I don't like the pellets either, or seed-starting mix. I use regular potting mix- looser, fluffy, better drainage, less compaction...

Karen

like you don't fix it if it's not broken.. the coir works well for me

all right. Might mix me up something...

Charleen, are you trying to order a margarita or something?

Karen

I'm trying some new (to me) stuff this year called Black Gold. It seems to be a nice compromise between seed starting mix (with which I have had zero luck) and regular potting mix (which is generally a bit coarse for starting fine seeds). Too soon to tell for sure how well it's going to work out, but I'm liking it so far.

Looks like lots of choices.
http://www.blackgold.bz/produc...

Karen

Oh, my! I had no idea. I'm just using the All Purpose stuff.

Not a fan of the peat pellets here, either. Way to soggy and messy.

I've had good luck with Gardener's Supply seed germination mix, as well as Metro Mix (I think it was the 330). Bought some Fafards this year to try after hearing good things about it as well. I've never had an issue with damping off with any of my seed starting mixes. I probably just jinxed myself, didn't I

I used the gardeners stuff a few years ago.. very good stuff

I've used it too and it was OK. I just like regular ProMix better

Karen

Allison--are you still working through that stack of coir blocks?

The germination mix from Gardener's Supply is a little more expensive than some of the other brands, but I stock up when they have free shipping. I've been using it for at least 4 years now with no problems whatsoever.

I wish I had a dependable source for Metro-Mix. Only one place (about 45 miles away) carries it, and you never know which version of Metro-Mix it will be. The 330 is great for starting seeds, and the 400 series wasn't bad either. The last time I bought it, it was just labeled "professional mix custom blend). Much more suited to pots or containers other than just seed starting. A little too "chunky" for my taste.

I just got a big bag of Sunshine Mix (I think it's labeled Professional Mix) from our MG group for seed starting (they purchase in bulk from a local greenhouse grower) and it looks pretty nice.

It makes it really challenging when they make so many versions from the same supplier.

oh yeah.. still working on the pile.. guessing I won't need any potting mix for a few years

Woofie--keep us posted on how the Black Gold does for your seeds.

Back on topic....I got my leeks and onions started this weekend. They are so easy. Just throw a whole bunch of seeds in a 4" pot and let them go til it's time to plant out. No messing with cell packs, transplanting, etc.

OH I should have read this thread before I started all my seeds... I used the Burpee seed start mix... oh well too late now to change... I have an expensive fafard potting soil that I get for my pots and I will tell you I have no luck with it last year on my indoor plants.. I added some perlite and I am just adding some of the burpee seed start mix because it's so hard and compacted... I am really surprised because the nursery I get my plants uses only this one... oh well...
I started a bunch of plants and just got an order for tomato seeds and I am just drooling over the selection of seeds on swallotaill... goodness gracious I am over $30.00 already!

Here is my list of what I started inside...
http://garden.org/blogs/view/k...

I see you are running amok! I love cup and saucer vine, too.....gotta get mine started for this year! Did you know you can take cuttings from them to propagate them? I did that year before last and it worked out well, but forgot to take cuttings this year, so it's back to the seeds!

Oh great to know,,, I will do that... I love that vine... I took so many pictures... it was so sad because I had it for one day only! The next day a frost came and destroyed the entire plant... I was so upset.... did you started your cuttings after the plant bloomed?? did you keep it indoors all winter??? how did you do it???

I started the cuttings early (when I discovered you could do that!) in the fall. I have a small greenhouse, so I protected them in there until they were rooted, then brought the plants indoors to overwinter on my back porch. I stuck them in coffee cans with the bottoms cut out and replaced with the lids (with holes poked for drainage), then the following spring I just took the lid off the bottom of the can and planted the whole can. I've done that with tomatoes, too, and it works out nicely.

pretty neat method.. never heard of that before

And a pair of post hole diggers makes just the right size hole!