Best compost for seeds?

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freefolk

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Best compost for seeds?
« on: January 15, 2018, 18:04 »
Hi Everyone, we are going to start some of our seeds off indoors shortly.   Is this best done in multi purpose or  seed & cutting compost (i.e. Gro-Sure), or is there little difference as they will be planted on eventually? Thanks for the tips.

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Pescador

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2018, 18:53 »
I normally use a multi purpose, as long as the texture is OK, i.e. fairly fine and free draining.
I know that in theory it is better to use a lower nutrient compost, but I have never found MP to be an issue.
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engineer

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2018, 22:39 »
Usually the only difference between MPC and cutting and seed compost is 1. The nutrient level tends to be higher in MPC and secondly it tends to have a more course structure. I only use MPC now but if I am using it for seeds or cuttings I put it through a fine riddle first, my riddle being a fine wire waste paper basket from £ shop!
PS if you want a very low nutrient level, water the compost several times and let it drain well before sowing anything.
« Last Edit: January 15, 2018, 22:40 by engineer »

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sunshineband

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2018, 09:18 »
After some years of really poor mpc I started using a mix of this with a third reconstituted coir and a third vermiculite. This is low in nutrients, free draining and yet stays evenly moist enough

I now buy Jacks Magic compost for general use, as it is consistently good quality. I wait until it is available on a special deal!
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mumofstig

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2018, 09:23 »
I agree that Jack's Magic is better than most mp compost, but it does have more peat in it than some people approve.

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rowbow

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2018, 09:30 »
Jacks Magic is £4 a bag at Wilco's :ohmy:

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mumofstig

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2018, 11:18 »
That is for 40L rather than the usual 60L - B&M have 60L for £5.49, the cheapest I can find it locally.
Guess where I'll be going later this week?  :lol:

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sunshineband

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2018, 12:16 »
I agree that Jack's Magic is better than most mp compost, but it does have more peat in it than some people approve.

I had actually forgotten that. Glad I use it in such moderation

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Goosegirl

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2018, 12:31 »
I tried John Innes for seeds but found it a bit "heavy" and cold so I use MPC, firm it down, then sow my seeds and cover them with sifted MPC.
I work very hard so don't expect me to think as well.

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Plot 1 Problems

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2018, 12:41 »
I normally get some cheap and cheerful peat-free MPC from Asda (3 70l bags for £10) and it give it a good sifting first to remove any larger bits. Also, another subscriber to the Poundshop bin/ riddle!

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Enfield Glen

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2018, 13:13 »
I find Verve from B&Q the best for seeds as it very fine and does not get water logged, on the flip side if you sow in small modules you need to keep and eye that they do not dry out.

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ghost61

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2018, 06:55 »
I usually use Verve as well, but bought some this week and it's awful - full of large gravel and big twigs etc.  Thinking of taking it back as its not good for seed sowing imo.


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Eblana

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2018, 11:16 »
I usually use Jacks Magic for seed sowing and mix a bit of vermiculite or perlite through it for extra drainage.

I bought 6 large bags of Verve which were on special over Christmas in our local branch and as Ghost says not usual quality full of twigs and bits and pieces.   It is fine for what I want it for (adding to new raised beds, just threw the twigs into the compost bin) but wouldn't be much use for seed sowing.

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Mr Dog

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2018, 17:42 »
I used Wickes' green waste free MPC for seeds and potting on last year and found it to be very good after having had  a mixed bag of quality and results with Verve over the previous couple of years. I will be using the Wickes' again this year - it's almost always on a 4 for 3 offer.

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Aidy

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Re: Best compost for seeds?
« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2018, 21:36 »
I use a pro seed compost which we get at cost from our Fed shop, it is fantastic and I would never use anything else now.
Prob doesnt help you tho
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