John Innes Seed Compost

Has anyone else noticed this is rather heavy?

Even with the addition of a LOT of vermiculite it seems to compact from simple watering. Not good for small seeds  :blink:

- Gary.

Has anyone else noticed this is rather heavy?

Even with the addition of a LOT of vermiculite it seems to compact from simple watering. Not good for small seeds  :blink:

- Gary.

I noticed it about 45 years ago when I started 'proper' gardening. Back then you had to mix your own as you couldn't just pop out for a bag of MPC. For the last 3/4 years I've used a Westland JI seed compost which is quite sandy and free draining. Some of the cheaper ones are very prone to compaction.

I too use the Westland product for seed, soak it and let it drain plant seeds and water sparingly only when the top edges of the compost dries - this is successful for me. I think that over watering the compost holds back seed germination.
 

I used John Innes last year with mixed success.  This year I'm going for the Westland, or equivalent - something a little lighter and fluffier.