Reusing propagator soil?

Is it possible to reuse the soil from the propagators once you've taken out the seedlings and moved them on? Would the nutrients have been used up by the previous seed? Just wondering whether to lob what's left in the compost bin or whether I can plant something new into it.

Thanks

 

You could use it again for seeds but if there are any left in the soil from it's previous use they may germinate, then it makes it difficult to tell which are which. Sometimes I re-use it mixed with new compost when potting on, at that point it's possible to tell the difference between seedlings.

 

Yea that makes sense. The soil I have spare at the minute was for broad beans, so shouldn't have any problems with that. Thanks!

 

If you do then you can add nutrients via liquid feed, but as Sheal said, watch out for what might come with it and don't use it for something of the same family to avoid pests/diseases.

 

Ah course, good point! Didn't think of that!

 

I wouldn't risk it . You could possibly mix it with your potting on compost . I always dump it to avoid disease or nutrient problems. I usually find I have enough things to worry about ,without adding another item.

 

I always dump it too as I don't want the faff of having to sow again if there are any problems.

 

It's such a tiny quantity as well, that its not worth saving. Chuck it on the garden Sarah

 

But if you're sowing hundreds or thousands of seeds Paul it can make a difference when potting on. I use approx. 300 litres for growing every year and that's without cuttings and potting on other plants.

 

It could be that I'm just lazy and don't want to go outside in the cold to the compost bin lol!

 

Oops. Fair point Sheal, I am thinking in my own little world again. I am just sowing sweet peas, zinnia and chrysthans to intersperse between my dahlias, which is my main mission.

300 litres sounds serious. I am using so little I could almost get away with chucking it on the kitchen floor and telling the missus that I trod it in from the garden. Hmmmmm.

Nope, not a lot of mileage in that one either.

 

It's not that serious, but it's surprising how much compost you get through when filling seed trays and pots.