[gypsy]

I opened a bag of clover compost this morning and it has white stuff in it which could be mould. Is it ok to use it? The compost was very wet when I bought it.

[crh75]

I just mix it in.

[viettaclark]

I get it in Wickes compost too. Think it might be the added fertiliser salts. Never had any trouble. Just mix it in.

[gypsy]

Thankyou.

[allot2learn]

It's called Mycellium becteria. Compost producers have been asked to reduce the amount of peat in their products but then the compost dries out too quickly so it has been replaced with shredded wood to retain the moisture, a bit like blotting paper. The bacteria is a natural process of the wood deteriorating. It's harmless to humans and our food.

[JayG]

I try to avoid buying compost from the top of an uncovered pile when it's wet, partly because of the possibility of contamination by rain via the perforations in the bag, partly so I don't slip a disc lifting it out of the boot of the car! 

Bought compost is supposed to be sterile - I doubt whether the fungal growth is at all harmful (your compost heap will be full of it!) but I'd probably use it for potting up rather than sowing seeds in just to be on the safe side.