Seed Starting Tips For Organic Soil Growers

The Foundation for a Healthy Seedling Is Built Below the Surface - That’s why we developed a light, airy, biologically active Seed Starting Mix specifically for young seedlings. Throughout the germination process, roots are incredibly delicate, and the soil environment plays a key role in early development. 

Our Seed Starting Mix provides a finer texture, gentle fertility, and active biology that supports early root development without overwhelming sensitive root tips, helping seedlings establish strong, resilient foundations from the very start. It contains: Organic Worm Castings, Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Coconut Coir Fibre, Tiny Perlite, Dolomite & Limestone.

Why the Seedling Stage Matters More Than You Think

The seedling stage is one of the most important — and most underestimated — parts of a plant’s life cycle. Many of the issues people face later in the season often trace back to how their seeds were started and whether their transplant timing was truly on point. One of the biggest mistakes we see is letting young starts get root-bound at any stage along the way. Even if everything else looks good, a plant that’s been cramped too long can stall out, struggle to take up water and nutrients properly, and never quite catch up. That’s why sharp attention to detail at this stage is vital! 

The Way We Like to Start Seeds

We prefer to begin small seeds in cell trays or small containers and gradually pot them up as they grow. This allows seedlings to build a healthy, well-branched root system before being introduced to richer soil. At this stage, young plants are delicate. They benefit from a lighter, finer seedling soil that allows little shoots to push upward easily while roots grow downward without resistance. Too much fertility too early can stress sensitive root tips and can increase the risk of damping-off. 

We Don’t Sterilize Our Seed Starting Mix

While sterilization can remove harmful pathogens, it also wipes out the beneficial microbes that play an important role in early root development and nutrient cycling. We intentionally keep our seed soil biologically active. A balanced microbial community helps seedlings establish stronger roots, improves nutrient availability as roots begin to function, and creates natural competition against disease-causing organisms. In living systems, healthy biology often does a better job of preventing problems than sterile conditions ever could.

Of course, the environment still matters. Overwatering, low light, poor airflow, and cool, damp conditions are the real drivers behind most seedling issues. A living seed soil works best when paired with good growing practices. If you ever notice fuzzy growth on the surface of seed trays, a light Herbal Tea Spray (details below) can help stop it early, especially when combined with proper airflow and careful watering — opening vents and propping up humidity domes when needed to let excess moisture escape. 

Tip - For Prevention of Fungal Growth on the surface of seed trays: We recommend a gentle herbal tea spray as a preventative measure against surface mold and damping-off. A tea blend of Chamomile, Horsetail and Nettle Leaf. Chamomile has natural antifungal properties and has been shown to inhibit common damping-off organisms. Horsetail is rich in silica, which helps strengthen plant cell walls and makes conditions less favourable for fungal spores. Nettle provides trace minerals and supports overall microbial balance. Used lightly and preventatively, this tea helps keep the soil surface healthy without disrupting beneficial microbes under the surface. 

When to Use Our Living Soil Mix

Our Pre-Fertilized Living Organic Soil (LSO) is best used at transplant time.

This rich, biologically active soil is loaded with 25 premium organic ingredients, designed to support healthy roots, balanced nutrition, and long-term plant vitality. It’s a true living system that sets plants up for strength and abundance from the start.

Once seedlings have developed 2–4 sets of true leaves, they’re ready to benefit from the nutrients, structure, and microbial life this mix provides. Transplanting into the pre-fertilized LSO blend helps reduce shock, encourages rapid root expansion, and supports strong, vigorous growth as plants move into their next stage.

Living soil works because it’s built to support life below the surface. Every component in our Living Soil Mix plays a role in creating a healthy, active soil ecosystem—one that first feeds microbes, fungi, and beneficial organisms. These soil organisms break down organic matter, unlock minerals, and deliver nutrients to plant roots in a natural, balanced way. Instead of relying on quick, force-fed nutrition, plants grown in living soil develop stronger root systems, better resilience, and more consistent growth over time. When soil life is thriving, plants are healthier, stress is reduced, and harvests are more abundant!

 Tips for Strong, Healthy Seedlings

• For indoor seed starting, our best results have consistently come from using LED lights over the cell trays or small pots on shelving. Keeping plants close to the light as soon as sprouts emerge is key to preventing legginess and helps build strong, stocky plants that transition better outdoors.

• Once seedlings are big enough, it’s also important to introduce airflow early—using a fan helps build stem strength and prepares plants for wind exposure and outdoor conditions.

• Depending on your environment, heat mats under seed trays can also be very helpful for consistent germination and early growth.

• Seedlings that will remain in cell trays for long periods will benefit from a half strength dose of All-Purpose 2-2-2 Fertilizer/Biostimulant

• Brewing Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) from the very beginning of a plant’s life can help build a thriving soil food web. This active biology improves nutrient conversion and availability, giving young plants the strongest possible start. The result is increased vigour early on—and later, better flavour and quality in your fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

  • If you're interested in brewing compost teas, check out our Compost Tea Ingredient Kit
  • If you need to set up a tea brewer, we have a 5 Gallon size Compost Tea Equipment Kit (Includes air pump, hoses, air stones, tea bag, & a pail if needed)

  • For bigger operations interested in brewing compost tea, we also offer Regenerative Centrifugal Ring Blowers 

Written by Amy Powles — Optimize Organics