How should I prepare the substrate for a seedbed?

Choosing a good substrate for our seedbed is one of the most important stages in the germination of our own seeds. If you've been researching substrates, it might seem like all the options you've looked at are the same, but this is in fact not the case. There are notable differences that you should take into account before planting your various crops; differences in the production processes, in the pH, in the raw materials used, in the texture, in the quantity of nutrients etc.

On the other hand, it's worth bearing in mind that the seeds themselves are true sources of energy. They do not require nutrients, and sometimes not even light, to germinate. Only once the root has established, with a few leaves already transpiring, will they start to demand nutrients. So to germinate, they only need an aerated, moist medium, a constant temperature between 20 and 25°C, low salinity and a pH of 6.5.

Can I make my own substrate at home?

Although it's not our first recommendation, it's certainly possible to make a DIY substrate for your seedbed at home, combining various basic materials such as universal substrate, peat, vegetable fibres, compost, humus etc. For example, we could create a substrate that provides aeration and water retention capacity using a combination of coco coir and perlite. To this we could add some universal substrate made with black peat, increasing its water-holding capacity, and a little blonde peat, which provides aeration and acts as an organic reserve in the decomposing process.

We can imagine other combinations that would also be viable. In fact, there are an endless number of articles online about how to prepare your own substrate for a seedbed, but we don't recommend it. It's complicated to get the ratios right, to measure the levels of acidity and conductivity, and can end up being tedious for the most experienced of users and downright unattainable for those attempting it for the first time.

Which is why we invite you to try our Meliflor products. We are a trusted brand with years of experience and the appropriate resources to offer you a high-quality substrate that is perfectly measured and balanced at an affordable price. Meliflor Seedbed Substrate, for example, is specially designed to meet the needs of your plants during their first phases of development and contribute to the proliferation of roots in seeds and cuttings.