On Feb. 9, a diverse group of organic producers met at Magda Farm and Trout Lily Nursery near Rockwood for an in-depth discussion on seedling production, organized by the Ecological Farmers of Ontario (EFO).
The farmers were mainly vegetable growers, many producing for local farmers markets as well as community shared agriculture programs.
The main topic focused on seed starting mixes, with producers commenting on where they source their materials, including on-farm composting of livestock manure, and what has worked for them, as well as challenges they have encountered and solutions.
Some of the issues covered related to irrigation water and compost quality, as well as materials that could function as alternatives to peat, which is viewed as a largely non-renewable resource.
Potential alternatives include coir (coconut fibre), “leaf mold” from decomposed tree leaves, mushroom compost and bark as a by-product of the forestry industry.
Alternative types of containers were discussed including biodegradable cowpots, which are made from cow manure and are a new product on the Canadian market.
Winstrip seedling trays were also presented. The 50 and 72 cell trays demonstrated were made from durable, rigid plastic and are expected to last 10 years or more.
They have features that provide for greater aeration of seedlings and reduced root spiralling, resulting in healthier transplants.
Finally, soil blocks, as a viable alternative involving no containers whatsoever, were presented. They are made using a small soil press that provides for a container-less block with a small divot in the centre for seeding.
Seedlings grown in those blocks can then be transplanted into successively larger blocks prior to field planting.
That system encourage vigorous root development and prevents root shock at transplanting. One producer noted that up to 300 of the smallest soil blocks can be made in as a little as five minutes.
