Ladbrooke Micro 20 Soil Blocker — 20 × 3/4" seed blocks, EP-coated steel, UK-made for fine seeds

The Ladbrooke Micro 20 is a British-made soil blocker that forms twenty 3/4" seed-sized blocks per press for fine-seeded crops.

Designed for gardeners and small-scale growers who start many fine-seeded plants, the Micro 20 produces uniform, plastic-free soil blocks that fit into Ladbrooke's nesting system. Built from EP-coated steel in England, this tool is sized specifically for tiny seeds like lettuce, basil and parsley and pairs with a consistent fine blocking mix to give reliable results season after season.

How does the Micro 20 help when starting very small seeds?

The Micro 20 creates compact, stable blocks that cradle delicate seedlings without a pot. Its 3/4" cavities hold just enough medium to support root growth for fine-seeded crops before transferring into the larger Mini 4 blocks or final pots.

• Twenty uniform 3/4" blocks per press for consistent spacing
• Small cavity size reduces excess medium and conserves seedling space
• Works best with fine, well-sieved blocking mixes for clean blocks
• Ideal for lettuce, basil, parsley, tomato and small-flowered species

What materials and build quality can I expect from this tool?

Manufactured in England, the Micro 20 uses black EP-coated steel to resist corrosion, soil moisture and common soil chemicals. The sturdy construction is made to deliver many seasons of reliable service without bending or rusting.

• EP-coated steel finish for long-term durability
• Stamped Ladbrooke logo and "Made in UK" marking verify authenticity
• Precision-formed cavities for repeatable block shape
• Heavy-duty handle and press mechanics for frequent use

Can the Micro 20 reduce transplant shock and eliminate plastic pots?

Yes — soil blocks remove the need for plastic trays and pots by letting roots air-prune naturally at the block edges. That air-pruning prevents circling roots and makes transitions to larger blocks or the garden gentler for seedlings.

• No plastic pots to buy, clean or discard
• Air-pruned roots reduce root circling and transplant stress
• Nests into Mini 4 blocks so you can upsize without repotting roots
• Saves space under lights and simplifies transplant steps

What does successful use require and how does it fit into a workflow?

To get clean, stable blocks from the Micro 20 you need a fine, well-mixed blocking medium free of stones and twigs. Mix moisture to a tacky consistency and press with even pressure — the tool’s small cavities demand a consistent technique to produce tidy results.

• Use a fine, sifted blocking mix (no chunky debris)
• Moisten mix to a cohesive, slightly tacky texture before pressing
• Transfer Micro 20 blocks into Mini 4 for larger root volume without repotting
• Best for greenhouse flats, seed trays under grow lights, and nursery benches

Who is this for: The Ladbrooke Micro 20 suits dedicated home growers, greenhouse operators and community gardeners who start high volumes of fine-seeded crops and want a durable, plastic-free system. If you’re beginning with large-seeded vegetables like squash or beans, consider Ladbrooke’s Mini 4 instead; however, if you regularly raise lettuce, basil, parsley, small-flowered ornamentals or tomato transplants from seed, the Micro 20 provides a reliable, long-lasting way to produce uniform, nestable soil blocks that simplify transplanting and cut plastic waste.