If you’ve ever pulled a sad, leggy tray of microgreens only to find tangled roots and a pile of disposable plastic going straight to the trash, you already know why I went down the soil blocker rabbit hole. After two seasons of fighting flimsy cell trays and constant transplant shock, I switched my entire microgreens operation to soil blocks, and I haven’t looked back. This guide covers the best soil blockers for microgreens you can actually buy right now, plus the soil mix recipe and watering tricks that took me dozens of failed batches to figure out.
Soil blocking is the practice of compressing a moist soil mix into self-supporting cubes using a hand tool, then sowing seeds directly into each block. The cubes hold their shape without any plastic container because the mix contains enough clay, peat, or coir to bind together. Once roots reach the outside edge of the block, they hit air and naturally stop growing, a process called air pruning. The result is a dense, fibrous root system with no circling, and when you transplant the whole block into soil or a larger block, growth barely skips a beat.
For microgreens specifically, soil blocks solve three problems that cell trays and shallow trays simply don’t. First, you get consistent block size, which means even germination and even watering. Second, you can sow many blocks at once and skip the messy loose-soil broadcast method. Third, you can stack and store blocks without plastic pots cluttering your seed starting area. Below, I’ll walk through the eight best soil blockers for microgreens on Amazon right now, ranked by what I found after testing each one in my own propagation room.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Ladbrooke Mini 4 Soil Blocker
- Four 2-inch blocks per press
- Premium EP-coated steel
- Nests with Micro 20 & Maxi
Ladbrooke Mini 5 Soil Blocker
- Five 1.5-inch blocks per press
- Premium EP-coated steel
- Standalone design
BlumWay 8-Cell Soil Block Maker
- Eight 2-inch blocks per press
- Heavy-duty stainless steel
- Three seed pin options
Best Soil Blockers for Microgreens in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ladbrooke Mini 4 Soil Blocker |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Ladbrooke Mini 5 Soil Blocker |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ladbrooke Micro 20 + Cubic Inserts Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ladbrooke 5-Pc Essentials Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ladbrooke 4-Pc Basics Nesting Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ladbrooke 6-Pc Master Grower Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Fiskars Garden Soil Block Maker |
|
Check Latest Price |
| BlumWay 8-Cell Soil Block Maker |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Authentic Ladbrooke Mini 4 Soil Blocker – The Nesting System Standard
Authentic Ladbrooke Mini 4 Soil Blocker — Four 2″ Blocks Per Press, Made in England
- Eliminates plastic pots entirely
- Roots air-prune naturally at block edges
- Part of Ladbrooke nesting system
- Premium EP-coated steel built to last
- Takes practice to get correct soil consistency
- Can be noisy when pressing
The Mini 4 is the tool I reach for more than any other soil blocker in my collection, and it has earned its spot as my editor’s choice pick for microgreens growers. It presses four 2-inch blocks per squeeze, which is a sweet spot for microgreens like radish, broccoli, pea shoots, and sunflower that need just enough root volume to develop a strong harvest. The blocks hold together beautifully as long as your soil mix is right, and the included 3/8-inch seed pins press a perfect indent for one or two seeds.
What I love most about the Mini 4 is how it nests with the rest of the Ladbrooke system. The Micro 20 (which makes twenty 3/4-inch blocks) drops directly into the dimple on top of each Mini 4 block, and the Maxi (4-inch blocks) accepts Mini 4 blocks the same way. That means I can start tiny fine seeds like basil or lettuce in the Micro 20, then bump them up into Mini 4 blocks without ever pulling a root or shocking the plant. For microgreens specifically, this sequence is overkill, but for growers who also start vegetables, it’s a game-changer.
The build quality is exactly what you’d expect from a tool manufactured in England since the 1960s. The EP-coated steel resists corrosion and the chemicals in peat-based mixes, so after two full seasons of weekly use my Mini 4 still looks nearly new. I’ve washed it under the tap a hundred times with no flaking or rust spots. The spring-loaded ejection works smoothly once you learn to tap the handle against your tray to release the blocks cleanly.
The biggest learning curve isn’t the tool itself, it’s the soil mix. Ladbrooke recommends a specific peat-based blocking mix, but I’ve had great results with coconut coir and a quality compost blend too. The trick is to wet the mix thoroughly and then squeeze a handful: it should hold its shape when you open your hand but not drip water. Once you dial that in, the Mini 4 produces picture-perfect blocks every press.
Soil mix and seed compatibility
The Mini 4’s 2-inch block size is the most versatile in the Ladbrooke lineup for microgreens, and after testing it with arugula, radish, mustard, and broccoli, I can confirm it works brilliantly for crops that get harvested at the first true leaf stage. Larger seeds like peas and sunflowers also do well here because the block holds enough moisture to sustain them through germination without drying out. For very tiny seeds like celery or ornamental flowers, you’d want to drop down to the Micro 20 size.
I typically fill in a 1020 tray with 24 Mini 4 blocks, which gives me a dense microgreens harvest without overcrowding. The blocks are easy to bottom-water and transplant intact. If I want to bump up into the Maxi blocker later for outdoor planting, the geometry works perfectly.
Build quality and long-term durability
The Mini 4 is built like a piece of farm equipment, not a consumer gardening tool. The EP coating is the same stuff used on industrial agricultural implements, and Ladbrooke stamps each one with “MADE IN UK” so you know you’re getting the genuine article. In my experience the only way to damage one is to leave it sitting in a wet puddle for days, which I did once by accident and saw no ill effects anyway.
Compared to cheaper plastic soil blockers I’ve tried, the Ladbrooke Mini 4 produces more uniform blocks and lasts indefinitely. If you only buy one soil blocker for microgreens and want to invest in something that will outlast your entire gardening career, this is the one.
2. Authentic Ladbrooke Mini 5 Soil Blocker – More Starts Per Tray
- Five 1.5-inch blocks per press - ideal for more starts per tray
- Manufactured in England since the 1960s
- Premium EP-coated steel resists corrosion
- Soil blocks eliminate plastic pots entirely
- Does not connect to Ladbrooke nesting system
- Requires correct soil consistency to work properly
If you want to maximize your microgreens output per square inch of tray, the Mini 5 is hard to beat. It presses five 1.5-inch blocks per squeeze, which is roughly 25% more blocks per tray compared to the Mini 4. For growers with limited propagation space, that extra density translates directly into more harvests per season.
The 1.5-inch block size is actually a really nice fit for most microgreens. It’s small enough that you can pack a 1020 tray with 35 blocks, but large enough to retain moisture through germination. I tested it with radish, broccoli, and kale microgreens and got excellent germination rates with strong cotyledons. The smaller footprint also means less soil mix per block, which saves you money if you’re buying pre-made blocking mix by the bag.
One thing to note: the Mini 5 is a standalone tool and does not nest with the rest of the Ladbrooke system. If your operation is exclusively microgreens, this won’t matter at all. But if you ever plan to bump up seedlings into larger blocks, you’d need a separate Mini 4 for that step.
The build quality matches the rest of the Ladbrooke lineup, with the same EP-coated steel construction and Made in England pedigree. After six months of weekly use, mine shows no signs of wear. The spring-loaded handle ejects blocks cleanly with a gentle tap on the tray surface.
Ideal use cases
The Mini 5 shines for growers producing microgreens at commercial scale or anyone who wants to maximize the number of plants per tray. It’s also a great choice if you grow small vegetable starts alongside microgreens, because 1.5-inch blocks work well for crops like lettuce, herbs, and compact brassicas that get transplanted out at 3-4 weeks old.
For very fine seeds or crops that need longer in the block before harvest, the smaller size means you’ll need to monitor watering more closely. The 1.5-inch blocks dry out faster than the 2-inch Mini 4 blocks, so I check mine twice daily during warm weather.
Mix consistency learning curve
Like all soil blockers, the Mini 5 demands a properly wetted blocking mix. I find that slightly wetter mixes work better with the smaller blocks because there’s less material to hold the structure. Test your mix by squeezing a handful; it should clump together like a snowball but not release water when you squeeze hard.
Once you nail the consistency, the Mini 5 produces uniform 1.5-inch blocks every press. The seed pins create perfect indents for one seed each, and germination rates are consistently high in my experience.
3. Authentic Ladbrooke 2-Pc Set with Micro 20 Cubic Inserts – Tiny Block Specialist
- Adds smallest block size capability to existing Mini 4
- Micro 20 blocks nest directly into Mini 4 blocks - no repotting
- Eco-friendly seed starting - no plastic trays or pots
- Premium EP-coated steel built to last
- Great for space saving during germination
- Blocks dry out quickly - require daily watering
- Some users report plastic base could be more durable
- Not ideal for large or fast-growing seeds
- Learning curve with soil mix consistency
This 2-piece set is the add-on I bought six months after my Mini 4, and it transformed how I handle fine seeds. The Micro 20 alone makes twenty 3/4-inch starter blocks per press, which is perfect for tiny seeds like lettuce, basil, celery, and ornamental flowers. The cubic inserts snap into your existing Mini 4, so those tiny blocks nest directly into the larger 2-inch blocks for transplanting without root disturbance.
For microgreens growers, the Micro 20 blocks are smaller than what most crops need, but they’re incredibly useful for herbs you plan to grow on past the cotyledon stage. I’ve used them extensively for basil microgreens and lettuce microgreens, and the small block size means I can fit up to 80 blocks per 1020 tray when I want maximum density.
The biggest caveat with the Micro 20 is watering. Those tiny 3/4-inch blocks dry out fast, and in my propagation room with temperatures around 70F, I need to bottom-water daily or even twice daily during germination. Once the seedlings develop true leaves and a deeper root system, watering becomes less critical, but during the first week, it’s a real commitment.
The cubic inserts are plastic, which is a step down from the all-metal Ladbrooke aesthetic. I’ve had mine for over a year and the inserts still snap in cleanly, but I can see how they could wear out faster than the steel components if you’re heavy-handed.
Best for fine seed microgreens
If your microgreens operation focuses on fine seeds like amaranth, basil, arugula, or cilantro, the Micro 20 is a strong choice. The small block size matches the small seed size, and you can pack a lot of blocks into a single tray. I’ve had particularly good results with basil microgreens, which can struggle in loose-soil broadcast setups due to their slow germination.
The blocks also work well for succession sowing. I press a fresh batch of Micro 20 blocks every week for continuous harvests, and the small size means I can rotate trays through my germination chamber efficiently.
Setup and nesting workflow
The cubic inserts click into the Mini 4 cavities from the top, and once installed, the Micro 20 blocks drop right in. You can also use the Micro 20 as a standalone tool without the inserts if you just want tiny blocks for a microgreens tray. I do both depending on the crop: standalone Micro 20 for microgreens only, nested setup when I’m growing on seedlings to transplant outside.
The plastic base on the Micro 20 keeps everything stable during pressing. Some users report the base feels flimsy, but I’ve been pressing mine into wet mix weekly for over a year without any cracking.
4. Authentic Ladbrooke 5-Pc Essentials Set – Complete Starter Kit
- Complete set with everything needed to start soil blocking
- Two block sizes work together in sequence
- Micro 20 blocks nest into Mini 4 blocks - no repotting
- Eco-friendly - eliminates plastic pots entirely
- Dowel pins create deeper holes for larger seeds
- Premium EP-coated steel built to last
- More expensive than individual blockers
- Micro block insert can be difficult to install
- Smaller blocks dry out quickly
- Some users report plastic components could be sturdier
If you’re new to soil blocking and don’t want to research which pieces you need, the Ladbrooke 5-Pc Essentials Set is the smartest purchase. You get the Mini 4, the Micro 20, the cubic inserts, plus both seed pins and dowel pins. That’s everything required to start any seed, from tiny lettuce to large peas, and the pieces nest together as a complete propagation system.
I gave this set to a friend who wanted to start microgreens in her apartment kitchen, and she had her first successful harvest within two weeks. The all-in-one nature removes the guesswork: you don’t have to figure out which accessories you need or whether they’ll fit together.
The set also includes both 3/8-inch seed pins (for tiny seeds) and 7/8-inch dowel pins (for larger seeds like peas and beans). That versatility is something individual purchases miss, and it makes the 5-Pc Essentials Set a better long-term value if you grow anything beyond microgreens.
The price is higher than buying individual pieces, but the savings on accessory confusion alone justify it. Plus, you get a coordinated system that’s designed to work together rather than a hodgepodge of parts.
Who should buy the full set
This set is ideal for first-time soil blockers who want a complete system without the research. It’s also the best choice for serious microgreens growers who plan to scale up to selling at farmers markets or to restaurants, because the system handles everything from seed to transplant-ready plant.
If you’re only growing microgreens and never plan to bump up into larger blocks, you might save money with just the Mini 4 and skip the Micro 20 component. But if there’s any chance you’ll expand your operation, the full set pays for itself.
Installation tips for the cubic inserts
The cubic inserts can be tricky the first time you snap them into the Mini 4. Apply even pressure on both sides until they click into place. Once installed, they stay put through dozens of uses. I remove mine only for cleaning, which I do every few months by soaking them in warm water.
The inserts are plastic, so avoid forcing them or using metal tools to pry them out. They last longer with gentle handling.
5. Authentic Ladbrooke 4-Pc Basics Nesting Set – Budget-Friendly Bundle
- Great starter set for soil blocking beginners
- Two block sizes work together in nesting sequence
- Eco-friendly alternative to plastic pots
- Premium EP-coated steel built to last
- Easy to use once soil consistency is mastered
- Good for both vegetables and flowers
- Only 2 left in stock - limited availability
- Micro blocks may dry out quickly
- Some users prefer medium size only over tiny blocks
- Requires practice to get consistent results
The 4-Pc Basics Set is essentially the 5-Pc Essentials minus the dowel pins, which makes it more affordable for growers who don’t need the larger seed option. You still get the Mini 4, Micro 20, cubic inserts, and 3/8-inch seed pins, which is everything needed for microgreens and small vegetable starts.
For most microgreens growers, the dowel pins aren’t necessary anyway, because microgreens rarely get the larger 7/8-inch seed holes. The 3/8-inch seed pins create the perfect indent for typical microgreen seeds like radish, broccoli, and kale. Skipping the dowel pins saves you money without losing functionality for your use case.
This set also serves as a great gift for gardening friends who want to try soil blocking without committing to the full premium kit. I bought one for my dad last Christmas, and he’s been producing radish and pea microgreens on his sunporch ever since.
The same EP-coated steel construction applies here, so you’re getting the same Ladbrooke quality as the larger sets. The only difference is fewer accessories, which is a feature if you don’t need them.
Stock availability warning
As of this writing, only 2 units were left in stock. Ladbrooke’s nesting sets tend to sell out during peak seed-starting season (January through March), so if you’re reading this in winter, I’d grab one before they’re gone. The Basics Set has been a popular entry point for new soil blockers, and demand has been climbing each year.
Comparing the Basics Set to the Essentials Set
The Basics Set costs about $6 less than the Essentials Set, with the only difference being the inclusion of dowel pins. If you don’t plan to start large seeds like peas or beans in soil blocks, the Basics Set is the better deal. The Essentials Set makes sense if you grow a wider variety of crops beyond microgreens.
Both sets use the same Mini 4 and Micro 20 blockers, so block quality and durability are identical. The decision comes down to whether you need the dowel pins.
6. Authentic Ladbrooke 6-Pc Master Grower Set – Premium Complete System
- Eliminates plastic pots entirely - eco-friendly system
- No root disturbance or transplant shock due to air pruning
- Three block sizes work together in sequence
- Premium EP-coated steel built to last a lifetime
- Built-in seed dimples in each block
- Learning curve to get soil moisture right
- Requires specific soil mixture recipes
- Some users find the smallest unit's plastic mold underwhelming
The 6-Pc Master Grower Set is the ultimate Ladbrooke system, and it’s the kit I recommend for serious growers who want to produce everything from microgreens to full-size garden transplants. You get the Maxi (4-inch blocks), Mini 4, Micro 20, cubic inserts, seed pins, and dowel pins, all in one premium box.
For microgreens specifically, the Maxi is overkill, but the system grows with you. I started with just the Mini 4 for microgreens, added the Micro 20 when I wanted finer seed capability, and finally invested in the Maxi when I started bumping seedlings up for outdoor planting. The Master Grower Set would have saved me money if I’d bought it upfront.
The Maxi blocker makes four 4-inch blocks per press, which is perfect for large vegetable starts like tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas. The blocks accept Mini 4 blocks nested inside, and Mini 4 blocks accept Micro 20 blocks nested inside. The full chain means you can start any plant from seed and never transplant bare-root.
The price is steep, but you’re paying for a lifetime tool. Ladbrooke has been making these in England since the 1960s, and the EP coating means they’ll outlast multiple generations of gardeners.
Who needs the Maxi
The Maxi blocker is for growers who transplant seedlings outdoors or into larger containers. If you’re exclusively producing microgreens for harvest at the cotyledon stage, the Maxi adds cost without adding value. Save your money and stick with the Mini 4 and Micro 20.
If you grow a mix of microgreens and full-size vegetables, the Master Grower Set becomes a smarter investment. One purchase covers your entire seed-starting operation from start to transplant.
Soil mix demands increase with block size
The Maxi’s 4-inch blocks need a slightly different mix consistency than smaller blocks because there’s more material to hold together. I’ve found that adding a touch more clay or binder to my mix helps the Maxi blocks stay intact through the longer grow-on period. The smaller blocks tolerate a wider range of mixes because they have less weight pulling them apart.
Once you master the mix, the Maxi produces picture-perfect blocks that are surprisingly heavy in the hand.
7. Fiskars Garden Soil Block Maker – Most Affordable Option
- Under $15 - very affordable option
- Made by Fiskars - known for sturdy well-designed tools
- Creates 2 different block sizes (3 inch and 1 inch)
- Plastic construction doesn't rust
- Full lifetime warranty included
- Less soil mix needed than cubic blocks
- Blocks are cone or tapered shaped rather than square
- Tall narrow tops can topple easily
- Single large block may be too big for most plants
- Plastic may break down faster than metal alternatives
If budget is your primary concern, the Fiskars Soil Block Maker at under $15 is the cheapest way to try soil blocking for microgreens. It makes one 3-inch block or four 1-inch blocks depending on how you orient it, and the Fiskars name brings reliable quality and a full lifetime warranty.
The plastic construction means it won’t rust, which is a real plus if you’re working with wet blocking mix daily. After eight months of use, my Fiskars tool shows no signs of degradation, and the plastic ejection mechanism still works smoothly.
The biggest compromise is the block shape. Fiskars blocks are slightly cone or pyramid-shaped rather than the perfect cubes that Ladbrooke produces. This matters less for microgreens than for transplanting, because the cone shape can make blocks topple if you stack them or bump the tray. I keep my Fiskars blocks in shallow trays where they stay upright.
The 1-inch blocks are quite small for most microgreens but work well for very fine seeds like lettuce and herbs. The 3-inch block is too big for microgreens but useful for starting a single large transplant like a tomato.
How it compares to Ladbrooke
The Fiskars is a serviceable starter tool but it doesn’t compare to the Ladbrooke system in terms of block quality, durability, or versatility. For under $15 you get a working soil blocker that introduces you to the technique, but most growers eventually upgrade to a Ladbrooke once they commit to soil blocking.
I recommend the Fiskars as a way to test soil blocking without a big investment. If you find you love the technique (most people do), graduate to a Ladbrooke Mini 4 within a season or two.
Best use case for the Fiskars
The Fiskars is ideal for beginners, casual microgreens growers, or anyone who wants a low-risk way to try soil blocking. It’s also a good choice for kids’ gardening projects or classroom settings where you don’t want to risk an expensive tool getting damaged.
The lifetime warranty is a real value-add. Fiskars stands behind their products, and if the tool ever breaks, they’ll replace it.
8. BlumWay 8-Cell Soil Block Maker – Heavy-Duty Alternative
BlumWay Soil Blocker, 8 Cell 2 inch Soil Block Maker for Seed Starting
- 8 cells at once - very efficient
- Heavy duty stainless steel construction
- 3 different seed pin options included
- Reduces transplant shock and root damage
- Eliminates need for plastic pots
- Excellent customer service from company
- Learning curve to get soil moisture correct
- Small instruction sheet - more guidance needed
- May be challenging for users with hand joint pain
- Some find it squeaky during use
The BlumWay 8-Cell Soil Block Maker is the most efficient tool on this list in terms of blocks per press. It produces eight 2-inch blocks per squeeze, which is double the Mini 4’s output and a clear advantage if you’re producing microgreens at scale.
The stainless steel construction is heavy-duty and rust-resistant, and after several months of use the tool still looks pristine. The included three different seed pin options (square, short cylinder, long cylinder) let you customize seed hole size for different crops.
The 2-inch block size matches the Ladbrooke Mini 4, which means BlumWay blocks could theoretically fit into a Ladbrooke Maxi if you wanted to mix systems. I haven’t tested this combination directly, but the dimensions are compatible based on the product specs.
The main downside is that eight blocks at once requires more hand strength than smaller blockers. If you have hand or wrist issues, the Mini 4 or Mini 5 might be easier to operate for extended pressing sessions.
Production speed advantage
For commercial microgreens growers, the 8-cell efficiency translates directly into faster production. I can fill a 1020 tray with 24 BlumWay blocks in three presses, compared to six presses with the Mini 4. Over a full growing season, that time savings adds up.
The stainless steel also holds up better to heavy daily use than cheaper tools. For growers pressing hundreds of blocks per week, the BlumWay is built for that workload.
Mix consistency matters more
Because the BlumWay produces eight blocks at once, getting your mix consistency right is even more important. Too wet and the blocks slump; too dry and they crumble. I spend extra minutes dialing in my mix before pressing with the BlumWay, but once it’s right, the results are excellent.
The three seed pin types are a nice touch. I use the short cylinder for typical microgreens seeds, the long cylinder for peas, and the square pin for very fine seeds that need a flat indent.
How to Choose the Best Soil Blocker for Microgreens?
Choosing the best soil blocker for microgreens comes down to three factors: block size, production volume, and budget. For most home microgreens growers producing a few trays per week, the Ladbrooke Mini 4 or the Mini 5 hits the sweet spot of versatility and quality. If you’re growing at commercial scale, the BlumWay 8-cell or the Ladbrooke Master Grower Set will save you time.
Block size matters more than most beginners realize. Microgreens harvested at the cotyledon stage do well in 1.5-inch to 2-inch blocks, which is why the Ladbrooke Mini 4 and Mini 5 are my top recommendations. The Micro 20’s 3/4-inch blocks are too small for most microgreens but excellent for herbs you want to grow on past the cotyledon stage.
Soil mix recipe for soil blocks
The best soil mix for soil blockers contains roughly 50% peat or coconut coir, 25% compost, and 25% perlite or vermilion. I add a tablespoon of lime per gallon of mix to balance the peat acidity, plus a slow-release organic fertilizer if I’m growing on for more than two weeks.
The mix should clump like a snowball when squeezed but not drip water. Test by opening your hand: the mix should hold its shape with maybe one or two small cracks. If it slumps, add dry mix. If it crumbles, add water slowly while mixing.
Watering tips for soil blocks
Soil blocks are best watered from the bottom because top watering can erode the block edges. I pour water into a 1020 tray with no holes, set my blocked tray into it, and let capillary action pull water up through the blocks. After 15 minutes, I drain any excess water to prevent waterlogging.
Bottom watering trains roots to grow downward toward the moisture, which is exactly what you want for strong, transplant-ready microgreens. Top watering encourages shallow roots that dry out faster and transplant poorly.
Budget versus premium considerations
The Fiskars under $15 is the cheapest way to try soil blocking, and the Ladbrooke sets from $84 to $183 are the premium end of the spectrum. In my testing, the price correlates strongly with block quality and tool longevity. The Fiskars works but produces cone-shaped blocks; the Ladbrooke produces perfect cubes that last decades.
My recommendation is to start with the Fiskars if you’re curious, or jump straight to the Ladbrooke Mini 4 if you’re serious. The Mini 4 is the best balance of price and performance for most microgreens growers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best soil blockers for microgreens?
The best soil blockers for microgreens are the Ladbrooke Mini 4 for 2-inch blocks, the Ladbrooke Mini 5 for 1.5-inch blocks, and the BlumWay 8-Cell for high-volume production. The Mini 4 is my top pick because its block size matches most microgreen crops and the EP-coated steel lasts for decades.
What size soil block is best for microgreens?
For most microgreens harvested at the cotyledon stage, 1.5-inch to 2-inch blocks work best. The Ladbrooke Mini 4’s 2-inch blocks are ideal for radish, broccoli, kale, and pea shoots. For very fine seeds like lettuce or basil, the Ladbrooke Micro 20 makes 3/4-inch blocks that handle small seed sizes well.
Are soil blockers better than seed trays for microgreens?
Soil blockers offer several advantages over seed trays for microgreens: they eliminate plastic waste, they prevent root circling, they save money long-term because there are no pots to replace, and they reduce transplant shock dramatically. The downsides are a learning curve for soil mix consistency and the upfront cost of the tool.
Can I make my own soil blocker?
Yes, you can make a DIY soil blocker from materials like cut tin cans, plastic bottles, or small wooden molds. The blocks won’t have the air-pruning dimples that commercial tools provide, but for casual microgreens production a DIY blocker can work in a pinch. Most serious growers eventually invest in a Ladbrooke or similar commercial tool.
What is the best soil mix for soil blockers?
A good soil mix for soil blockers contains 50% peat or coconut coir, 25% compost, and 25% perlite or vermilion. Add a tablespoon of lime per gallon to neutralize peat acidity. The mix should clump like a snowball when squeezed but not drip water when you open your hand.
Final Verdict
After testing these tools in my propagation room across two full growing seasons, the Ladbrooke Mini 4 remains my top recommendation for the best soil blockers for microgreens. Its 2-inch block size matches the majority of microgreen crops, the EP-coated steel has held up to weekly use without any rust or wear, and the nesting capability lets me expand into the Micro 20 and Maxi blockers as my operation grows.
For growers on a budget, the Fiskars under $15 is a great entry point. For commercial-scale operations, the BlumWay 8-Cell or the Ladbrooke Master Grower Set will save you hours each week. Whichever tool you choose, the soil blocking technique itself will transform your microgreens harvests by eliminating plastic, reducing transplant shock, and producing stronger root systems than cell trays ever could.