How to Make Potting Soil and Seed Starter Mixes

You can save money by making your own potting soil and seed starter mixes. You have complete control over your blends. See Gardener Scott's recipes and methods for making soil-less blends for starting seeds and potting plants.
It's easy and well worth the effort if you sow lots of seeds and pot up lots of plants.
Perlite, vermiculite & seed starting supplies:
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[@Arelle7]

This is my first year gardening without my dad.. I think he would make his own soil so I’m on here looking up everything about gardening since I just started falling in love with it last year my dad was teaching me so much but I still don’t know many things… this is the exact same bag of peat moss and vermiculite that he has. I’m glad I can put it to use thank you for such an informative video I really appreciate it.

[@doncook3584]

Sorry for your loss. Your dad is watching and smiling. Wish you much enjoyment and remember there will be challenges but the internet is such a wonderful resource and no one better than GS

[@Jamescityboygardening]

I know the feeling losing a parent my dad past in 08 and mom last year both do to dementia. They always had a backyard garden. So when my wife and I moved into mom's to care for her, I started to learn gardening, put together a garden letting mom think it was hers. I did it for her for therapy, mom loved it. Good luck with your garden....

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

I am exactly where you are. I lost my 49 year old brother to glioblastoma a year ago and just lost my dad in September. My dad was an awesome gardener and like your dad, my dad taught me so much but yet I’m still not doing well yet. Also like you I’ve been watching everything I can to continue on his passion. ( my new passion)

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

Thank you 😊

[@Jamescityboygardening]

@@doncook3584I fond myself looking to the sky and asking mom, dad & grandpa Jones what do you think of this gardening technique? I'm using gravity feed drip irrigation and outdoors NFT hydroponics. Grandpa was a share cropper from S. GA. He lived on a womens property outside of Arcadia, FL. Little town name Nocatee cared for cows and grew a big garden across hwy 17 up next to the train tracks. Thinking about now wonder how grandpa watered that garden. Anyway happy gardening folks.

[@jmserino]

Thank you for the great tips given in that soft, slow and calm manner....you are the Bob Ross of Gardening 😍

[@kingcheffrey]

Bob Ross of gardening is just what I was thinking
-jeffrey thomas 1:19 AM 12/21/21

[@ivankagren2746]

Definitely Bob Ross of gardening.

[@bettyisbell5852]

YES! Bob Ross of gardening. Like a lovely sprinkler hose.

[@livingintheforest3963]

Bob Ross 🥰❤️❤️

[@familygrows7627]

This is possibly the most important and educational video every gardener can benefit from. Knowing your “soils” at different stages of indoor growing is absolutely essential if you want success. Trust me I have learned many lessons of what not to do… thank you Scott!

[@toma2754]

😊

[@kelleymcbride4633]

Another fantastic video filled with solid useable info thanks for taking the time to share! 👨‍🌾🥦🥬🌶👍

[@philoan5293]

Thank you for sharing your gardening experiences !

[@kevinsolove458]

Thanks for this simple, to the point, video. Clear and concise is what I like ✌🏻

[@carmend5050]

İ’m totally new at gardening, so your advices are sooo precious to me!!!! Thank you so much!

[@Kight213]

You are absolutely phenomenal. Thank you for the detailed information.

[@pacog6866]

Thanks for shearing your knowledge Scott

[@majaber1]

Thanks Scott...v clear & straightforward

[@PolyPrincess315]

Finally!!! We’ve been looking for information that is more geared for our location. We are in southern Colorado (5b) and your entire channel is so relevant!!!
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to start binge watching videos!

[@starjasmine1260]

Thanks a lot! Looks like I will be saving some money this year in revitalizing my garden.

[@charliecheng1022]

Thanks a lot Scott. You make it very esay for me to learn a hard question.

[@mariabentele7909]

Thank you make my gardening so much more happening.🙏🌹

[@kristiehhh3727]

I love your channel. Your channel is my go to for gardening information. Thank you!! 🙏

[@feliciamason8112]

Omgl! Now I know how to start seeding properly. Thank you so much sir.
I've learned a lot about gardening in just a few days.

[@marksmith8663]

Thanks 👍 as I’m a new gardener
that cleared up a lot of confusion

[@aussiechina]

Thank you, most clear and best soil mix guide

[@carlfetters8082]

Thank you for the recipe. I’ll try this approach next year. -Carl

[@amber5777]

Very useful info carefully explain and professional I been lookin for this info for my garden and doing all wrong Thankyou 👍🏼🙌🏼

[@gemajams]

I will use this mix for my seed start tomorrow, thank you

[@apreju7298]

Thanks, GS! This information is Gold!!

[@shusha50]

Scott you have to be the best in this TH-cam world.. Clear videos that doesnt leave much room for doubt. Thank you ever so much

[@heatheryoung9254]

I’ve watched dozens of videos and all I needed to know was how to make transplanting soil for my seedlings. This was the only video I found. It’s fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. And thank you.

[@mattiecopeland8741]

Thanks for explaining how to make potting soil. Excellent information.

[@joehumble6698]

Thank you sir and I’m a survivor gardener and this helped me.
Greetings from Beautiful British Columbia !

[@pielcanela9620]

Finally I find what I was looking for over 2 years! Thank you!!! Great video!!!

[@GardenerScott]

So glad! Thanks!

[@debjohansen7867]

Loving your videos. You're so good at teaching. You make it easy to understand and this brought back my passion for gardening! Nonetheless on Earth Day! Thank you!!!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Glad to help!

[@Sagir32]

Excellent editing to get the viewer (me) to the interesting parts in a timely manner.
Thank you!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

[@donnamasonbrown4119]

Thanks so very much for teaching me how to make soil. God bless you always.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Thank you!

[@artbylisi]

Thank you so much for sharing your recipes! I have watched other seed starting mix videos and I have chosen yours to follow. I am an experienced gardener that hasn't had a garden in several years and I'm starting up the fall garden soon. The simplest of ingredients for both the seed starter and the transplant soil makes sense. Less hassle along with saving money is exactly what I need.

[@nailog6464]

Yes I agree he really made it easy thanks

[@MaVdara]

That peat moss is really fine. Thank you for the class

[@GardenerScott]

Glad you like it!

[@0807Jadwiga]

Love your video and very simple explanation.Thank you👍👌👍

[@s.barlow7062]

Thank you for sharing your soil recipes. 😊

[@ryanjohnson117]

Thanks GS. Very plain and simple.

[@biff_handstands]

Stab holes in the bottom of the perlite bag and rinse it down to wash out the dust. Everybody should still wear a mask, $1 to protect the lungs is well worth it. Cheers, nice video!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Good suggestions.

[@knsboy09]

Yep, I remember when you could get a mask for a buck or two and that wasn’t too long ago.

[@NoNORADon911]

Good idea, perlite dust can cause a condition I cant remember the name of right now

[@pritimistry8213]

Thanks Scott, this is a good information video I found.

[@tonyalove6807]

Thank you. Always looking 4 ways 2 do it myself. I'm already composting....

[@tomwarden1444]

Thanks for the great information. I have always used peat and will continue based on your analysis. Coir was recommended but I did the research prior to jumping in. Again Thanks

[@ivankagren2746]

What a great video. Good information. Straightforward and to the point.

[@noreenshahbaz2743]

Thank you for making this helpful video.

[@Rm-ks8gg]

I love that this is so easy
Thank you!!!
❤️

[@freedombug11]

I love the Gardener Scott show!

[@shinebrighttoglow3961]

I’m so ready to start my small garden. All I have is a back porch hopefully it works out. Thank you for this information, I’ve watch plenty of gardeners and yours is by for the best informative video.

[@GardenerScott]

Good luck with your new garden. Enjoy it!

[@amandagomez3175]

This was very informative, thank you so much.

[@NONAMESLEFTNONE]

The business park I have a small shop in has graciously allowed me to plant some basics in two 3'x11' patches. (I may take over a 4'x7' soon though.) The soil is soft when wet but hardens to concrete when dried in the sun and a quick ph test is showing 7.5+ somewhere. So the mung beans, which I WONT be eating, are really stimpy vs. a batch I've grown in pots at home.
This video gives me hope that I can get some better results soon. Onto the next GS video. . . .

[@hazelhands1]

Thanks for your tutorial on seed starting mix

[@cbak1819]

Thanks Scott! I just use peet until I transplant into bed or container. Fertilizing with mild NP&K until then.

[@Crazyaboutpaper1]

Thank you. Amazing information.

[@cuteandsimple8600]

Very informative video that really make the concept clear for making potting mix and seed raising mix with demonstration no one did before.
Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks.

[@verawallace9055]

Thanks, just what I was looking for

[@synergy2222]

How refreshing to find a channel that is simple, easy to learn and doesn't waste time with unnecessary jibber jabber for us first time gardeners! Thank you!!!! You are my new fav channel.

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

Thank you for sharing your recipes! Great information!

[@krane15]

Thank you Gardener Scott for sharing your soil recipes and useful gardening tips.

[@demoniczek27]

I use peat/perlite mix also as a potting mix. Sometimes I add a small amount of compost. I top dress it with a slow release fertiliser and plants are very happy with it.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you for sharing your results.

[@doncook3584]

Could watch his videos every waking hour but have to take time out to plan build amend seed transplant weed water inspect mitigate and enjoy. Sure appreciate his sharing knowledge

[@chin1769]

I really appreciate this! I have been learning so much about gardening these last two years and was in complete shock when my germinated seeds would just die when I put them in what the garden center called "potting soil". Low and behold, I need to make something else for these younglings!

[@rosanapasquini8714]

Thank you so much you make it so easy....

[@mohammedsharif9416]

Excellent god bless you for such good information

[@tnmtnmorning1178]

Going to try this ASAP! Everytime I have a gardening question or curiosity, it seems you've got it covered. So very thankful for your content! 💚

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks, awesome info. 🌼🌺🌸

[@amandashu305]

very clear and informative

[@akfarms9011]

thank you , Scott .

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome.

[@sailor-rick]

Thanks for the recipes.

[@jamclibusmar]

This is so helpful.

[@ritasenergyherbs3650]

I like this mix...and I already have the peat moss and perlite. Great to know that is all I need. I have coir as well...I may try both and see if there is a difference in the seeds sprouting or growth.

[@daviddo8056]

Thanks for sharing , you have a great weekend

[@brianrogers6731]

Looks simple and easy, our problem around here in Ranger Texas is finding the peat moss, seems like a lot of places no longer carry it.

[@jimato01]

Excellent instructional video.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you, James.

[@future7ify]

This is perfect and exactly what I needed to know! Thank you so much for sharing! New subbie 🤗

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel!

[@frankjames4743]

Very helpful video.
Thank you

[@sharriceowens913]

Awesome video👌🏾

[@angelschannel-intennesseeu8891]

Thank you so much for your video , it so helpful

[@user-yr7qk3ch2m]

Great video .thanks 👍👍👍👍

[@ThatsWhatWeCallTheGoodLife]

Great advice!

[@Moondoggy1941]

1:26 thanks for the tip on the Perlite, I went to my local agriculture store, and low and behold they had a giant bag shown with duck tape on the top, I said how much? 13 bucks, so I bought that and some good Peat Moss.

[@zg4472]

Great and user friendly information A+.

[@natester1064]

Great information, thanks so much for sharing.

[@greggm.9057]

Great job explaining!

[@jamestyrer6067]

Thanks for the invormation

[@jamestyrer6067]

Thanks for the information

[@phuocminhbui]

I love your video. Thanks for share this video

[@KayFiedler]

Glad I found your site , your the no nonsense guy, some are a little to crazy for me, I’m sixty, and those young bloods are to much for this old guy, again very happy to have found your site, and thank you...

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Kay. Welcome aboard.

[@precioussongflower2218]

Hi Scott! Thank you for the video. My husband and I grow our own food and will be selling plants 🌱 as well. Your video is most helpful. I have been mixing just peat moss and perlite and a little soil underneath sometimes but just the two part mix on the top. 😀 Thanks for confirming that for me. I am going to start moistening the mixture before though. Thanks for the tips.Happy gardening brother. 😉

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for the nice comment. I'm so glad to have helped. Good luck with your plant sales.

[@joseolivares9050]

Very informative. Thanks for the info.

[@yvonnezarm9333]

Fantastic! Great video❤

[@3musketeershomestead62]

Great video very helpful!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@kengibbs3523]

Yeah I know I do that also and I will sterilize it before the seed goes in but thanks for the info.. Take care !!

[@tonycanaris1778]

Very good info.

[@tonytingler4310]

Well thank God i finally found someone who speaks like they're not from some other planet far far away. Crystal clear & so concise. I hope u give some input on all these relatively cheap LED grow lights that are just everywhere & how the cheaper ones actually compare to the more costly ones. Would really appreciate it

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I do have another video where I discuss grow lights and LEDs.

[@tonytingler4310]

@@GardenerScott thanks a bunch. i'm really looking forward to checking it out. i truly appreciate your simple & clear approach to growing. Have a blessed day

[@LS-qg2zn]

I've watched few videos before coming here..Great explanation!

[@nhonvo3880]

You're the best! 👍

[@mirfahad9217]

Thank you

[@margaretdrake1978]

Nice!!

[@JD-8-1971]

I use perlite in my raised beds it stops them from being soggy from heavy rains. Local seed company carries those large bags for $15 to $17 a bag. The bottom of the beds I use straw cardboard and chunks of wood in the bottom of my beds. I sprinkle perlite though that to aid in aeration. Then I use a blend peat, a cheap potting soil, compost, perlite with a cheap bagged topsoil as well. Lime the peat to adjust the PH. Fertilize to the crop I am growing. I won't call it cheap to fill a large bed like that but I am very happy with the results. Believe it or not I made a 4x6 outside measurement raised bed from 6 inch concrete blocks. One block high. Filled it with my mix and filled the large holes in the blocks with my mix as well. Planted the center with blue lake beans and the holes I had some spare bell pepper plants that were past due to be planted I thought what the heck. I planted the peppers in the block holes. I harvested 2 five gallon buckets of beans this summer. Bell Peppers several buckets of those lost count and still picking. Now I have broccoli in place of the beans and it's growing daily. Now I do have 1/4 inch drip tube with 6 inch spacing on a timer watering all my raised beds. The 6 inch spacing tube you can line up with a dripper over every hole in the blocks. I used sod staples to line up the tube temporally. Then I used a glob of landscape adhesive to set it permanently.

[@doraw7766]

Thank you.

[@liaquataziz6779]

Good job.

[@AcornHillHomestead]

My home garden shop is now finished and ready to grow. Im so happy to have these recipes. We have plenty of room for large mixing bins and materials. So excited. I may even be able to start a roadside stand of plants next year. I love your work Scott. Thank you for sharing!! What zone are you?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I'm in 5b.

[@jeffd6540]

Hi G.S. Love this video. I've always just defaulted to buying something at the Box stores out of convenience and just not knowing how to do something better. Looks like I WON"T be paying more for what I can NOW do for LESS! LOL! Thanks for the info. It seems so simple, you almost think you are doing it wrong. (FYI, just bought my first bunch of seeds from MIGardener and am planning my indoor growing area.)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Jeff. I agree that it's easy to feel you're doing something wrong, but it's easy to get right.

[@dinavoutour7796]

Thanks you! I am doing it right