[AlistairMcLennan]

Hi all,

Decided to try some B & Q Peat Free Compost and used it for getting my seeds started.

The compost appears to very woody/fibrous in texture but thought will try it.  Germination has only been about 50% at best :-(  Is this down to the compost or just general weather conditions? I have planted the likes of Cabbage/Cauliflower/Lettuce/Brussels/Squash/Tomotoes/Peas/Beans/Peppers and they have all acted the roughly the same.

Hoping from some advice from those with the experience/knowledge :-)  Should I really be using a John Innes No1 to grow my seeds

Cheers

AL

[crh75]

I used New Horizon Peat Free compost a few years ago as was dissapointed with the results, especially for small seeds.  I have gone back to peat based compost for seeds. 

[AlistairMcLennan]

Yeah,

I have replanted some with some what I would call "Normal" compost.  Will see what happens in the next week or so.

I guess the peat free is alright for established plants, not very kind to the seeds.

[savbo]

I always sieve my B&Q Peat free for seeds... I have got decent germination but suspect it has lost its food quickly. Some years it is better than others... have been using it now for about 10 years, and once or twice it's been pants...

have also mixed it with coir or leafmould once or twice, seemed to be better but maybe I was kidding myself

sav

[AlistairMcLennan]

Thanks Sav,

We will see how it goes. The bigger seeds seem to have coped better than the smaller ones.

Oh Well, every day is a school day :-)

AL