What Is the Best 20 Cell Soil Blocker: Top Picks and Buying Guide
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Choosing a 20 cell soil blocker is less straightforward than it sounds because “20 cells” can mean tiny seed-starting blocks or larger cubes for more developed seedlings. The right tool depends on crop size, planting volume, available workspace, and whether you prefer a long-handled floor model or a compact handheld design.
My first choice is Ladbrooke Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 Commercial Soil Blocker England 20-Cell. Its stand-up design produces twenty 1.5-inch blocks at once, making it especially useful for larger gardens, greenhouses, and farms. The included seed pins and zinc-coated steel construction also make it a practical long-term choice for gardeners who want a serious, high-capacity tool.
My second choice is Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker. My alternative is the Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker. It also creates twenty blocks per press, but its smaller size is intended for fine seeds such as lettuce, basil, parsley, celery, and small-flowered plants.
This comparison explains how the five options differ in block size, capacity, construction, seed-pin flexibility, and handling. The buying guidance also covers soil consistency, setup, cleaning, storage, transplanting, common mistakes, and which type of gardener each blocker suits best.
5 Best 20 Cell Soil Blocker
I selected these products by weighing their relevance to efficient soil blocking, the usefulness of their published specifications, available customer-feedback evidence, and the practical variety of formats represented. The list includes high-capacity Ladbrooke tools, compact handheld alternatives, and a combination set for gardeners who need more than one block size.
| # | Image | Product | Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Ladbrooke Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 Commercial Soil Blocker England 20-Cell | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
BlumWay 8-Cell 2-Inch Soil Block Maker | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
KHAMAL 4-Cell 2-Inch Soil Blocker | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
benut benut Soil Block Maker 6-Piece Set 2-Inch 4-Cell | Check Price |
Ladbrooke Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 Commercial Soil Blocker England 20-Cell
The Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 is the strongest choice for gardeners who want high output without repeatedly filling a small handheld mold. Each press creates twenty 1.5-by-1.5-by-1.5-inch soil blocks, so it is sized for larger planting schedules rather than a few occasional seedlings. Its long handle and stand-up format also reduce the need to work at a bench or crouch over a tray.
Seed pins are included, and the blocker accepts either 5/8-inch seed pins or optional 1-inch dowel pins. That gives growers some control over sowing cavities, although the larger dowel pins must be purchased separately. The design is intended for wet, compressed potting mix that is discharged into a tray with the ejection handle.
Ladbrooke uses zinc-coated steel and describes this model as a handmade, utilitarian tool built for repeated use. Cosmetic blemishes or water-bathing marks can occur during manufacturing, so buyers expecting a flawless decorative finish should understand that appearance is secondary to function. The model is also substantially more specialized than a small handheld blocker, making it less convenient for a tiny indoor growing setup.
Pros
- Makes twenty substantial 1.5-inch blocks per press.
- Stand-up design suits larger gardens and greenhouse work.
- Includes seed pins and supports an optional larger pin size.
- Zinc-coated steel is intended for long-term use.
Cons
- May be excessive for gardeners starting only a few plants.
- Optional 1-inch dowel pins cost extra.
- Manufacturing marks may appear on the utilitarian finish.
My Opinion
This earns the top position because its capacity, working height, and larger blocks address the needs of serious seed starters better than a compact press. It makes the most sense when a gardener will use all twenty cells regularly; for fine seeds or small indoor batches, a Micro 20 or handheld model may be easier to justify.
Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker
The Ladbrooke Micro 20 is designed around a different planting problem: starting many small seeds in very little space. It forms twenty 3/4-inch blocks per press, with cavities suited to lettuce, basil, tomato, parsley, celery, and small-seeded flowers. Because the blocks are deliberately small, this model is better for germination than for crops that need substantial root-room immediately after sprouting.
Its biggest advantage is compatibility with the Ladbrooke nesting system. Micro 20 blocks can nest directly into Mini 4 blocks, allowing seedlings to move into a larger block without the usual separate potting-up step. That can reduce handling and root disturbance as plants develop.
The black EP-coated steel is described as resistant to corrosion, moisture, and soil chemicals, while the tool is manufactured in England. Buyers should pay close attention to soil preparation because the narrow 3/4-inch cavities do not tolerate rocks, twigs, or chunky ingredients. The product information also indicates that gardeners growing squash, beans, or cucumbers may be better served by the Mini 4, so this is a specialist tool rather than a universal blocker.
Pros
- Produces twenty fine-seed blocks in one press.
- Works within the Ladbrooke nesting system.
- Compact blocks conserve tray and grow-light space.
- Coated steel is designed for repeated seed-starting seasons.
Cons
- Too small for many vigorous crops at the first stage.
- Requires a finely screened, well-mixed blocking medium.
- May require a larger compatible block later.
My Opinion
This is the better second choice for a gardener focused on fine seeds and efficient indoor propagation. It ranks below the Multi 20 because its narrow purpose limits versatility, but the nesting capability is a meaningful ownership advantage for people already committed to the Ladbrooke system.
BlumWay 8-Cell 2-Inch Soil Block Maker
The BlumWay 8-Cell Soil Block Maker offers a middle ground between high-volume commercial equipment and small four-cell handheld tools. It produces eight 2-inch blocks per press, giving seedlings more starting room than a 3/4-inch Micro 20 block while remaining portable enough for a potting bench, greenhouse shelf, or outdoor work area.
Three seed-pin styles are supplied: square, short cylindrical, and long cylindrical pins. That variety lets gardeners adjust the cavity to different seed sizes instead of relying on one opening for every crop. The larger 2-inch block format is useful when seedlings need more root space before transplanting, although eight blocks per press will take longer than a twenty-cell tool for a large planting schedule.
The handheld body is made from heavy-gauge stainless steel, according to the supplied product details. Its structure is intended to help the individual blocks separate cleanly rather than sticking together, but results still depend heavily on the moisture and texture of the mix. This is a practical portable option for gardeners who value block size and pin flexibility more than maximum output.
Pros
- Creates eight roomy 2-inch blocks at a time.
- Includes three different seed-pin styles.
- Handheld format is easy to carry and store.
- Stainless-steel construction is designed for repeated cleaning and use.
Cons
- Lower output than twenty-cell models.
- Large blocks use more mix and shelf space per seedling.
- Hand pressing may be less comfortable for very large batches.
My Opinion
The BlumWay is a sensible choice for gardeners who want 2-inch blocks without moving to a floor-standing machine. It is especially appealing when crops need a larger starting block or when several cavity shapes are useful, but high-volume growers may prefer the Ladbrooke Multi 20.
KHAMAL 4-Cell 2-Inch Soil Blocker
The KHAMAL Soil Blocker focuses on controlled, small-batch seed starting. It produces four 2-inch blocks per press, which is a modest capacity but can be convenient for a home gardener starting a few herbs, vegetables, or flowers at a time. Its spring-style ergonomic handle is intended to reduce pressing effort and maintain a secure grip, including when the user is wearing muddy gloves.
Three interchangeable pin styles create cube, cone, or cylinder-shaped sowing cavities. That flexibility can help match the opening to seeds such as basil, chives, beans, and peas, although the best results still depend on placing the seed at an appropriate depth for the crop. The 2-inch blocks themselves offer more room for roots than micro blocks and can be easier to handle during early transplanting.
Storage is another consideration. The tool is described as having an 8.7-inch storage height, with detachable pins that click into side slots. That arrangement may help a gardener keep the accessories together in a narrow shelf or greenhouse space. The product is made from iron steel and includes a satisfaction-oriented warranty statement, but the supplied information does not specify the warranty’s duration or exact coverage.
Pros
- Produces four manageable 2-inch blocks per press.
- Includes cube, cone, and cylinder seed pins.
- Ergonomic spring handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue.
- Detachable pins have dedicated storage positions.
Cons
- Four-block capacity is slow for large planting lists.
- Iron-steel construction should be cleaned and dried carefully.
- Warranty terms are not detailed in the supplied information.
My Opinion
KHAMAL fits gardeners who value comfortable handling and organized storage more than speed. It is a reasonable small-batch alternative to the BlumWay, but the lower cell count makes it less efficient when dozens of seedlings must be prepared at once.
benut benut Soil Block Maker 6-Piece Set 2-Inch 4-Cell
The benut set is the broadest package in this group because it combines two block sizes rather than committing the gardener to one format. It includes a 2-inch four-cell blocker and a 3/4-inch twenty-cell blocker, along with seed pins, a growth tweezer, and handheld tools. That combination can cover fine-seed germination and larger seedling starts in one purchase.
The smaller twenty-cell tool is useful when space and speed matter for tiny seeds, while the four-cell 2-inch tool gives developing plants more room. The included tweezers may also help with delicate sowing or handling small seedlings, though the supplied details do not identify every accessory or provide a measurement for each pin type.
Both blockers are described as steel tools that can be compacted with moist potting mix and ejected into a tray. As with any soil-blocking kit, the no-pot approach can reduce reliance on disposable plastic trays and encourage air-pruning at exposed block edges. The main caution is the customer-feedback signal: the listed rating is 3.5 out of 5 from five customer responses, a smaller and less reassuring evidence base than the stronger feedback available for some alternatives.
Pros
- Includes both 3/4-inch twenty-cell and 2-inch four-cell formats.
- Provides seed pins and a growth tweezer.
- Can cover fine-seed and larger-seedling stages.
- Compact handheld tools are suitable for limited spaces.
Cons
- Lower listed customer-feedback score than the Ladbrooke options.
- Small four-cell format is slow for larger batches.
- Accessory details and pin measurements are not fully specified.
My Opinion
This set has the most appealing range for a beginner who is unsure which block size will become the household standard. It ranks fifth because the available customer feedback is limited and less favorable, but the two-format approach can still be valuable when crop variety matters more than premium single-tool construction.
How I Selected These Soil Blockers
The comparison prioritizes tools that make soil blocking more practical for distinct growing situations: high-volume production, fine-seed germination, medium-sized seedlings, small batches, and mixed crop schedules. The 20 cell soil blocker category includes tools that look similar in capacity but behave very differently because a 3/4-inch cell and a 1.5-inch cell serve different stages of plant growth.
Product ranking also considered the amount of useful information available for each model. Capacity, block dimensions, handle style, seed-pin selection, construction, nesting compatibility, cleaning considerations, and storage needs provide more meaningful buying evidence than a generic claim that a tool is “easy to use.”
Capacity matters only when the cell size matches the crops being started.
Customer feedback was considered when supplied, but it was not treated as a substitute for product specifications. Some listings provide a rating and a larger number of responses, while others provide only a small amount of feedback, so confidence should be interpreted accordingly.
How to Choose a 20 Cell Soil Blocker
Start by identifying the block size your seedlings need, then consider how many plants you start in a typical session. A large cell count is helpful only when the blocks are appropriate for the crop and the tool can be used comfortably with the available working space.
- Match cell size to seedling stage: Use micro blocks for fine seeds and early germination; choose 1.5- or 2-inch blocks when seedlings need more root room.
- Estimate batch size: Twenty cells suit repeated, high-volume sowing, while four or eight cells may be easier for small household plantings.
- Choose the working style: A stand-up blocker suits greenhouse floors and large batches; handheld tools fit benches, shelves, and occasional use.
- Check seed-pin options: Different pin shapes and sizes can make sowing a wider range of crops more convenient.
- Plan for soil preparation: Very small cavities require a smooth, screened mix that holds together without becoming muddy.
Cell size and crop selection
Three-quarter-inch blocks are intended for small seeds and early growth. Lettuce, basil, parsley, celery, and many small flowers are natural matches, while larger or fast-growing crops may outgrow them quickly.
Two-inch blocks are easier to handle and provide more initial root space, but they consume more mix and occupy more tray or shelf area. A 1.5-inch block, such as the Multi 20 produces, offers a useful compromise for growers who want many seedlings without starting in the smallest possible cavity.
Capacity versus workspace
Twenty blocks per press can dramatically reduce the number of pressing cycles, but a large tool needs a stable place to load, eject, and arrange blocks. Measure the working area, not just the storage shelf. A stand-up model may be efficient in a greenhouse but awkward on a small kitchen counter.
Handheld blockers are easier to move and can be used directly over a tray. Their trade-off is repeated pressing, which becomes noticeable when starting several hundred plants.
How to Prepare Soil for Clean Blocks
Soil blocking works best when the mix is moist enough to compress into a stable shape but not so wet that it smears, collapses, or remains stuck in the mold. The exact recipe can vary, but the material should be fine and evenly blended, especially for 3/4-inch cavities.
Remove rocks, bark pieces, long fibers, and other chunky material before filling the blocker. A coarse fragment can prevent a small block from packing evenly or make it difficult for the ejector to release the finished shape.
- Add water gradually to the dry mix rather than soaking everything at once.
- Mix until the material holds together when compressed in your hand.
- Fill the mold firmly without leaving air pockets.
- Scrape away excess mix so the base of each block is level.
- Place the blocker over a tray before operating the ejection handle.
Do not assume that adding more water will make blocks stronger. Excess moisture can create weak edges, muddy cavities, and poor air movement around the roots.
First-Time Setup and Use
Before sowing, identify which pins belong with the seed size and install them securely. If the blocker includes several pin shapes, practice with a small amount of mix first so you can see whether the cavity is deep enough and whether the block releases cleanly.
Fill the mold in a way that reaches every corner, then press with steady pressure. Avoid twisting the tool while it is loaded, since uneven movement can deform the blocks or leave some cells less compacted than others.
For a floor-standing tool, position a tray directly beneath the ejector and work at a height that keeps your shoulders relaxed. For handheld models, a rigid tray or board gives the blocks support immediately after release.
A clean release begins with the right moisture level and even filling, not with force alone.
Planting Seeds in Soil Blocks
Place one or more seeds according to the crop’s normal sowing guidance, using the molded cavity to keep placement consistent. Tiny seeds may need only a shallow depression, while larger seeds generally need a deeper opening; the supplied pins provide the cavity, but they do not replace crop-specific planting instructions.
Label trays as soon as they are planted. Small blocks can look nearly identical once watered, and clear labels prevent confusion about varieties, sowing dates, and expected transplant timing.
Keep the blocks evenly moist without blasting them with a strong stream of water. Bottom watering or gentle watering from above can help preserve the block shape, particularly during the first stage before roots begin holding the material together.
Transplanting and Block Compatibility
One benefit of soil blocks is that roots reach air at the exposed edges, which can help limit circling. The blocks should still be handled carefully because a small, newly formed cube can break if lifted by the stem or squeezed from the sides.
Move seedlings when they are appropriately developed for the crop and growing conditions. The Ladbrooke Micro 20 has a special advantage for gardeners using the company’s nesting system because its 3/4-inch blocks can fit into compatible Mini 4 blocks without a separate repotting step.
For other systems, verify dimensions before assuming that blocks will nest together. A 2-inch block from one manufacturer may not fit a larger mold from another brand, even if both products use similar terminology.
Cleaning, Drying, and Storage
Rinse soil from the blocker soon after use so it does not dry inside narrow cavities or around moving parts. A soft brush can help remove compacted mix without gouging the metal or bending pins.
Dry the tool completely before storing it. This is particularly important for steel and iron-steel models, even when the product description identifies a coating or corrosion-resistant finish. Moisture trapped in seams, pin slots, or handles can shorten the useful life of any metal gardening tool.
- Remove loose soil before rinsing.
- Clear each cavity and pin opening.
- Dry the blocker with a towel and allow it to air-dry fully.
- Store detachable pins with the correct tool.
- Keep the blocker somewhere dry rather than buried in damp potting mix.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most poor results come from a mismatch between the soil, the cell size, and the planting plan rather than from the basic concept of soil blocking. A few simple precautions make the process more predictable.
- Using a chunky mix: Large particles can prevent small cells from filling evenly.
- Making the mix too wet: Muddy blocks may stick to the mold or collapse after release.
- Making the mix too dry: Dry material will not compact into stable cubes.
- Choosing tiny blocks for vigorous crops: Fast-growing seedlings can outgrow micro blocks quickly.
- Overfilling the mold: Extra material can interfere with clean ejection.
- Forcing stuck blocks: Check moisture, debris, and pin alignment before applying more pressure.
- Ignoring storage: Leaving soil and water on metal parts encourages wear and corrosion.
Which Blocker Fits Different Gardeners?
For a commercial grower, market gardener, or homeowner starting many trays, the Ladbrooke Multi 20 offers the most efficient working format in this group. Its larger blocks and stand-up operation are oriented toward volume.
For someone growing many herbs, lettuces, or small flowers under lights, the Ladbrooke Micro 20 makes more sense. Its twenty tiny blocks use space efficiently and can integrate into the Ladbrooke nesting system as seedlings grow.
The BlumWay is a better match for a gardener who wants portable 2-inch blocks and several seed-pin choices. KHAMAL is more suitable for small batches where the spring handle and organized pin storage are attractive. The benut set is aimed at beginners who want both micro and larger blocks without buying two separate product packages.
FAQS About 20 Cell Soil Blocker
What size blocks does a 20-cell soil blocker make?
Cell size varies by model. The Ladbrooke Multi 20 produces twenty 1.5-inch blocks, while the Ladbrooke Micro 20 and the 20-cell tool in the benut set produce 3/4-inch blocks.
Is a 20-cell soil blocker good for all seeds?
Not every 20-cell tool suits every crop. Small 3/4-inch blocks are best for fine seeds and early germination, while larger blocks are more appropriate for seedlings that need additional root space.
Do soil blockers need special potting mix?
They need a moist mix that compresses firmly and holds its shape. Fine-cell blockers especially require material without rocks, twigs, or other chunky pieces.
Are seed pins included with 20-cell blockers?
It depends on the product. The Ladbrooke Multi 20 includes seed pins, while the Micro 20 is described as a pin-compatible tool. The benut set includes seed pins, and other listed models include multiple pin styles.
Can soil blocks be transplanted without pots?
Yes. Soil blocks are designed to be placed in trays or growing areas without individual plastic pots. Handle them gently and support the block rather than pulling the seedling by its stem.
What should I do if the blocks stick in the mold?
Check that the mix is not excessively wet, remove debris from the cavities, and confirm that the pins are seated correctly. Filling the mold evenly and using steady pressure can also improve release.
Final Thoughts
The Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 Commercial Soil Blocker is the best overall choice for high-volume growing, larger blocks, and stand-up greenhouse work. For fine seeds and compact indoor propagation, the Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker is the more specialized alternative. Together, they represent the clearest choices when matching a 20 cell soil blocker to the crop and planting scale matters most.
For the final decision, my first two recommendations are Ladbrooke Ladbrooke Authentic Multi 20 Commercial Soil Blocker England 20-Cell and Ladbrooke Micro 20 3/4-Inch Soil Blocker. They are the two options I would compare first based on the ranking and buying factors covered above.
I’m Maya L. Greenwood, a lifelong plant lover who believes anyone can grow something beautiful with the right guidance. After years of testing soil mixes, pruning methods, irrigation tricks, and pest-safe solutions, I started EasyGardenTips.com to turn hard-won lessons into step-by-step advice. From seed starting and container gardens to composting and seasonal checklists, my goal is to make gardening simple, sustainable, and fun.
