Tabletop Seed Starting

I have been soil blocking since the beginning of my flower farming career in 1998. When I learned of seed starting with soil blocking it solved a couple of challenges for me. I didn’t, and still don't have a greenhouse. My urban farm's city location doesn't offer much hope of ever having one, so this method offered some great options I could build on. First, I saw how I could use trays without drainage holes which were totally liberating from all other methods. Secondly, it could be incredibly space savvy.

Each tray holds 60 small blocks, 4 trays fit under the light.

Soil blocking is not only a viable seed-starting method for farmers, but is a perfect fit for the home gardener. The blocks are easily managed in a small space in a home because they can be self-contained. In the footprint of a tabletop grow light, 12” x 24 ” you can support 240 seedlings until they go outdoors. All of the following information is based on my experiences with my seed starting setup situation. I have tweaked the steps to make it possible for me to use an indoor room, 10’x10’, to start and support over 15,000 soil blocked seedlings at a time.


My commercial seed starting with soil blocking grow room.

I use stainless steel rolling racks with 3-6 adjustable shelves per rack equipped with grow lights. Each shelf holds 720 mini soil blocks on rigid reusable cafeteria trays. I have 3-4 racks in the room depending on the season. Another bonus is this room is a part of our work building that is already heated and air conditioned, so no additional expenses or concerns over weather events as with a greenhouse.


The carport I move the soil blocks onto to harden off the seedlings before being planted in the garden.

Because of my unique seed starting needs and space available I was forced to go out of the box on the recommended steps to follow. I've learned that it is very possible and viable to strip down the method to bare essentials and produce an amazing quality of transplant and do so indoors in a small space.

Learn more: soil-blocking equipment, All Things Soil Blocking

Happy seed starting!

Lisa Z

The Gardener’s Workshop and Flower Farming School Online and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online.  Award-winning Author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers. Watch Lisa’s Story and view her blog Field & Garden. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Instagram!