Introduction
Have you ever wondered if there’s a superior mixture out there for growing your vegetable seedlings? For years, I’ve relied on my own homemade compost, but I became curious about finding a product that could enhance the growth of my plants. That’s when I decided to conduct an experiment with Recipe 420 Potting Soil, a highly praised creation from E.B. Stone.
Comparing Recipe 420 to Homemade Compost
Purchasing a bag of Recipe 420 for $17, I compared it to my homegrown compost. A notable difference was immediately apparent upon touching the two mixtures. While my compost felt dense and heavy, Recipe 420 was light and airy. Intrigued by the unique qualities of Recipe 420, I examined the label and discovered that it contained additional bacteria and fungi to enrich the blend.
The Experiment Begins
On September 14, I planted seeds in both Recipe 420 and my compost. I used a variety of seeds, including onions, kale, broccoli, cabbage, romanesco, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, zinnias, and cilantro. My aim was to determine which mixture would yield quicker germination, healthier seedlings, and stronger root systems.
Germination Speed
By September 21, it became evident that the seeds in Recipe 420 were sprouting faster than those in my compost. The disparity was noticeable, with Recipe 420 excelling in seed germination.
Growth Rates
Five days later, on September 26, most of the seeds in my compost had germinated, but they remained smaller than the ones in Recipe 420. Unfortunately, some of the compost seedlings were lost due to insect damage, which affected my ability to evaluate their growth.
Final Observations
On October 5, when it was time to transplant the seedlings into the garden, I observed that the Recipe 420 seedlings were larger than their counterparts in my compost. The head start provided by Recipe 420 conferred an advantage, resulting in overall larger plants. In terms of appearance and health, both sets of seedlings displayed vibrancy and were free from any leaf discoloration.
The Secret to Recipe 420’s Success
I couldn’t help but wonder what made Recipe 420 outperform my compost in terms of germination speed. I believe that the lightness and fluffiness of Recipe 420 played a significant role. Vegetable seeds possess limited strength, and a heavy mixture can impede their growth.
Enhancing My Compost
To enhance the germination speed of seeds in my compost, I plan to make several adjustments. I will sow the seeds more shallowly, use less dense soil in the mix, and incorporate lighter materials such as leaves. Additionally, when filling the cells, I will ensure that the compost is fluffier rather than compacting it with my fingers.
What’s Next?
Although Recipe 420 has proven to be superior to my homemade compost, I am passionate about experimenting and discovering new things. Therefore, instead of abandoning my compost, I will continue to fine-tune the recipe to further improve it. However, if you are seeking a reliable seed-starting mixture, I highly recommend trying E.B. Stone’s Recipe 420.
You can find my previous seed-starting posts here.
Image source: Hook’d Up Bar and Grill
Image source: Hook’d Up Bar and Grill
Image source: Hook’d Up Bar and Grill