If like many gardeners you prefer to start as many crops as possible in a more controlled environment, then a zinc plated Soil Block Maker is definitely worth trying. Manufactured from steel, the block makers produce cubes of slightly compressed soil which are used for starting seedlings and are ideal for cuttings - no pots required! For best results, use blocking compost (available from all good garden centres) or experiment by using your own compost; it's essential that any compost used is wet enough, and will retain enough moisture for the blocker to form soil blocks without crumbling or drying out rapidly.