Kitchen Garden Forum

I have kept my Dad's old 'Fisons Blockaid' in my potting shed for years. Does anyone still use these ? I don't remember ever seeing Dad use it even though he was a passionate gardener. I tried making a soil block with it but it fell to bits like a sandcastle. Is there a knack to using it ?

I used to use one but it was over 20 years ago. I seem to remember they sold a blocking compost to go with it that proved a bit expensive. If somebody knows what made that stick together perhaps you could add it to current composts.

Eliot Colemans book 'The new organic grower' has recipes for making blocking composts.
Pete

Hi Peat,
I feel sure that you would make Happymouse an even happier mouse if you PM'd her with the info.

I will look my copy out and do that johnboy. I'm glad you and the others had a great day out yesterday.
Pete

Many thanks Pete for emailing the recipe to me. Very much appreciated. Now I know why Dad didn't use it ! I will experiment with your recipe. Kind regards Happymouse

you must use very moist peat with this blockaid.
Pull the handle out, half load the square hollow section with moist peat, put a seed in on top and continue to fill with peat. When full, place the blockaid on a piece of flat wood or any other flat surface or even the palm of your hand and push the handle down to remove surplus water. Put the finished item into a seed tray and repeat until tray is full. This peat pot must be watered regulary to stop it drying out, this also stops it crumbling and falling apart.

Peter