Looking for a way to start seeds at home without using plastic pots or expensive tools? You can create soil blocks yourself with simple items found around your house.
Using these DIY soil block makers helps you grow strong plants while saving money and cutting down on plastic waste. This guide offers 17 easy ideas to get you started.
1. Simple Wooden Frame for Soil Blocks
You can build a sturdy soil block maker using scrap wood and a flat board to press soil into shape. This method helps you create even blocks that support seedling growth. It is a practical choice that lets you adjust size and shape for your gardening needs.
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【8 Cells Soil Blocker More Efficiently】Upgraded soil blocker comes with 8 cells 2 inch blockers, with 3 different seed pins( square seed pins,short and long cylinder seed pins) which allows you get more and different soil blocks once a time! Strong working structure helps soil cubes better separated without getting stuck, saving your more time and energy. A thoughtful soil blocking set for seed stater tray
RUGGED AND DURABLE: Made of high-quality and durable galvanized steel, the soil blocker is compact in structure, easy to install, can be used repeatedly for a long time, comfortable and easy to operate, and is a good helper for your garden.
【Upgraded Durable Thickened Soil Blocker with Comfortable Round Handle】The Nanovi Soil Block Maker is made of refined zinc-coated steel, sturdy without deformation for long-term recycling use, allowing you to quickly make four 2-inch soil blocks with seed holes and easily pushing them out, just like a "pot-less" pot, offering a comfortable and labor-saving soil blocking experience while enabling you to efficiently cultivate vigorous rooted seedlings without the need for plastic containers.
2. Making Soil Blocks with PVC Pipe
You can create soil blocks using a short piece of PVC pipe and a plunger. Fill the pipe with damp soil mix, then push it out using a dowel or similar tool. This method is affordable, easy to use again, and simple to clean after each use.
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Comfortable - No More Sharp Edge: Humanization seed block maker comfortable round handle design, upgrade the comfort of operation. Durable Heavy-gauge Steel-epic quality with strong structure and material, no rust & less noise!
Versatile 6-Piece Fondant Mold Set for Creative Decorating: This comprehensive set includes 6 distinct embossed molds (5.5" L × 2.7" W) featuring classic patterns: tree bark, brick wall, cobblestone, stone wall, Mayan sun, and flower vine lace. Perfect for creating detailed edges, wraps, and standout accents on cakes, cookies, and homemade treats
Fiskars Soil Block Maker helps you grow healthier seedlings by encouraging stronger root systems through natural air pruning
3. Using Ice Cube Trays to Make Soil Blocks
You can turn old ice cube trays into simple molds for starting seeds. Fill each section with moist soil and press gently to form firm blocks. This way, you create many blocks at once, making seed starting quicker and easier for your garden.
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Make Enough Ice Cubes: Two ice cube trays are included. Each tray can make 14 ice cubes at once , so you'll get 28 ice cubes in total if you use all trays together.
Fits Bottles & Easy-to-Chew Mini Ice – 0.55” tiny round pebble ice drops easily into narrow-mouth water bottles and glasses. No more big cubes blocking the sip, just smooth cold drinks every time
4. Muffin Tin Soil Blocks
You can use a muffin tin as a simple tool to shape soil blocks for starting seeds. Fill each cup with your soil mix and press it down firmly with your hand or a small tool. The even size of each cup helps keep blocks uniform, making it easier when you move seedlings later.
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STURDY AND REUEABLE: The bottom of this seed starter tray is designed with silicone, which is flexible and can be popped out. The whole seedling and the roots will be transplanted out intact without affecting the roots.
Got 1 pc silicone mold, 126-Cavity, each cavity: 2 ml, 0.6 inch x 0.6 inch x 0.4 inch
【Silicone Seed Trays】：These sustainable silicone seed starting trays are durable, reusable, and easy on tender young roots. All you need to do is to gently push the silicone at the bottom of the seedling tray to get a entire root ball, no tugging or tearing required, do no harm to plants root.
5. Using an Aluminum Can to Make Soil Blocks
You can transform an empty aluminum can into a soil block mold by cutting off its top and bottom. Press moist soil into the cylinder and use a plunger to pack it firmly. This method saves money, recycles materials, and helps you create compact seed-starting blocks easily.
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The original Ladbrooke Mini 4 makes four 2" soil blocks per press — the right size for most vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The recommended starting point for soil blocking.
【4-in-1 For Effortless Seed Starting】 Craft four 2"x2" nutrient-rich soil blocker in one press! Aerated structure with perlite pockets (as shown) ensures optimal root oxygenation, reducing seedling prep time by 70%—perfect for herbs, veggies, and flowers.
【Upgraded Comfortable Handle Soil Blocker】The soil blocker 2 inch made of high quality iron which sturdy and well built so lasts through years of use. The soil block features a thickened round handle design to increase the force-bearing area with no sharp edges, ensure it comfortable and easy to operate soil blocks, make your garden even more beautiful.
6. 3D Printed Soil Block Tool
You can create your own soil block tool using a 3D printer. This allows you to adjust the size and shape to fit your garden needs. It supports a more eco-friendly approach by reducing the use of plastic pots. Printing your tool gives you control and precision.
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🌱《DURABLE and BEAUTIFUL》 This gardening tool is made of high-quality and durable galvanized steel，Sophisticated structure, simple to use, can be used repeatedly for a long time，reducing the demand for plant trays.
Outstanding Performance:Designed to work with the soil blocker(Excluding the soil block maker), the seed plugs easily make regular indentations in loose soil blocks. This ensures that you can accurately place tiny seeds into the holes, improving sowing efficiency and seedling emergence.
Upgraded Soil Blocker for Seed Starting:Soil Blocker Set Simply and Quickly make a set of 8 pcs 2" quad soil blocker.It reduce the need for wasteful plastic seed cell trays and save your time and money.
7. Flexible Silicone Seed Block Mold
You can turn silicone baking trays into handy seed block molds for your garden. Their soft, bendable material lets you pop out soil blocks without breaking them. These molds clean easily and can be used again each planting season, saving time and effort.
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EASIER SEED STARTING: Our Burpee SuperSeed tray with 36 flexible pop-out cells is designed to simplify indoor seed starting for all your favorite vegetables, flowers and herbs. Just add seed starting mix, seeds, water and light to get growing! Rows are labeled alphanumerically for seedling identification with included Plant-o-Gram diagram. Tray dimensions: 11.5" x 10-3/8" x 2-1/4"
1-SECOND EASY RELEASE – No More Struggling： Unlike soft silicone molds, this durable round ice cube tray releases all 1" mini ice balls with a simple twist. No banging, no running under warm water — just quick, clean release straight into the ice container.
Unique lid slides to release as many ice cubes as you choose
8. Using a Drawer Handle Mounted on a Base
You can attach an old drawer handle to a flat surface to create a hand press for shaping soil blocks. This setup lets you control how firmly the soil is packed, helping keep the blocks consistent. It’s an easy way to turn common household parts into a practical gardening tool.
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Upgraded Flexible Cells: Upgraded Silicone Seed Starter Tray with 12 flexible pop-out cells per tray. The soft silicone cells keep seedlings well protected and can be gently bent and popped out when it's time to transplant to your outdoor garden! Our seed starting trays are specifically designed to reduce stress on seedlings, so you won't damage their roots when transplanting
PREMIUM SILICONE: Square mold crafted from premium food grade silicone, not easy to deform, can be used repeatedly, flexible, easy release, easy to clean and store
【Silicone Seed Trays】：These sustainable silicone seed starting trays are durable, reusable, and easy on tender young roots. All you need to do is to gently push the silicone at the bottom of the seedling tray to get a entire root ball, no tugging or tearing required, do no harm to plants root.
9. DIY Soil Block Mold from Plastic Bottles
You can turn a plastic bottle into a simple soil block mold. Use the bottle’s bottom to form the block shape. The neck of the bottle works well as a handle, making it easy to press soil. This method helps cut down on plastic waste in your garden.
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Upgraded Soil Blocker for Seed Starting:Soil Blocker Set Simply and Quickly make a set of 8 pcs 2" quad soil blocker.It reduce the need for wasteful plastic seed cell trays...
10. Cookie Cutter Soil Blocker
You can use cookie cutters made of metal or plastic to shape soil blocks for seed starting. Press the cutter firmly into a tray filled with compacted soil mix, then lift it out to get clean, shaped blocks. This method adds a simple and creative way to make soil blocks.
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RUGGED AND DURABLE: Made of high-quality and durable galvanized steel, the soil blocker is compact in structure, easy to install, can be used repeatedly for a long time, comfortable and easy to operate, and is a good helper for your garden.
Material: Durable stainless steel, can be used repeatedly for a long time. We provide 1 year quality guarantee. It is recommended to wear gloves when using this soil blocker to prevent hands from being scratched.
【Brick Wall Texture Fondant Mold 】: Poker silicone fondant mold , it's easy to create detailed shapes in exciting designs, Great for making cake decorating. You will get 3 pieces Silicone Impression Texture Mat. Include 1pcs Brick Wall Texture Silicone Molds,1pcs Wood Grain Tree Bark Silicone molds, 1pcs Rock Brick Texture Silicone Molds. The size of each mold is different; Please refer to the picture for the specific size
11. Heavy-Duty Metal Tube with Compacting Plunger
You can use a sturdy metal tube paired with a plunger made from wood or metal. This setup gives you strong, well-shaped soil blocks. The plunger helps press the soil firmly, making it easier to form consistent blocks. This method works well if you want a long-lasting tool with precise results.
12. Lego-Inspired Soil Block Maker
You can use large Lego-style molds to create even soil blocks for your garden. These blocks stack neatly and work well for starting seeds. This method adds a playful touch you and your kids can enjoy while gardening.
13. Small Yogurt Cups with Drain Holes
You can use old yogurt containers by making small holes in the bottom for water drainage. This helps air circulate and prevents water from pooling around your seedlings. These small containers are perfect if you want an easy and affordable way to start plants in a limited space.
14. Tin Foil DIY Soil Mold
You can shape tin foil into a simple soil mold that fits your seedling needs. This method lets you create custom sizes and forms easily. It is light, affordable, and can be reused or thrown away after use, making it an adaptable choice for your gardening projects.
15. Using a Measuring Cup and Press
You can create uniform soil blocks using a measuring cup and a small press or spoon. This setup helps you keep the same amount of soil in each block, promoting even seed growth. These items are easy to find and clean, making the process simple and efficient.
16. Cardboard Tube Seed Block Mold
You can use short sections of toilet paper or paper towel tubes as molds for soil blocks. Just fill the tube with moist soil and press it gently to shape a block. Afterward, plant the whole tube in your garden. This method is simple and helps reduce waste.
17. Simple Wooden Dowel Press with Base
You can build a soil block press by attaching a wooden dowel to a flat base. This setup lets you press soil into firm, even blocks easily. It works well with most soil mixes and holds up with regular use.
Using this press, you avoid plastic pots while starting seeds. The process saves you money and reduces waste.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A sturdy flat board as the base
- A wooden dowel, securely fixed upright
- Moist soil mix
To make blocks, pack moistened soil around the dowel and push it into the base. The soil will form compact blocks that are good for seed roots. This method is simple, effective, and perfect whether you are new or experienced in gardening.
