Making Soil Blocks: #1 Method For Starting Seeds (w/ Jim Kovaleski)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- There are countless reasons soil blocks are the best option for some of our favorite vegetable starts. This special seedling method has been a large part of Jim Kovaleski's garden success, especially when it comes to planting out his lettuce varieties. We are keeping our promise to bring you a lot more great content with our dear friend Jim, as he transitions into the next succession of veggies for his local farmers market circuits. Jim has been an inspiration to many of us for a decade now. His market garden is a work of edible art, filled with our favorite annual vegetables that are always so sought after by the local co-ops & markets.
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Jim Kovaleski is known for growing vegetables & fruits year-round for the farmers' markets of the Tampa Bay area of Florida & coastal Maine.
From now until April, you can join Jim & the other vendors at the Sunday Farmers Market in New Port Richey, FL, at the Wright's Natural Market & Cafe at 5800 Main Street from 11am - 2pm.
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USE A HOE TO MIX BOSS
So sad it turns out to be an internet business... It's incoherent with Jim's speech.
What is that metal device he uses to make the squares called?
@@rebeccagabay4164 soil block maker
Thank you, Pete, for sharing so many vids of Jim. Very inspirational, and I love to see his work. I now use both sturdy cel-trays and soil blockers and love them both. Have tried to find a source for the greensand, but haven't found that much.
What I wonder is about the blue trays Jim uses. I love how sturdy they seem and that they are stackable. Are they (or something alike) still available somewhere you know?
The mesh trays from Johnny's seems nice and affordable too and I know they are recommended by some, but when I tried to buy them by the 50's I found Johnny's added about 300 dollar markup for EU customers, so I think they want to reserve them for usa customers only.
Just wondering what kind of trays the blue one's are, so I can look for them. Thanks.
This man is the Bob Ross of gardening
Nononono that title goes to sean with edible acres
Pete and jim are badasses though haha
All gardeners are the bob ross of gardening lol
You gotta check out Charles dowling. Crazy soothing gardening voice.
@@devonolsen1331 even when he broke that chickens neck with a shovel.
Ya he is!!
I don't know how many times I've watched this video, I just watched it again. Never get tired of watching how Jim makes his own soil and creates his soil blocks. 😊👍😍
Sweet!!
Must be nice with all the temperatures just right, yeah know. But, yeah know, it's like a roller coaster, don't you know?
If you are having trouble understanding what he said as per the amendments, here is a list:
*small block mix*
peat
compost
greensand (aka glauconite)
colloidal phosphate (aka soft rock phosphate)
*big block mix*
peat
azomite - a type of rock dust
perlite (he said Elliot Coleman uses coarse sand instead of perlite)
greensand
colloidal phosphate
blood meal
compost
Thanks you. Do you know the amounts on the small block mix?
Oh, I appreciate this comment! ;) I tried to use CC and that didn't help either. This was very helpful!
@@rebbecastenzel2587 Glad to help!
THANK YOU
@@charlesterrizzi8311 You're welcome. :)
Soil block Mix
Bucket = 10 quarts
(2) buckets peat moss
(2) cups azomite
Mix
(2) buckets perolite
(1) bucket peat moss
(1) cup azomite
(1) cup of green sand
(1) cup rock phosphate
(1) cup blood meal
(1) bucket compost
Mix
Add water
Mini Mix:
(3) quarts peat moss
(1 1/2) quarts compost
(1/2) cup rock phosphate
(1/2) cup green sand
Mix
Add water
If need bigger batch - double recipe.
Thanks for the summary.
thank you for this. noticed though that there is no limestone!!! mygreathanks and blessings😇
Not all heros wear capes
Thank you Sweetheart
thank you so very much....blessings
A tip, I use a cheep cement mixer to mix the amendments. No dust in the face and mixes real well. Then while it's done and still rotating dump it out into the wheelbarrow or cart.
Nice! That’s what I used also. Jim does it the old fashioned way 😊
That's nice. I use a large compost tumbler to mix and also store the mix.
Talking about a guy that uses a scythe for multiple acres.
Just saw your comment, I do the same thing!
I used to use the cement mixer when I showed giant leeks saved a lot of hard work🇬🇧🏴
A process that pays off in the years to follow. Beats the heck out of buying plastic trays that go bad every other year!
I found trays that are heavy duty & last as long as they don't fall onto stone from a height. Yes they cost more, but worth it.
Saw another video where the couple said they used do mixes for blocks but they found 100% potting soil works out perfectly.
That's the first time I have seen start to finish soil block prep and plant. Really awesome. Jim's plants look so great! Thank you for the video!
Jim works for every penny he earns. Great video.
Jim has always brought me into the energy to farming. Thank you Pete
🙌
I saw your cool Pepsi bottling crate, and thought they would work great for me, too. Got 10 on ebay today!
Spend $50.00 for reusable trays. That way you don't spend all day making block cakes! LOL
Jim is an inspiration gardeners everywhere!! Got my soil blocker on its way!
Before I got my soil blocker I saw someone use one off to the side - no explanation. I just used mine for the first time & had some trouble so decided to search TH-cam University. Out of 4 or 5 videos, this one is by far the best. Thank you!!
Awesome 😎
This guy doesn’t mess around, wow!
What a plethora of education😮 & I love his tools, we must shop at the same gardening tool store 🌱
Brilliant.. Thanks.. great to see the master at work..
Got my maker today because of this man!
jim's voice is like "alright alright alright" - Matthew McConaughey
they get older and i stay the same age...
We love to see Jim. Thank you for such great content. ❤
I love all what Jimmy does!!🤠‼ thankfully for sharing ‼🤠
Have watched this video so many times just for the absorption of info, but also the recipe and method for soil block making.
Just invested in a pair of Soil Blockers made by the original - Ladbrooke. I got the Mini 4 and the Micro 20. Got all the ingredients for the soil mixture and I'm mixing it up and making blocks while watching this video. Tonight I'm starting Onions, Peppers, Tomato and Salad Greens.
Thanks Pete and Jim for sharing this info.
Regarding 14:20, if your container has too much soil for the stage of plant, it will hold more water than the plant can use which gives opportunity to soilborne diseases. Roots need oxygen just as much as water as he said as well. Hope that helps everyone - size your container for the plant size, and pot up into larger containers as it grows (or something else will use that free water).
best explanation I've heard about this issue. thank you
Mind blown.... use just enough for the plants needs. Makes perfect sense and honestly, with soil blocking, potting up is childsplay, its so easy!
First time I will start seeds in mini soil blocks this January. Thank you for inspiration
Trish, where did you find the mini soil block tool?
One word for this: MAGICAL!
Thanks to the both of you.
🙌
So jealous!!! That yard!
his front yard garden gives me goals....serious goals. He can teach you so much...Needs to make an instructional video.
We have a course we offer with Jim
That's some wonderful January weather..
Gardeners are cool people! 😎👍
I replay this every spring. Such great info in a helpful format. This year we're adding blood meal to our soil mix.
Thank you both . Jim I very much appreciate your willingness to show how u mix & what u mix. I am very new at gardening so I need to learn to do this the best way.
Top shelf video. Cheers, Pete and Jim. This one’s a keeper.
Gosh Jim I LOVE That Shed! Of course those soil blocks are amazing too, but the shed is cool.
Privacy, natural lighting, ventilation and minimal materials 👍
Those gardens are gorgeous ❤
Thanks for this Pete and Jim!
🙌🙌🙌
Finally have discovered a viable purpose for those totes that are in storage from old vending route. Nice 💡
Thanks for sharing how to make the mini-blocks! I love watching Jim step by step taking us through it. Keep pounding dirt! 🌴
Glad to share 🙌
@@PeteKanarisGreenDreamsFL guess I missed the mini block making part, gonna watch it again. Is there a mini block making press?
David Deane yes
@@lifeinthemudlane1846 David, where did you find the press for the mini?
Interesting. We do a lot more compost than peat just to make the blocks a bit more solid. Though our mix is 7 parts sifted black kow compost to three parts peat. Have watched this soo many times, still love watching it as we have done soil blocks for 7+ years and still enjoy learning.
You make the most beautiful soil blocks. I love your neat and functional garden very much. Thanks.
Pete, it would be awesome of you'd start a program for city youth to emulate what you do. I'm sure it would get funding.
So many wasted lawns out there. So many young folks could get off the streets and into the yards.
That would be amazing!
Bring in younger generation to save the future or else everything is stuck in robotics state help keep general labor cheap and easy and be happy about it and garden is another good way to learn from mistake and fix the problem on their own term
@Dr. Giggles Like Joel Salatin says, "Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal."
I was part of a neighborhood farm in Boulder CO. City Ordinances are a big hurdle. But sadly, this does not have any traction with younger people. Take it from me I'm one of them (I'm just now getting older and making time for it). Youth outreach is a hard nut to crack. Doesn't mean we should try, but it would be more so to expose them so that they might take it up when they get older.
@KeepitSimple, you are right about the "so many wasted lawns:. I'm about to start my permaculture urban garden in TX. My side/back yard is just a big waste of lawn (0.23 acre with a 1680 sq ft house)....I have the materials to build a 22 ft x 34 ft [12 ft high] greenhouse. I have found some videos today where I will go about building raised beds th-cam.com/video/rmgAqYwFFA8/w-d-xo.html and self contain hoop houses [that are not inside the greenhouse th-cam.com/video/ef_TS19TRQg/w-d-xo.html.....and the raised beds [inside the greenhouse and the hinged hoops I will put these SIPs to irrigate [and set up some rain catchment to facilitate the watering: th-cam.com/video/Lp9Jdyno9hI/w-d-xo.html.
I am mapping it all out. Practice in TX while looking for land to purchase in the Caribbean *Jamaica) to go live off-grid rurally. Not certain when the plans to start in Jamaica will take off the ground....but the TX bit will take off before Summer 2020 is out.
Those that fail to plan....plan to fail. The pandemic should be a wake up call....but many people will ignore the warning signs and then duke out to trying to get toxic food from the stores to eat.
But to each their own.
Thank you Both for soil formula!,!
Typically IMPOSSIBLE to find...
✌️❤️😁🌿
Thanks Jim, Pete and Mel. I like Jim's small into big block method, makes a lot of sense. I have both sizes so nothing stopping me. Great video.
Stepping up your block game Trish 👊
I really want to try this. Where can one find the small block maker?
@@daviddeane3163 Johnny's carries them.
Jim Kovaleski what a legend
I just came across your videos. This guy is amazing. I like gardening...wow.
Jim has an extreme wealth of knowledge 🌱
Great another video with Jim. Thanks pete your awesome... it made my morning more productive, mae here from Philippines... 6am my time
Love it!
I have been binge watching your videos w Jim, how educational! Thanks!
I always learn so much from both you and Jim. Thanks
Thank you Pete & Jim!
Such a beautiful garden Jim. I hope someday my husband and I can do this too.
This guy does one hell of a job.
Yes he does
so fun to see the whole process! Thanks so much from showing us!
Hey former neighbor! I used to go to the market and get your stuff all the time. I lived off mass and rowan area lol
Awesome! Jim just got back in town two weeks ago.
What a beautiful yard!!!
wow your garden so green
I am envy of those Sun shine in FL. ☀️🌸☘️
Jim is so healthy ❤️❤️❤️❤️
G'day and Peace to you,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Much
Appreciated
Superb. I just ordered my Soil Block Maker. This fella knows he's stuff. Thanks Pete.
Planting is easy in your place ..you have complete materials..I hope soon I can have a garden...
You guys are wonderful and I'm absolutely envious of everything you all do. Thank you for sharing!
Much love! Thanks for the support
I struggle with well water and that tip was wonderful
Love the Loquat tree. Used to eat bowls of them. Makes my mouth water.
Thanks for sharing ! You work really hard !!
That's a very cool technique, thanks so much for sharing it with us!
*_JIM, YOU'RE THE MAN!_* Gonna start soil blocking very soon... (also...my wife just got USDA High Tunnel Initiative application approved!! YooHOO!!)
At 3:22 I found myself holding my breath.. 😂 anyone else or was that just me haha
Yes, I would wanna do that outside...
That was great! I have both sizes of soil blockers, but have never felt like I needed to use the little one. Now he has convinced me to try the little one too. Thanks!
Makes no sense that the small ones are $50 & the larger/plug into are $250. It's as if they want to get you hooked at first & hit you with a big bill/investment to make it work properly.
@@bradjohnston8687 I don't know where you are shopping, but they aren't that much. Check Johnny's
You appeared in the side bar. I'm soon to build a raised bed garden. I will want to build a double canopy cover also, We have to grow our own food now. Thank you for teaching your food growing strategies. I hope you get rich from this since people are waking up to the solar minimums leading in to solar cycle 25. Social Distancing just might keep farmers from getting the crops in the ground on time Global.
Love you Jim - Beautiful! Thank you!
Wow that is awesome thanks. I use boiling water to minimize the criters that otherwise hatch out of the peat.
@ 8:32 That's some beautiful mix!! 😍
Thank you Pete.
Great video Pete! You ask the best questions of Jim! THANK YOU
🙌
Great information . Thanks for sharing guys 👊
Thanks I bought the blocker yr or so ago and didn't know how to use. Grateful!
Thanks Jim, my christmas loquat fruit was great. You said it was your favorite. Thanks Pete for selling little trees. My tree had alotta fruit but the squirrels snd birds loved them. I got to taste one and another is ripening on the counter.
Nancy Fahey...you can make tea with the leaves!
We all love loquat!
I used to have an old loquat tree. Once tree hits maturity, you'll have so fruitage that birds, squirrels, you, & the ground will all be enjoying.
looking good best of luck for coming season
Thank you so much for these videos! You and Jim are so inspiring!
Thanks gentleman, I've been waiting for this one
He’s a pro for sure! Always learning from your videos. Thank you Pete and Jim!
Thanks 😊
I put everything to a cement mixer and go make myself a nice cup of tea.
Great idea
My Home Owner's Association would have an epileptic fit.
Good! Time to change the rules.
Love the trays.
I could do this all day
Great Video! I now have both soil blockers and love them.
Thanks! That's awesome
Jim is one cool dude.
Aw, I was so hoping for a country usable batch o blocks. Thanks, anyhow..🙂
Jim's garden looks AMAZING! 2nd time I'm watching this, and I wonder how Jim is doing.
Great video. Jim's place is always inspiring!
Thanks 😊
Thanks for the video.
Just bought two soil blockers. We have a lot to learn!
Awesome!
The MASTER!!!
Thank you so much I've been wanting to see a video like this. =)
Thanks so much! Watched this twice for the recipe.
Could you do a video on what the benefits are for different soil amendments - like bloodmeal is high in nitrogen plants use for root growth?
Jim is awesome
Thank you, I will definitely do this for my heirloom organic seed starting in January next year!
Awesome!
A couple hours south & where I'm @ it's 3 + growing seasons. All of the states small tents & fruit stands buy there produce from the homestead area. Thousands of acres. Nice when u don't have to pay attention to the season. But water is always needed. I enjoy the early details to green house starters for a head start to planting outside. U have to appreciate the incredible hard work involved before it ever goes outside to grow. We had an open garden one year where we let folks in the country come & pick what they wanted. Big mistake.....lol
Too many folks stepped all over the vines & plants & no respect for the hard work or property. Appreciate your sharing your hard work with us.
That is awesome!
New subscriber here today! Very interesting channel. Thank you for sharing your growing with us!
Love dem blocks
Very cool landscape. It's good that in Fl, they allow people to grow veggies in the front yard. I read an article a while ago about a couple in the US. They were ordered to remove their vegetable front yard because some neighbor complained. They stated front yard is supposed to grow things like flowers and shrubs only. The couple's problem was their backyard didn't have enough sun to grow what they liked. I don't remember what state it was.
Brilliant video - thank you. What a stunningly beautiful garden - makes me excited to get mine going. Good to see Jim's method of filling the soil blockers - I just got mine - thankful to get plastic seedling trays out of my life. Off to look at the other videos. Cheers
Thank you! Happy gardening :-)