Seed starter plugs are compressed seedling-growing media that are simple and hassle-free to use

A seed starter plug is a compressed, molded block of seedling-growing medium, usually made by pressing peat, coconut coir, vermiculite and other materials together in certain proportions, and some have an outer layer wrapped in a biodegradable mesh bag. To use it, soak it in water, and the block absorbs water and slowly expands into a soft, breathable little nutrient block; put a seed or cutting into it and you can grow seedlings directly.

Its biggest advantage is that it saves effort and worry. There is no need to prepare flowerpots and mix soil, and it does not take up much space, so growing a few vegetable or flower seedlings on a home balcony is very convenient. After the seedlings grow larger, they can be transplanted together with the block, and the roots are basically undisturbed, so they recover quickly and the survival rate is high. Seed starter plugs have decent water retention and breathability and also contain some nutrients themselves, so in the early stage of emergence there is generally no need for extra fertilizer.

Common seed starter plugs are divided by material into peat plugs, coconut coir plugs and others, and they also come in large and small sizes. For leafy vegetables, small ones can be used; for fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, or for cuttings of flowers such as roses and chrysanthemums, choosing a larger size is safer. When selecting, pay attention to choosing products with a firm structure that do not fall apart or collapse after absorbing water and expanding, and the outer mesh bag is best if biodegradable, so it does not need to be specially removed when transplanting.

When using them, first soak the seed starter plug thoroughly, place one or two seeds in the hole in the middle, and cover with soil to a depth of about twice the seed diameter. Keep the block moist but not waterlogged. Place it in a warm, ventilated spot with diffused light, and gradually increase light after emergence to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy. If the surface turns green or grows mold, it is mostly due to excessive humidity, so reduce spraying and increase ventilation. Once the seedlings grow several true leaves and the roots fill the block, transplant them promptly.