Seed Compost

Is the propagator small enough to fetch indoors Kayleigh? Once they are ready to come out you would probably have to keep them inside if we do get the promised cold spell.

 

Well it's the size of 2 standard seeds trays. 1 heated and one not (same size) so yes I could bring it indoors and keep them in if we get cold snap. Good thinking

 

I know the feeling I want to get sowing now!
Last season I used Multi Purpose and also added pearlite and horticultural sand and I prefer it so much better! Deffo recommend it. Everything seems fine and loser in a weird way! Hehe

 

J.I No 1 is only a formula used to make up the Seed compost. You are at the mercy of the company which makes it as to the quality of the ingredients. A bag I bought many years ago was made up with pure clay which when wet, set like concrete.
For seeds I use sifted Peat Free and sharp sand, 50, 50. Works ok for me. For seeds which need to be in compost for longer, like Paeonies or some bulb seeds, I add a small amount of Peat multipurpose as this holds more moisture than pure Peat free.

 

I used Westland Surestart seed Compost , improves germination by 25%!!!! I only used it for my last few sewings , it looked to be a very good quality. I will be using it again this year , I think Asda sell it . Bilbo used it as well maybe he can rate it better than I can.

http://www.gardenhealth.com/product...pecialist/surestart-seed-and-cutting-compost/

 

That's Seed and Cutting compost and available at Wilkos http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/compost composters/surestart-seed cutting-compost-20ltr/invt/0301376/ but I thought it rather lumpy/bitty for seeds and bought some Westland Seed Compost from Wilkos today @ £2.50 for 13.33 litres (10 litres + 33% extra free) that was really fine and bits/lumps free as I posted here http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/wilkos-gardening-stuff-is-back.48954/#post-633267

If there's one compost that's more important to get right than any other stuff, it's seed compost.

 

Just had to check which one I bought , it was the Westland Surestart . I always give my seed compost a light sieving before use. I'll see how the Surestart performs on my early sewings.
Interesting point is quite a few on here don't use seed compost . I don't think Pete and Shiney do ? I wonder how many others don't use it

 

I've always used MP and will continue to but this year i've started my Mammoth onions off in JI seed compost ,hoping for a good start

 

Been reading this thread with great interest particularly now that available composts have questionable materials

These are my thoughts on the matter;

The reason for seed compost is 1) it contains minimal if any fertiliser! 2) it is generally more 'open textured' meaning it is better drained and seeds are not subjected to water logged conditions, thus reducing the risk of rotting off.

Why is it more expensive? I have often wondered the same when you consider that the fertiliser ( the expensive part of compost) is virtually non existent.

I think it must be down to the mixing process and the fact that it is usually made up in smaller quantities and as a result the labour to material ratio is much greater than say multi- purpose or potting compost.

But this is only a guess!


Why sieve?

The quality and texture of the peat used can be somewhat indifferent in so far as it can be a bit woody or lumpy add to this the stuff that is being added to the mix to save peat and you have a recipe that is not suited to new emerging seedlings.

When pricking out one often finds that the seedling roots grow through / around these lumps and create a resistance when extracting them which often results in roots being broken off! IMHO sifting reduces the possibility of this happening.

I hope that answers your query!

I have had no end of problems with dodgy compost over the last two seasons so I am going to try a different approach this year

In fact I have renamed what is being sold days as " multi- purpose" compost to " not fit for purpose" compost !

This year I am going to make all my own compost as I used to do many years ago!

I have purchased all the ingredients and I will make my mixes to suit the plants I will be growing!

In fact I mixed 75 litres of seed compost the other day so I am now ready for the sowing and cuttings.

So there it is folks my contribution to an interesting thread...Tg

 

Just noticed that Westland Seed Compost is only £1.49 for 10 litres at Wickes http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/194486 (15p/litre)
which is cheaper than 13.3 (10+33% extra free) litres for £2.50 (19p/litre) at Wilkos.

But the reason why I haven't noticed it before is that my local store doesn't have any in stock, so a rather hypothetical saving for me.

 

I have purchased some multipurpose Levington with added sand for cuttings and seeds, and will try their plain multipurpose for potting on. Usually use B&Q multipurpose.

Trevor

 

I shall be hoping to find Grandiol http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...8VMM5mUvL7obOvrLH9O-A&bvm=bv.1357700187,d.d2k compost at Lidyls again this Spring. Loved it last year - if anyone comes across it - would appeciate a thumbs up,
thanks,
Jenny

 

I use multi-purpose for everything.

I bought Levington's Waterlocker compost by mistake recently and it certainly does lock the water in. It's a chunky mix and I will use it in planters and baskets this year for the hot dry spots in my garden, assuming we get some decent weather.

 

I use whatever compost I can get my hands on.

God knows how many different brands I used last year.