Ladbrooke Soil Blockers - The Gold Standard in Soil Blocking
Natural Yield is proud to introduce Ladbrooke Soil Blockers to Australian gardeners. As the only distributor in Australia, we bring you these innovative, eco-friendly tools that revolutionize seed starting by eliminating the need for plastic pots.
🌱 What Are Ladbrooke Soil Blockers?
Ladbrooke Soil Blockers are innovative gardening tools designed to help growers start seeds without the use of plastic pots or trays. Handcrafted in the United Kingdom from durable, zinc-plated steel, these tools compress moistened potting mix into self-supporting soil blocks—each one with a small depression, or dimple, perfectly suited for holding a seed. Once formed, these compact blocks maintain their shape and structure, offering a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional seed-starting containers.
Used by home gardeners, market growers, and horticultural professionals around the world, Ladbrooke Soil Blockers are prized for their simplicity, efficiency, and environmentally friendly design. Available in a variety of sizes to suit different seed types and planting needs, they make it easy to start seeds indoors or in greenhouses with minimal equipment. The soil blocks eliminate the need for transplanting from plastic cells or pots, allowing seedlings to be planted directly into the ground or larger containers—helping roots transition with less disturbance.
🌿 Benefits of Using Ladbrooke Soil Blockers
🌍 Eco-Friendly Gardening
One of the most compelling advantages of using Ladbrooke Soil Blockers is their contribution to a more sustainable gardening practice. By forming free-standing soil blocks, these tools completely eliminate the need for disposable plastic seed trays, reducing reliance on single-use plastics and lowering your environmental footprint.
🌱 Healthier Seedlings
Soil blocks encourage a process called "air pruning," where root tips naturally stop growing when they reach the edge of the block. This prevents the roots from circling or becoming root-bound—a common issue with seedlings started in traditional pots. Instead, plants develop a dense, fibrous root system that leads to stronger, more resilient growth once transplanted.
💸 Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting
Constructed from zinc-plated steel, Ladbrooke Soil Blockers are built to last. Unlike flimsy plastic trays that crack or warp over time, these sturdy tools can be used season after season. The initial investment pays off quickly by eliminating the need for recurring purchases of seed-starting containers.
🌾 Efficient Transplanting
Because soil blocks hold together well, they can be transplanted directly into the garden or larger containers without disturbing the seedling’s roots. This reduces transplant shock and improves survival rates—especially important for delicate or slow-growing crops.
Whether you're a hobby gardener or a small-scale farmer, Ladbrooke Soil Blockers offer a smarter, more sustainable way to start seeds.
Our initial shipment of Ladbrooke Soil Blockers arrive in June! Pre-Orders available soon!
Air-Pruning vs Soil Blocking
Air-prune trays and soil blocking both promote healthier root systems, but they differ in method and application. Air-prune trays suspend seedlings in mesh-bottomed cells, exposing roots to air, which naturally stops root tips from circling and stimulates branching. They’re reusable, ideal for uniform tray setups, and work well with soilless mixes. Soil blocking, on the other hand, forms free-standing blocks without containers—eliminating plastic entirely. Roots are air-pruned at the block edge, and transplant shock is minimal. While air-prune trays offer structure and scalability, soil blocks are more sustainable and cost-effective long term, especially for growers prioritising zero-waste practices. See more in this article.
🛠️ Ladbrooke Product Range
Micro 20 Soil Blocker
Creates twenty ¾-inch blocks, ideal for starting small seeds. Perfect for gardeners with limited space.
Mini 4 Soil Blocker
Produces four 2-inch blocks, suitable for a variety of seeds and cuttings. Compatible with cube inserts for transplanting Micro 20 blocks.
Mini 5 Soil Blocker
Creates five 1½-inch blocks, offering versatility for different seed sizes.
Maxi 1 Soil Blocker
Forms a single 4-inch block with an indentation for transplanting Mini 4 or Multi 12 blocks, ideal for larger plants.