Seed Starting Mix Supplier in Manila

Seed starting mix is a lightweight, fine-textured growing medium designed specifically for germinating seeds and growing young seedlings. It differs from potting soil in several important ways. Seed starting mix is much finer in texture, allowing tiny seeds to make good contact with the growing medium for consistent germination. It is also lighter, making it easy for delicate seedling roots to push through as they emerge. Most seed starting mixes contain little or no soil. They typically combine coco peat, fine vermiculite, and perlite in carefully balanced ratios. This combination provides consistent moisture retention without waterlogging, which is the number one killer of young seedlings. Potting soil is heavier, coarser, and often contains fertilisers that can be too strong for germinating seeds. Using potting soil for seed starting can result in poor germination rates and seedling death from fertiliser burn or damping-off disease caused by pathogens in unsterilised soil.

For the best germination results with seed starting mix, follow these steps. First, moisten the mix thoroughly before filling your seed trays. The mix should feel like a wrung-out sponge, damp but not dripping. Fill your seed tray cells to the top and press down lightly to create a firm, level surface. Sow seeds at the depth recommended on the seed packet. Most small seeds need only a light covering of mix, while larger seeds go deeper. After sowing, mist the surface gently with water. Cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or cling wrap to maintain humidity. Place the tray in a warm spot with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius for tropical seeds. Remove the cover once seedlings emerge and move them to bright indirect light. Water from below by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water, allowing the mix to absorb moisture upward. This prevents disturbing delicate roots and reduces the risk of damping-off disease.

Transplant seedlings from seed starting mix to potting soil when they develop their first set of true leaves. True leaves are the second pair of leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves (cotyledons). This usually happens 2 to 4 weeks after germination, depending on the plant species. At this stage, seedlings have developed enough root structure to handle the transition to richer growing media. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 5 to 7 days. Start with an hour of filtered outdoor light and increase exposure daily. When transplanting, prepare your potting soil or garden bed and create a hole slightly larger than the seedling root ball. Gently remove the seedling from the seed tray by pushing up from below. Place in the new container, firm the soil around the stem, and water thoroughly. Transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day to reduce transplant shock.