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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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.
【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
【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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Fiskars Soil Block Maker helps you grow healthier seedlings by encouraging stronger root systems through natural air pruning
Soil Blocker Set: Including 1 6-compartment 2 "x1.8" soil blocker, 1 28 compartment 0.67 "soil blocker, 6 Grow Tweezers, 1 Seeding tray, 6 Square seed pegs, 6 Short cylindrical seed pegs, and 6 Long cylindrical seed pegs. Simple and efficient design, suitable for gardening enthusiasts.
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.
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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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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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!
【Upgraded Heavy Duty Soil Blocker with Comfortable Handle】zukakii 4 cells 2 inch soil blocker for seed starting fully upgraded the material and structure, made of heavy duty iron that is 30% thicker than others with zinc coated finish, providing a reliable long lasting service life with no deformation. Thickened round handle without sharp edges and improved spring offer comfort and labor saving soil block making experience. Gardener's favorite great helper!
【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.
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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【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.
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.
🌱《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.
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.
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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Large Tray Molds - Mold Size：10.6x7.6x1 very suitable for display and placement of your own accessories. DIY your unique tray, show off your great taste! It will look eye-catching in any room
【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.
Made of food-grade square silicone mold, make 126 gummies in one go, each square capacity 2 ML, 0.6"x0.6"x0.4"
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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What You Get: Each package includes 100 pcs of 30 mm peat pellets. Just add water, and the seed starter soil will rapidly expand to 8x their original size, forming individual seedling pots. No messy soil prep required, simply place seeds to start growing. Ideal for starting multiple seeds and seedlings, the ample quantity meets daily seedling-growing needs, making seed germination a breeze
VERSATILE SEED STARTING: Ideal for germinating seeds in flats, pots, and plug trays. This seed starter mix supports healthy root development for vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally-friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic.
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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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
Got 1 pc silicone mold, 126-Cavity, each cavity: 2 ml, 0.6 inch x 0.6 inch x 0.4 inch
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.
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.
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.
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Package Includes: You will get 100pcs 30mm seed starter pods. Once the seedlings have grown, simply insert the entire seed starter or seedling into an outdoor terrace, deck planter or backyard garden. Since there is no root disturbance, it is easy to build plants. It could't be easier!
100 EASY TO USE PEAT PELLETS: Contains 100 Jiffy 36mm soil pellets—ideal for germinating a wide range of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds indoors.
BUILT FOR GERMINATION AND EARLY ROOT GROWTH: Rosy Soil seed starting soil is specifically formulated for the most critical window in a plant's life — when seeds first sprout and roots begin to anchor; balanced aeration, drainage, and moisture retention give seedlings exactly what they need to establish strong, healthy roots from day one