We have been trying to figure out how to make homemade seed starting mix since buying potting soil here is expensive.

Just in time, Steven has posted a video on how he does it:

Our compost is very thick and dense here, likely due to the high clay content in the soil. I will probably have to dry some out to get started.

Steven adds coffee grounds, old “spent potting mix,” ashes, compost, charcoal and leaf mould. His mixes aren’t a consistent recipe and are based on availability and experimentation, though he does recommend you keep any mix at less than 1/3 dirt from your yard.

The “spent potting soil” portion of this mix reminded me of when I used to do some part time work for a nursery. If a plant died or looked too ugly to sell, they would throw it, soil, pot and all into the dumpster. I scavenged that used potting mix whenever I could. Throwing out that stuff always bothered me.

Also note that Steven uses diluted urine or manure tea to revitalize spent soil and “charge” biochar. My kind of gardening.

I will use this:

Homemade seed starting mix is on my agenda. When I make some, I will film it and post here.

I’m already scanning the homestead for likely ingredients. When I get my left hand back… I’m totally doing it.