Vermiculite is a mineral that is prized in gardening for its lightness and aeration properties when added to soil mixes . Often used in commercial-grade pot commixture and seed - starting soils , vermiculite is also available on its own from garden storehouse and nursery . It works particularly well for seed starting , as the lightweight material makes it easy for a small seedling to push through . set forth seeds directly in vermiculite or conflate up a seed - start mix of your own .
Vermiculite Only
Step 1
Fill germ - part smoke with vermiculite . Choose a fine level of vermiculite or sieve received grade vermiculite through a fine mesh and employ the smallest particle for seed start .
Step 2
Water the vermiculite until it is evenly moist . Plant seeds in the nub of each corporation to a depth twice that of the seeds ' circumference .
Step 3
Cover the pots with plastic wrapping to preserve the moisture in the the vermiculite as the seeds germinate . position pots in a lovesome room until germination occurs .
Step 4
Remove credit card wrap once sprouts seem . Move the pots to a warm , gay windowsill and keep the vermiculite moist .
Step 5
Apply a half - strength balanced fluid fertiliser to each seedling tummy . fertilise once a week until the plant are quick to be transplant into unexampled pots or outside .
Vermiculite Mix
Mix 1 part vermiculite with 1 part peat moss and 1 part sterilized compost . Fill semen starting potentiometer with the mixture .
Moisten the potting soil then seed seed to a depth twice their circumference . get across each semen with vermiculite only alternatively of the potting intermixture , as vermiculite is loose and easier for the seedling to fall apart through .
Cover the muckle with credit card wrap and place in a ardent elbow room to pullulate . Remove the credit card wrap once germination occur and move to a affectionate , gay windowsill .
Fertilize with a half - strength fluid fertiliser two weeks after seedlings have emerged . Compost has enough food to carry the seedling through the first two calendar week of life-time .
Tip
Vermiculite does n’t form a encrustation as the control surface dries , so is well suited to seeds that require shallow planting .
Warning
Vermiculite has no nutrients in it , so fertilisation is need instantly with vermiculite - only planting or the seedlings will die off .
