Planting Dreams in Soil Blocks: A Christmas Eve Seed Starting Story at Black Haus Blooms

Planting Dreams in Soil Blocks: A Christmas Eve Seed Starting Story at Black Haus Blooms

At Black Haus Blooms in Earlysville, Virginia, Christmas Eve isn’t just about holiday cheer—it’s a time to sow the seeds of the future. This year, I’m starting specialty flower seeds using soil blocks made from a custom seed starting mix enriched with sheep’s wool from our farm. Between the cozy living room table and the well-equipped flower workshop in the garage, the process is both practical and heartfelt, connecting me to the rhythms of the seasons.

The Art of Soil Blocking

The flower workshop is where the magic begins, with tubs of soil mix, vermiculite, and all the tools needed to make soil blocks. My custom blend includes compost, coconut coir, and the finely shredded wool from our sheep, which enhances moisture retention and aeration—perfect for nurturing seeds.

Sheep wool is an exceptional addition to soil blocks for several reasons:

1. Moisture Retention: Wool fibers can hold up to 30% of their weight in water, ensuring that the soil blocks stay consistently moist, a critical factor for seed germination.

2. Aeration: The structure of wool fibers creates a light, airy texture in the soil, making it easier for roots to access oxygen and grow healthily.

3. Slow-Release Nutrients: Wool is rich in natural nutrients, especially nitrogen, which is vital for plant development. As it decomposes, it provides a slow, steady release of these nutrients.

4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Using wool from our own sheep minimizes waste and contributes to a sustainable, closed-loop farming system.

5. Pest Deterrent: Wool’s texture can deter certain pests, such as slugs, offering a natural layer of protection for seedlings.

Each soil block is hand-formed and carefully sown with seeds. The trays are then transferred to the germination room, covered to retain moisture, and placed on heating mats. Here, they’ll rest until the seeds germinate, at which point they’ll be uncovered to oxygen and bathed in light from grow lamps. Daily monitoring ensures the trays stay moist but not soggy, creating consistent conditions that encourage germination.

Seeds for Beauty and Sustainability

Starting seeds early allows these long-growing varieties to develop in time for the season. This year, I’ve sown the following specialty seeds:

Eucalyptus:

1. "Silver Dollar" - 60 seeds

2. "Silver Plate" - 60 seeds

3. "Tereticornis" - 60 seeds

4. "Baby Blue Bouquet" - 60 seeds

Lisianthus:

1. "Arena III Gold F Pelleted" - 55 seeds

2. "Rosanne 2 Terracotta F1 Pelleted" - 50 seeds

3. "Voyage 2 First Love F1 Pelleted" - 55 seeds

4. "Voyage 2 Champagne F1 Pelleted" - 50 seeds

5. "Doublini Blue F1 Pelleted" - 60 seeds

6. "Voyage 2 Green II F1 Pelleted" - 45 seeds

7. "Rosanne 3 Brown F1 Pelleted" - 60 seeds

8. "Voyage 2 Light Apricot F1 Pelleted" - 60 seeds

9. "Voyage Pink 2 Imp. F1 Pelleted" - 60 seeds

Experimenting with Natives

This year, I’m experimenting with a new cold stratification method. One tray of native Purple Coneflower seeds has been sown into 20 large soil blocks and placed in the flower cooler. This process mimics winter conditions and prepares the seeds for germination. I plan to sow 2-3 more trays, not just for our farm but to encourage our community to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants into their own landscapes. About 99% of the natives I grow remain in the fields for pollinators and to rewild our land, fulfilling an eco-driven mission that is close to my heart.

Additionally, 12 more varieties of native seeds are in the freezer for cold stratification. One of my stretch goals is to sow, grow, and share more native plants in our community’s landscapes, creating a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

The Weeks Ahead

Seed starting doesn’t end here. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sowing:

• Delphinium

• Eryngium

• Snapdragons (succession 1)

• Canterbury Bells

• Foxgloves

• Iceland Poppies

• Sweet Peas

• Bells of Ireland

In January, I’ll add Violas (Pansies) and Carnations to the list. February and the months beyond will be dedicated to sowing more seeds, preparing rows with organic fertilizer based on soil tests, and continuing maintenance tasks like mulching, composting, and planting overlooked Peony roots.

Ranunculus Update

Last week, we planted ranunculus corms, creating a mock greenhouse with metal conduit hoops covered in greenhouse plastic to keep the corms warm and thriving. Ranunculus is one of the most stunning flowers, but it requires meticulous care during the winter. Seeing these flowers bloom after months of tending is always worth the effort.

Join the Journey

I encourage you to start your own seeds, even if it’s just in a soup can or a small pot with drainage. Gardening is accessible to everyone, and understanding your garden zone is key to success. Knowing your zone helps you select the right flowers for the season—cool-season versus warm-season varieties—ensuring successful germination and healthy seedlings. This planning prevents discouragement and sets you up for thriving plants ready to transplant into your garden.

We’re in Zone 7a, zip code 22936, where cool-season flowers can be sown now, while warm-season varieties will come later. Researching your zone and frost dates will help you align your efforts with nature’s timing.

Gallery

Take a glimpse into life at Black Haus Blooms with these photos:

1. Bernie and Calvin, our lovable Valais sheep wethers, grazing in the pasture.

2. Emi planting ranunculus in the tunnels, preparing for a beautiful spring.

3. A vibrant bundle of ranunculus, grown by us in Spring 2024.

4. A close-up of our lush 2024 eucalyptus plants, showcasing their silvery foliage.

5. A delicate view of our 2024 freshly harvested lisianthus in bloom.

6. An arrangement featuring our beautiful lisianthus, always a great cut stem to grow.

7. A heartwarming photo of Emi with Bernie and Calvin, capturing the spirit of our farm.

8. Ranunculus corm up close, we plant out when “signs of life pop up”, like roots, and shoots.

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates, blog posts, flower stand hours, and more. This year, my mission is to share more knowledge and inspire our community to connect with nature. Together, we can make a difference for the planet, one seed at a time.

Thank you for visiting Black Haus Blooms. Let’s embrace the beauty of the natural world and the joy of planting the seeds of tomorrow!