Customer Testimonies
Chet Marks of South Dakota writes:
Hi Jason
I am sending some more photos. The reason is because I have tried every method of seed starting there is out there and my findings don't
agree with the "so called" experts. For example I have used Bio Domes from Park seeds, peat pellets(large and small) peat pots, Styrofoam
cups, paper pots made with a pot maker, flats , and now soil blocks. You can see these methods in the photos. In my opinion as a normal
grower I can say that soil blocks are by far the best method .But the experts like Nancy Bubel in her book "THE NEW SEED-STARTERS
HANDBOOK" in chapter 4 on containers says about soil blocks , and I quote " In my experiments with blocks ,I found that they do indeed
promote good root growth. For me though,they had two disadvantages. The first was the time and trouble necessary to make the blocks.
Secondly, the blocks must be very carefully and frequently watered from above so they don't disintegrate." end of quote.I don't believe any
disadvantages exist that outweigh the advantages. Maybe we should stop listening to the experts and be willing to try methods that have a
history of effectiveness. Just because someone wrote a book don't mean that they are right about everything. I realize she expressed it as
her experience but people I think take that and figure her experience will be theirs and don't try soil blocks. I can say that having tried all
methods; soil blocks are by far the best way. Photos attached are of the different seed starting tools I mentioned. For those who are
reluctant to try soil blocks tell them I said they will be glad they did. "JUST DO IT" as NIKE says. Thank you for the season cycles ,we are
using those to help us keep track. I look forward to a great growing season . It gives a whole new meaning to having a block party.
Hi Jason
I am sending some more photos. The reason is because I have tried every method of seed starting there is out there and my findings don't
agree with the "so called" experts. For example I have used Bio Domes from Park seeds, peat pellets(large and small) peat pots, Styrofoam
cups, paper pots made with a pot maker, flats , and now soil blocks. You can see these methods in the photos. In my opinion as a normal
grower I can say that soil blocks are by far the best method .But the experts like Nancy Bubel in her book "THE NEW SEED-STARTERS
HANDBOOK" in chapter 4 on containers says about soil blocks , and I quote " In my experiments with blocks ,I found that they do indeed
promote good root growth. For me though,they had two disadvantages. The first was the time and trouble necessary to make the blocks.
Secondly, the blocks must be very carefully and frequently watered from above so they don't disintegrate." end of quote.I don't believe any
disadvantages exist that outweigh the advantages. Maybe we should stop listening to the experts and be willing to try methods that have a
history of effectiveness. Just because someone wrote a book don't mean that they are right about everything. I realize she expressed it as
her experience but people I think take that and figure her experience will be theirs and don't try soil blocks. I can say that having tried all
methods; soil blocks are by far the best way. Photos attached are of the different seed starting tools I mentioned. For those who are
reluctant to try soil blocks tell them I said they will be glad they did. "JUST DO IT" as NIKE says. Thank you for the season cycles ,we are
using those to help us keep track. I look forward to a great growing season . It gives a whole new meaning to having a block party.
There may be some substitute for hard facts,
but if there is, I have no idea what it can be.
-J. Paul Getty, author
but if there is, I have no idea what it can be.
-J. Paul Getty, author
Dee Ann of Ohio writes:
Soil blocks are so much better than small mesh peat pots. I purchased the 2 inch block maker and
had so much fun with that my husband made me a hydraulic 4 inch block maker that I used for the
big seeds. Just to let you know that we were enjoying cucumbers, zucchini and summer squash
before the forth of July. The mammoth sunflower was over eight foot. Some of my pumpkins are
the size of basketballs. And we should have sweet corn by next week. (July 12)
Gail from North Florida writes:
I cannot describe my joy upon finding your site! I last used soil blocks in 1984. Then I wasn't able to
really contemplate gardening for a long (too long) time. Now I'm in North Central Florida, have
undertaken to begin a garden, and went hunting for soil block makers, which were the most
successful means I've ever used for starting all types of seeds. Lo and behold, yours was the first one
to pop up, and it was with sheer delight that I began reading all the information. It took me back 24
years and many happy memories. I have, of course, ordered my soil block makers [from PottingBlocks.
com] and can hardly wait until they arrive so that I can begin to garden once again. Thank you for a
wonderful web site and for all the information you make available. I can now pursue a long-deferred
dream.
Sharon of Ontario writes:
Hi Jason,
Love your site and appreciate the loads of info. Just started CSA this spring in Ontario about 3 hrs
east of Toronto, with the soil block method. At times, felt like sending hate mail to Elliot Coleman,
but found your site and have been lovin’ it ever since. So simple, and so sensible!
Soil blocks are so much better than small mesh peat pots. I purchased the 2 inch block maker and
had so much fun with that my husband made me a hydraulic 4 inch block maker that I used for the
big seeds. Just to let you know that we were enjoying cucumbers, zucchini and summer squash
before the forth of July. The mammoth sunflower was over eight foot. Some of my pumpkins are
the size of basketballs. And we should have sweet corn by next week. (July 12)
Gail from North Florida writes:
I cannot describe my joy upon finding your site! I last used soil blocks in 1984. Then I wasn't able to
really contemplate gardening for a long (too long) time. Now I'm in North Central Florida, have
undertaken to begin a garden, and went hunting for soil block makers, which were the most
successful means I've ever used for starting all types of seeds. Lo and behold, yours was the first one
to pop up, and it was with sheer delight that I began reading all the information. It took me back 24
years and many happy memories. I have, of course, ordered my soil block makers [from PottingBlocks.
com] and can hardly wait until they arrive so that I can begin to garden once again. Thank you for a
wonderful web site and for all the information you make available. I can now pursue a long-deferred
dream.
Sharon of Ontario writes:
Hi Jason,
Love your site and appreciate the loads of info. Just started CSA this spring in Ontario about 3 hrs
east of Toronto, with the soil block method. At times, felt like sending hate mail to Elliot Coleman,
but found your site and have been lovin’ it ever since. So simple, and so sensible!
Charles L Shreffler of New York writes:
Hi Jason,
I received your soil blockers (micro 20 and mini 4) Friday Oct 7 2011, I was eager to try them out so I
mixed up some potting soil I had and started practicing.
They came out pretty good so I just sat them in the green trays you sent me.
Then I proceeded to plant some lettuce and kale seeds misted them down and put the humidity cover
on them.
That was Friday afternoon, I was really surprised when I checked them Saturday afternoon some
seeds had already sprouted.
Now on Monday this is what they look like.
I am really pleased with the results.
Hi Jason,
I received your soil blockers (micro 20 and mini 4) Friday Oct 7 2011, I was eager to try them out so I
mixed up some potting soil I had and started practicing.
They came out pretty good so I just sat them in the green trays you sent me.
Then I proceeded to plant some lettuce and kale seeds misted them down and put the humidity cover
on them.
That was Friday afternoon, I was really surprised when I checked them Saturday afternoon some
seeds had already sprouted.
Now on Monday this is what they look like.
I am really pleased with the results.
| (c) 2007-2012 by Jason Beam. All rights reserved. Any reproduction without written consent strictly prohibited. Thank you. Jason Beam, Eliot Coleman, PottingBlocks.com, Season Cycles, Old Farm Boy, Ladbrooke, Micro 20, Mini 4, Mini 5, Maxi 1, Multi 12, Multi 20, Multi 6, Multi 4, Mega 1, and Potting Blocks, are all trademarks of Jason Beam, Oregon. You Tube Blog Articles Sitemap Links Testimonies Catalog Guarantee |
From an email dated 1/3/11
Hello Jason,
I received my mini-4 and OFB mix today, and had made and planted thirty blocks of lettuce inside of an hour,
including 45 minutes for the mix to soak. I find the Ladbrooke unit to be extraordinarily easy to use; having
never made a block in my life, but having seen your instructional video, I have yet to have any difficulty
producing many blocks with speed! Following your "oatmeal" consistency rule, and soaking for 30-45 minutes
in advance, I have yet to have a block fail!
In fact, believe it or not, my four year old made eight blocks himself with only my assistance with pressing hard
enough to charge on the second push. If he can do it without practicing, I have no doubt that even a complete
gardening amateur could pick it up and start out with 100% success! I even got the mix wrong initially, but the
Ladbrooke overcame my over-watering and squeezed out the excess when charging the block. It seems that if
you have the right soil mix (your Old Farm Boy works flawlessly) and the Ladbrooke unit, you can't really go
wrong.
Best Regards,
Justin Reinstein
Hello Jason,
I received my mini-4 and OFB mix today, and had made and planted thirty blocks of lettuce inside of an hour,
including 45 minutes for the mix to soak. I find the Ladbrooke unit to be extraordinarily easy to use; having
never made a block in my life, but having seen your instructional video, I have yet to have any difficulty
producing many blocks with speed! Following your "oatmeal" consistency rule, and soaking for 30-45 minutes
in advance, I have yet to have a block fail!
In fact, believe it or not, my four year old made eight blocks himself with only my assistance with pressing hard
enough to charge on the second push. If he can do it without practicing, I have no doubt that even a complete
gardening amateur could pick it up and start out with 100% success! I even got the mix wrong initially, but the
Ladbrooke overcame my over-watering and squeezed out the excess when charging the block. It seems that if
you have the right soil mix (your Old Farm Boy works flawlessly) and the Ladbrooke unit, you can't really go
wrong.
Best Regards,
Justin Reinstein
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From an email dated 10/25/2010
Hello Jason!
I'm thrilled with my blockers and anxious to get started. Thank you for your
promptness, great website and the free coco peat and dowel pins. . .
Thank you for helping me be successful in my huge 1/2 acre farm!
Tami Greever, Arkansas
Hello Jason!
I'm thrilled with my blockers and anxious to get started. Thank you for your
promptness, great website and the free coco peat and dowel pins. . .
Thank you for helping me be successful in my huge 1/2 acre farm!
Tami Greever, Arkansas
From an email dated 11/15/09
Subject: "Superb Service"
Jason,
I recently ordered a number of soil blockers from you. I have received them all and I can't
wait to use them. They all arrived before I expected them. Thank you ever so much for
the emails informing me of shipping dates. I would not hesitate to recommend you to
anyone, and the next time I need soil blockers I will definitely order through you.
Thanks again from a VERY satisfied customer!!
Regards,
David Vigue, California
Subject: "Superb Service"
Jason,
I recently ordered a number of soil blockers from you. I have received them all and I can't
wait to use them. They all arrived before I expected them. Thank you ever so much for
the emails informing me of shipping dates. I would not hesitate to recommend you to
anyone, and the next time I need soil blockers I will definitely order through you.
Thanks again from a VERY satisfied customer!!
Regards,
David Vigue, California
