[rubyrose]

hi all        I usually buy seed compost for seed sowing and then use homemade for potting up. But to save money this year I was wondering if its ok to sow seeds in homemade compost,  should it have the right nutrients for seed?  it has all vegetable waste + grass cuttings, shredded paper, all garden leaves flowers etc  . would be grateful for your views      thanks

[Kajazy]

My understanding is that it's more about texture and drainage than nutrient levels, as the seedlings aren't in there for that long. But I'm a novice, and am happy to be corrected!

[Yorkie]

I would not use homemade compost for seed sowing as it is not sterile; may have various bacteria or other pests / diseases.

[allot2learn]

I would not use homemade compost for seed sowing as it is not sterile; may have various bacteria or other pests / diseases.

Good point! 

[Trillium]

If you heat up your compost so it steams while breaking down, then you should be safe to use it. A sieve will separate any coarse bits.

but if you're like me and just throw stuff in and let it rot in its own time, then no, don't use it for seeds.

[rubyrose]

thanks all for replys           i had'nt thought of the not sterile factor,  (was late when i posted last night) so off to buy seed compost so i can start sowing 

[ilan]

You can use homemade compost for seed sowing and I have done. sieve it well then you can either bake or  almost boil it to kill any bacteria etc off ,mix in some sand (30%) and that ok to use but its a lot of work to save not a lot ! I often use boiling water to pour over the seed drills just before sowing  for the same reason

[compostqueen]

Homemade compost is fine for sowing once it's thoroughly rotted down. I'd sieve it a bit before use and cook it in either the oven or microwave.  My father in law always did this.  He used to cook up batches of allotment soil too, usually for sowing his onions.  He couldn't afford to buy compost or it would have meant going without his baccy    Low oven is all that's required. Keep an eye on it so you don't overdo it.  It does give off a bit of a scent but not unpleasantly so.