Skip to content
If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing those first tiny green shoots appear. And nothing more disheartening than when seeds refuse to germinate… or when young seedlings suddenly topple over from damping-off (that pesky fungal issue that wipes them out overnight).
One of the simplest, most effective ways to boost germination is by “bio-priming” your seeds with Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser, a gentle natural fertiliser rich with living biology.It gives seeds exactly what they need right from day one, especially when partnered with a suitable soil treatment such as activated biochar or a mild biochar soil mix for increased aeration.
Here’s the simple method I use myself:
1. Start with a good germination base
Prepare your seed tray or garden bed with moist, light, fluffy soil. Seeds need oxygen and moisture to wake up, and a well-prepared medium makes a big difference.A pinch of activated biochar mixed across the top layer works well – it promotes airflow, encourages beneficial bacteria and generates the optimal soil booster effect for germination.
2. Mix your Food2Soil bio-priming solution
For germination, use a stronger mix than usual:
1:1 dilution
(equal parts Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser + water)
This creates a rich bath of beneficial biology. Because it’s a living, microbe-dense biofertiliser liquid, it acts as a natural shield against the fungi responsible for damping-off. Pairing this with a mild soil treatment such as activated biochar gives your seeds even more protection.
3. Apply the solution
For larger seeds
(radish, silverbeet, peas, beans)
Give them a quick soak for a few minutes, or spray them with the 1:1 mix before planting. Larger seeds respond especially well to both bio-priming and the structure of biochar soil, which enhances moisture balance.
For fine seeds
(lettuce, herbs, flowers)
Sow first, then water them in gently using the 1:1 dilution so nothing gets washed away. For things like lettuce — one of the easiest plants to grow — this step makes a huge difference.
4. Sow as normal
Plant, cover (if needed), and keep the soil consistently moist. The combination of a well-prepared base, a gentle natural fertiliser and light soil treatment keeps everything balanced while seeds get started.
5. After germination
Once seedlings pop through, switch back to the regular 1:100 dilution of Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser for ongoing feeding and microbial support. This supports sturdy roots, helps resist early fungal issues, and pairs beautifully with small, ongoing additions of activated biochar or a spoonful of compost accelerator around the edges of the tray.
If you’re growing indoors — especially if you’re new to it — this routine also works brilliantly for indoor plants for beginners.
Why I love this method
It takes almost no extra time, but the payoff is huge: better germination, sturdier seedlings, and far fewer losses to damping-off. The living biology in Food2Soil works like a gentle soil booster, while small additions of biochar soil or activated biochar keep everything aerated and resilient.
Whether you’re starting tomatoes, herbs or the easiest plants to grow for your garden, this combination of natural fertiliser, microbes and light soil treatment gives your seeds the healthiest start possible.
If you give it a go, I’d genuinely love to hear how your seedlings respond.
Happy growing! 🌱
— Annabel