New Lee Valley Soil Block Mold

With this mold, it’s easy to make your own soil blocks for starting seedlings. Filled with a simple potting mix that you prepare from coir, compost, sand and soil amendments (instructions included), the mold forms lightly compressed blocks of planting medium that are firm enough for handling, so no pots are required.

Because the blocks hold moisture well and permit good aeration, seedlings germinate and grow quickly. As roots grow to the edges, they are naturally air pruned, forming a robust, fibrous root structure. When ready to be planted out, the blocks can be placed directly into the ground, saving you time and trouble, as well as minimizing transplant shock.

The mold makes four 2″ blocks. A removable insert forms a dimple on top of the block or cube to accept a seed. The dimple makers can be replaced with included cube inserts that make a 3/4″ cavity in the block; this cavity allows you to start a seedling in a soil cube (mold sold separately), then transfer the cube directly into the larger block for further growth.

The block mold is also available in a set with the cube mold.

Produced by a small British firm, this mold is well made, easy to use, and reusable year after year.