Can I use potting compost for seeds?

Can I use potting compost for seeds?

With most gardeners using compost to sow seeds, top-dress pots and transplant seedlings, knowing which is the best compost to use can be problematic. For most plants, and for many seeds and cuttings, a good peat-free multi-purpose compost is suitable, both from an environmental and convenience point of view.

Is multi-purpose compost OK for seeds?

Although you can use multipurpose compost for seed sowing, particularly large seeds, its composition is designed for growing on rather than starting off life. Compost that is too coarse or contains too much fertiliser can inhibit germination. Wet coarse material in the compost isn’t ideal, either.

Do I need special compost for seeds?

Seeds carry their own nutrients, so they don’t need an enriched potting compost to germinate. Sow into firm compost or soil. Whether sowing indoors or out, prepare the soil by making sure there are no large lumps and firming it down. Too wet, and the seeds can rot: too dry, and they won’t survive to put down roots.

What is the best compost for seeds?

With one of these specialist composts, your seeds are sure to flourish.

• Best Pick: Nutley’s 22mm Compost Plug Pellets.
• Value Pick: 10L Organic All-Purpose Potting Compost.
• YouGarden Seed & Potting Compost 10L.
• Dalefoot Peat-Free Wool Compost.
• GRO Sure Seed & Cutting Compost.

What is the best soil to start seeds indoors?

Choose potting soil that’s made for growing seedlings. Do not use soil from your garden or re-use potting soil from your houseplants. Start with a fresh, sterile mix that will ensure healthy, disease-free seedlings.

Can you use compost instead of potting soil?

Use compost to improve garden soil, topdress your lawn, as a component in potting mixes or for mulching gardens and houseplants. Growing directly in compost is not usually recommended. Water retention and support may be lacking in a 100% compost growing medium.

Do you need to change compost in pots every year?

If you’re growing a tree or shrub in a large container, you should replenish the compost every year or two. The ideal time to do this is between February and May. Doing so will improve the compost structure and provide a fresh supply of nutrients, which can be lost quickly in pots and containers.

What is the best soil for starting seeds?

The best seedling mixes are lightweight but still retain water well. They’ll include either vermiculite or perlite for aeration, and either sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir for water retention.

Can you just put compost on top of soil?

There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree beds, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.

Which is Better potting compost or seed compost?

It’s finer and less lumpy than standard potting compost, and is also light and well-drained. You can also use seed compost to repot seedlings and young plants. But it doesn’t have enough nutrients to support larger plants. This is also called general purpose compost.

What’s the difference between seed starting mix and potting soil?

Seed starting mix is lightweight, specifically designed not to weigh down seeds as they germinate. Potting soil is denser, with a coarser texture. Potting soil generally contains compost or field soil along with peat moss and vermiculite. It also usually includes some type of fertilizer, though not always.

What kind of compost do you use for plants?

Plants in pots and containers need more nutrients as they can’t draw up anything through the soil. Our blend is a rich, dark mix of coir, vermiculite, bark, loam and our unique organic nutrients. Potting compost helps ensure strong, vigorous, healthy and sustainable growth.

Do you put potting compost in seed trays?

This is a soil improver and should never be used to fill pots or seed trays. It would be like putting young plants in pure manure mixture, and will definitely kill them. You need the bags of compost that are designed for pots, which is why it is called potting compost. And you also don’t want to use topsoil in containers.