No soil?

[Echinocactus123]

I have recently heard about a more modern technique for sowing using just sand or grit is this in anyway effective as it does not contain any nutrients? Thank you.

[anders]

I always sow in mixes of moler cat litter and a small amount of something finer like sand, and add nutrients to the water. I don't use the "baggie method", but grow my seedlings almost like my adult plants, but with more shade and water.

[rodsmith]

I have come across this method. It needs regular watering and frequent fertilisation.

[Echinocactus123]

Thank you would normal cactus fertiliser work?

[D^L]

I think the main issue with soil-less compost is the provision of trace elements. You need to make sure there is a good supply of these. I'm not sure all fertilizer formulations advertised as "with trace elements" have all the necessary ones in a form that is accessible. Obviously they also need the nitrogen, phosphate and potsssium but these are relatively easy to supply.
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol

[Herts Mike]

In which case which would you recommend David?

[D^L]

Honest answer is that I think it is too hard and I put soil in the mix.☺ So sorry I don't have a good answer.
Others do manage though and may have a better answer.
Rene Geissler always swore by a professional vitax mix for a rich range of trace elements, but he used soil as well.
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol

[anders]

I use the same fertilizer that I use on my adult plants. I don't know how important it is, but it does have all of the micronutrients.