The germination medium should be well drained and well aerated, relatively low in fertilizer or toxic chemicals, and sterile (free of insects and diseases). Commercially packaged growing media (e.g., Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, Metro Mix, Choice Mix, Ball Growing Mix, Jiffy Mix, Redi Earth, etc.) consist of a mixture of two or more of the following materials: sphagnum moss peat, bark, perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand, processed bark, or expanded shale. These media have several advantages. They are: convenient and suitable for most plants directly from the bag; free from weeds, insects, and diseases; and fortified with limestone and fertilizers to support plants for 2-6 weeks. Most are suitable for germinating seeds as well as growing transplants.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reach
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
What characteristics should I look for in a commercial seed starting medium?
Last Updated: November 20, 2011
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
