickly. If you do decide to use just regular, fresh potting soil take care not to overwater the seedlings and give them plenty of light. Sounds like you will have a very colorful garden this summer. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
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