[rogertb]

Hi chaps, I sowed some french beans in a propogator, no show for over a week and I figured that the seeds were too old (2021) looking today and there are some white/grey lumps appearing, I’m not sure I’ve seen them emerging in this way before, do they look ok or should I start over (I’ve bought some new seed).

[JayG]

I reckon the main problem here is your compost - amongst what looks like fungal mycelia covering the soil, it looks like you may have a couple of young mushrooms, although they could be bean shoots covered in fungal material.

Suggest you try to find some better compost, and try again (2021 shouldn't be too old for bean seeds if stored in reasonable conditions.)

[rogertb]

Sounds good JayG, yes it all looks a bit mouldy. it is new peat free compost from a well known ‘store’, should I try something else ?

[JayG]

Yes - have a look at the threads currently running in 'Grow Your Own' and 'General Gardening' about compost choices (there is clearly a good deal of rubbish about this year unfortunately.)

You may also want to have a look at possible ideas for sterilising your existing compost in GYO.

Good luck (I need it too having had my conscience pricked over peat-based composts, which are now no longer available at B'n'Q.)

[rogertb]

 I struggled to find peat free  Hbase had a few bags. Thanks again JayGI’ll try and get something more suitable for seeds in the propogator.

[Subversive_plot]

French beans sprout and develop so fast, you might want to try just waiting for two or 3 days before a warm spell is forecast, soak the beans overnight, drain, leave in a covered container, and plant the beans directly in the ground as soon as the first root starts to develop.

[rogertb]

Well worth trying thank you SP