[scentedstock]

When I had an allotment about 10 years ago I used multi-purpose compost for everything and had ok results. I read this week that multi-purpose compost is too rich for seeds and that seed compost should be used as it's not so high in nutrients.

Anyone agree or is it all a load of horse manure and any soil can be used?

[richyrich7]

Load of horse manure IMHO multi purp is what it says multi purp , I don't use grow bags as I think these are too strong for seedlings, very few seedlings may not be able to grow in multi purp, but I can only think of one, you can sow seedlings in a peat/hort sand mix 50:50, or even straight vermiculite if you wish, they don't need nutrients to start with.

[matron]

Load of horse manure IMHO multi purp is what it says multi purp , I don't use grow bags as I think these are too strong for seedlings, very few seedlings may not be able to grow in multi purp, but I can only think of one, you can sow seedlings in a peat/hort sand mix 50:50, or even straight vermiculite if you wish, they don't need nutrients to start with.

Oops, I use grow bags for everything. seeds , seedlings, plants and then toms and cucumbers. Don't seem to have had any problems. I have tried seed compost and the John Innes stuff but didn't seem to get on very well with it.  :?  :?

[fletch]

I too have used John innes seed compost this year for the first time as I felt it was the "right" thing to do. Never again.
I find it dries to a hard cake and I don't see how seedlings could get through it.
Thankfully I've only sown a few so far

Multi purpose for the rest methinks  

[noshed]

You can make your own seed compost from old grow bags, loam and sharp sand - the recipe is on here somewhere in one of Munty's epic posts. I'll try to find it.

[richyrich7]

John innes are all loam based rather than peat or peat substitue, must admit I think peat based is best.

[noshed]

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=8533&highlight=seed+compost