What Potting Mix Do I Use to Start Seeds?
Choosing the correct potting mix to start your garden seeds can seem overwhelming, and yes, there are tons of options. But let me help make the choice easier!
As a professional grower I use ProMix Organic because it is available in large amounts and has done well for me for many years. (If you are interested, you can purchase it here) I also add worm castings to the potting mix for an extra boost of food for the plants (more on that later).
BUT you do NOT need to use this mix to get healthy seedlings, there are many options that will do well for you.
Here’s my suggestion for home gardeners; use what’s available to you and just get started! Don’t let this be the thing that stops you from getting started!
Yes, quality potting mix does make a huge difference in the health of your plants, so look for a quality organic mix at a local greenhouse or hardware store.
But there are two things you can do that will help you grow thriving plants this season that have nothing to do with what brand of potting mix you use!
Grab my free guide “How to NOT Kill Your Garden Plants” by clicking here. It will save you so much heartache and help you grow thriving plants!
Add worm castings to your potting mix!
At The Heirloom Farmer we use worm castings to grow thriving plants, an abundant garden and even our lovely houseplants!
What are worm castings?
Worm castings are worm poo. Sounds a bit gross, but it’s actually super amazing! You may also hear it called vermicast or vermicompost. The worm poo is created when worms digest food scraps and organic matter.
In our case, we have Red Wiggler worms and we feed them food scraps and other waste materials to create an eco friendly system.
Why should you use worm castings?
Plant Nutrition
1. Rich in Nutrients – Worm castings contain essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), along with trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
2. Slow-Release – Nutrients in castings are released slowly, making them available to plants over time without the risk of burning them.
3. Microbial Boost – They are packed with beneficial microbes that can improve soil health and help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Soil Health & Plant Growth
1. Improves Soil Structure – Castings enhance soil aeration, water retention, and drainage, making the soil more fertile.
2. Plant Resilience – Beneficial bacteria and fungi in worm castings can help make plants more resilient.
3. Encourages Root Growth – The humic acid in worm castings stimulates root development and overall plant health.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
1. All Natural – Worm castings are environmentally friendly.
2. Reduces Waste – Vermicomposting helps recycle food scraps and organic waste into valuable fertilizer.
3. Odor-Free – Unlike synthetic fertilizers, worm castings have a mild, earthy smell.
I simply mix worm castings into my potting mix! I also sprinkle worm castings on the surface of the soil in my houseplants and other potted plants. As I water them, the worm castings filter down into the root zone.
Because we LOVE how well our plants grow with worm castings, we’ve made worm castings available to you at our farm store!
Stop in and grab some worm castings for your plants.
