Making Seed Starting Mix

In the heat of a Phoenix summer with above normal high temperatures, fall can seem far away. But fall planting time will be here before we know it! While we are hiding from the heat, it is time to start those seeds for the fall garden.

Starting your own transplants from seeds can save quite a bit of money. Just one small tomato or broccoli plant can cost more than an entire package of seeds. You can save even more money and have a better product by making your own seed starting mix.

My favorite mix for starting vegetables and flowers for transplanting is very easy and inexpensive. It needs just three ingredients: sand, compost, and vermiculite. I also add mycorrhizal fungi inoculant to give my seedlings a head start on developing a good population of the microorganisms vital to nutrient uptake and soil moisture retention. The brand I use is Dynomyco. Only 1/2 teaspoon is needed for each peat pot (about 1 cup of soil). I do not add fertilizer (organic or synthetic) because seeds contain all of the nutrients needed for germination and initial growth.

Watch my video for full instructions on how to make a super-charged seed starting mix and tips on starting your seeds.