Best Seed Starting Mixes for Natives: Top Picks for Successful Plant Propagation

Starting native plants from seeds can be a great way to ensure that your garden is filled with the plants that are best suited for your local area. However, not all seed starting mixes are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in the success of your garden. In this article, we will be discussing the best seed starting mixes for natives.

When it comes to seed starting mixes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want a mix that is free of any harmful chemicals or additives that could harm your plants. Additionally, you want a mix that is well-draining and provides good aeration for your seeds to grow.

For native plants specifically, it’s important to choose a mix that is tailored to the specific needs of the plants you will be growing. Different native plants have different requirements when it comes to soil pH, nutrient levels, and water retention, so it’s important to choose a mix that is formulated to meet those needs.

In this article, we will be reviewing some of the top seed starting mixes for natives on the market, taking into account factors like quality, price, and effectiveness. With our help, you’ll be able to choose the perfect seed starting mix for your native plants and get your garden off to a great start.

Best Seed Starting Mixes for Natives

As gardening enthusiasts, we know that starting seeds is an essential step towards a thriving garden. However, not all seed starting mixes are created equal, especially when it comes to growing native plants. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best seed starting mixes for natives, so you can give your plants the best possible start. Our selection includes mixes that are specifically formulated for native plants, as well as those that are organic and environmentally friendly. Read on to find the perfect seed starting mix for your native garden.

Purple Cow Organics All Natural Seed Starter Mix

If you’re looking for a reliable seed starting mix for your indoor home garden, the Purple Cow Organics All Natural Seed Starter Mix is worth considering.

Pros

• Jump starts seeds indoor germination and fertilization process, getting them off to a strong start, whether starting in plastic trays or using a soil blocker.
• Blend includes peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and more providing everything you need to start seeds including enough fertility for up to 45 days.
• Mix created using activated compost base, a premium soil amendment with over 20 years of growing success, for a stress-free lush garden.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the mix is too dense for seed starting.
• While the mix is advertised to promote healthy, vigorous seedlings, some users have reported mixed results with germination rates.
• At $20 per 12 quart bag, it may be more expensive than other seed starting mixes on the market.

In our experience, the Purple Cow Organics All Natural Seed Starter Mix is a great option for those looking to start seeds indoors. The mix is easy to use and provides the necessary nutrients for healthy seedlings. We particularly appreciate the blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which creates a lightweight and airy mix that promotes strong root growth.

That being said, some users have reported that the mix can be too dense for seed starting, which may result in poor germination rates. Additionally, at $20 per 12 quart bag, it may be more expensive than other seed starting mixes on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the Purple Cow Organics All Natural Seed Starter Mix for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use seed starting mix, but it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or those looking for a mix specifically designed for certain types of plants.

Jiffy Natural & Organic Starter Mix 12 Quart

We highly recommend the Jiffy Natural & Organic Starter Mix 12 Quart for anyone looking to start their seeds indoors.

Pros

• The nursery quality formula of this mix ensures the best root development for your plants.
• The use of Canadian peat moss in the mix creates a uniform and consistent blend.
• The 12 quart size is perfect for easy handling and provides enough mix for multiple seedlings.

Cons

• The price of this mix can be higher than other options on the market.
• Some users have reported larger pieces of bark in the mix.
• The mix may dry out faster than other options, requiring more frequent watering.

We found the Jiffy Natural & Organic Starter Mix to be an excellent choice for starting our native seeds indoors. The Canadian peat moss in the mix provided a consistent texture that was easy to work with, and the nursery quality formula ensured that our seedlings had the best chance for strong root development.

One downside to this mix is that it can be more expensive than other options on the market. Additionally, some users have reported finding larger pieces of bark in the mix, which can be a nuisance. We also noticed that the mix dried out faster than other options we have used in the past, which required more frequent watering.

Overall, we believe the Jiffy Natural & Organic Starter Mix 12 Quart is a great option for anyone looking to start their seeds indoors. The consistent blend and nursery quality formula make it a reliable choice for successful seed starting.

Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix

Invest in a seed starter you can trust today with Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix.

Pros

• Contains a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss & perlite with yucca extract and lime to ensure correct pH.
• A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
• Organic seed starter mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration.

Cons

• Some users reported that the mix was too fine and had trouble with drainage.
• The bag is smaller than expected for the price.
• The smell can be a bit strong for some.

We highly recommend Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix for those looking to start their seeds off right. The mix is composed of 80-90% sphagnum peat moss, perlite, limestone to adjust pH, and yucca extract. The organic mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration, and promotes root growth for all seedlings and cuttings.

We love that it is enhanced with myco-tone endo & ecto mycorrhizae for stronger roots. Additionally, it is all natural, making it perfect for organic gardening. Use it in seed starting flats, cell packs or containers.

The only downside is that some users reported that the mix was too fine and had trouble with drainage. Also, the bag is smaller than expected for the price. Lastly, the smell can be a bit strong for some.

Overall, Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix is a great investment for those looking to start their seeds off right.

Save The Monarchs Wildflower Seed Shaker

If you’re looking to attract and support Monarch Butterflies, the Save The Monarchs Wildflower Seed Shaker is a great choice.

Pros

• The seed shaker includes 13 Wildflower Varieties that are hardy, easy to grow from seed, and ideal for kids or novice gardeners.
• The wild flower seed mix is always 100% pure, non-GMO, and guaranteed to grow.
• The seed shaker covers approximately 250 square feet and contains over 100,000 seeds, making it a great value for the price.

Cons

• Some substitutions may apply based on seasonality, so you may not receive all 13 varieties listed.
• The expected blooming period is in the fall, so if you’re looking for summer blooms, this may not be the best choice.
• Moderate watering is required, so if you live in a dry climate, you may need to water more frequently.

We recently used the Save The Monarchs Wildflower Seed Shaker to add some color to our garden, and we were pleased with the results. The seed shaker was easy to use and covered a large area, and we enjoyed watching the different varieties of wildflowers bloom throughout the season.

One thing to note is that some substitutions may apply based on seasonality, so you may not receive all 13 varieties listed. However, we still found the mix to be diverse and vibrant.

Overall, we would recommend the Save The Monarchs Wildflower Seed Shaker to anyone looking to attract Monarch Butterflies and add some color to their garden. It’s a great value for the price, and the seed shaker makes it easy to sow the seeds evenly.

Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix, 16 QT

If you’re looking for a reliable and organic seed starting mix, Jiffy’s 16 quart seed starting mix is a great option that we highly recommend.

Pros

• This natural and organic seed starting soil mix is enhanced with peat moss, vermiculite, and lime, providing excellent conditions for seed germination.
• Specially formulated, this soil mix has been designed to replicate greenhouse conditions at your home, ensuring that your seeds will receive the best possible start.
• Using this soil to start your seeds will result in excellent seed germination, giving you a higher success rate in growing your native plants.

Cons

• Some users may find the price to be a bit high compared to other seed starting mixes on the market.
• The soil mix may be too fine for some users, making it harder to handle and work with.
• The bag size may not be large enough for those who are starting a large number of seeds.

In our experience, Jiffy’s 16 quart seed starting mix has been a reliable and effective option for starting native plant seeds. The mix provides excellent conditions for seed germination, giving your seeds the best possible start. We appreciate that this product is organic and free from harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious.

One of the standout features of this seed starting mix is its formulation, which is designed to replicate greenhouse conditions at your home. This means that your seeds will receive the optimal amount of moisture, nutrients, and light, resulting in a higher success rate in growing your native plants.

While the price of this product may be a bit higher than some other seed starting mixes on the market, we believe that the quality and effectiveness of the mix make it well worth the investment. Additionally, some users may find the soil mix to be too fine, making it harder to handle and work with, but this is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of using this product.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and organic seed starting mix that will give your native plant seeds the best possible start, we highly recommend Jiffy’s 16 quart seed starting mix.

Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix

If you’re looking for a reliable seed starter mix for your native plants, the Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix is a great option. We highly recommend it for its all-natural composition and myco-tone blend that helps promote root growth.

Pros

• The mix contains a blend of sphagnum peat moss, perlite, limestone, and yucca extract that ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration for your seeds.
• The myco-tone blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae helps promote stronger root growth, leading to healthier plants.
• The mix is all-natural and organic, so you don’t have to worry about synthetic plant foods or chemicals.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the mix contains twigs and sticks, which can be a drawback.
• The mix may not work as well as other starter mixes for certain types of plants.
• The price point may be higher than other starter mixes on the market.

Overall, we believe that the Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix is a great investment for anyone looking to start their native plants from seeds. The all-natural composition and myco-tone blend make it a reliable and effective option for promoting root growth and ensuring healthy plants.

Soil Sunrise All Natural Seed Starting Mix

If you’re looking for an all-natural seed germinating medium, the Soil Sunrise All Natural Seed Starting Mix is a great option. It’s hand-blended and contains 100% natural ingredients, making it perfect for use with organic and heirloom seeds.

Pros

• Provides nutrients, drainage, moisture retention, and organic humus.
• Specially formulated for starting herbs, vegetables, flowers, and grasses.
• Ideal for indoor/outdoor container gardening and raised bed gardening.

Cons

• The peat moss in the mix may be too much for some gardeners and may not take water easily.
• The texture of the mix may be too coarse for starting tiny seeds.
• The product does not come with information about the nutrients and recommended hydration ratios.

We used the Soil Sunrise All Natural Seed Starting Mix to start our indoor herb garden and were impressed with the results. The mix provided excellent drainage and moisture retention, which helped our seeds germinate quickly. We also appreciated that it was specially formulated for a variety of plants, making it a versatile option for our garden.

One thing to note is that the peat moss in the mix may be too much for some gardeners, and it may not take water easily. Additionally, the texture of the mix may be too coarse for starting tiny seeds. It would be helpful if the product came with information about the nutrients and recommended hydration ratios.

Overall, we recommend the Soil Sunrise All Natural Seed Starting Mix for gardeners looking for an all-natural option that provides excellent moisture retention and drainage. It’s a versatile option that works well for a variety of plants, making it a great addition to any garden.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best seed starting mix for native plants, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchase:

Organic Materials

Look for a seed starting mix that is made from organic materials. This ensures that the mix is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides that can harm your plants. Organic mixes also tend to be more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Nutrient Content

A good seed starting mix should have the right balance of nutrients to help your plants grow strong and healthy. Look for mixes that contain a blend of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some mixes also contain beneficial microorganisms that can help improve soil health.

Moisture Retention

Seed starting mixes should be able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Look for mixes that have good water-holding capacity, but also allow for good drainage. This will help prevent problems such as root rot.

Texture

The texture of a seed starting mix is important for good root growth. Look for mixes that have a fine texture, which will allow for good contact between the seeds and the soil. Coarse mixes can cause poor germination rates and stunted growth.

pH Balance

The pH balance of a seed starting mix is important for healthy plant growth. Look for mixes that have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, which is the ideal range for most plants. This will ensure that your plants can absorb the nutrients they need from the soil.

By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the best seed starting mix for your native plants.