It is no secret by now that I have gone nuts with soil blocking. Those tiny little cubes of soil are the best thing going in the seed starting world! So many seeds…so many plants…in so little space!

I think that we have forgotten how many plants that you can have with one package of seed. Oh, sure, when you open the package and peer in, there seems to be so little in there. But if you stop to realize that each tiny seed has the potential to grow into one large plant. Amazing! And so blasted economical.

I have a method for easily planting those tiny little seeds so one soil block gets one seed and you get all the possible plants out of a seed package without losing your mind!

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Obviously you will need some soil blocks. If you haven’t made any and don’t know how, see the post Soil Blocking: Economical & Space Saving Seed Starting

Then you will need:

• seed
• small, shallow container
• toothpick or wooden skewer

I also highly recommend some good music, a podcast, or audio book and a nice glass of wine!

Step 2: Prepare your supplies

If the soil blocks are not fresh and a little (or a lot) on the dry side, wet them thoroughly by putting water in the bottom of the tray and allowing the blocks to soak up the water.

Pour some seed into a small, shallow container. I use the lid of a small jar.

Step 3: Plant the seeds

Moisten the tip of the wooden skewer or toothpick with your tongue. Yes, saliva is a sticky substance. Press the tip of the skewer onto a single seed. (It should stick.)

Then press the seed into the center of the soil block. Good soil contact is necessary and if you press down slightly, the seed should sink just below the soil level.

That’s it! Repeat Step 3 until your seeds are all sown or your wine glass is empty!

Just a quick note about your supplies. I have read that an aluminum container works well because aluminum does not conduct static electricity and, therefore, it is easier to pick up the seeds. Also, some folks have suggested using chop sticks instead of the skewer. Chop sticks work, but the tip of the chop stick is blunt and thicker than a skewer. I think it is easier with the skewer.

Be sure to keep up with Southern Wild Flowers as the urban market garden is planted and grows.

And, remember, seeds can be started all through the growing season. So get busy!