Compost

[LizyDrippin]

Earlier this year I bought two large bags of seedling compost, I've used one but unlikely to use the other.

My question is, does it keep?

It was on special offer so didn't cost that much, so I don't mind mixing it with normal multi purpose (if I have to), but it would be nice to keep it if I can, would save me buying it next year

[growingkasbar]

I have no idea but so long as the bag is sealed. Thinking logically, i suppose it would do. I dont see how it could go off really.

[terrier]

If you'd said general purpose compost I would have said OK to use, but for starting seed, I think I would want fresh compost..

[starloc]

stuff bought earlier this year wont be a problem, it will be much older in most shops, I cant see it being a problem using much older compost either, it will smell if theres something wrong with it, if theres no sell/use by date on compost (ive never looked) and it smells like compost then it will be fine,
ive just used some citrus stuff bought 2 years ago and i found unopened , it smelt fine and the plant hasnt died yet!
If its for seeds and you think it may not be sterile enough then microwave it till its hot to kill any germs

[Galileo]

The compost should be ok.

The experts say to buy fresh compost every year as it looses nutrients with age. This question has been asked on gardeners question time (BBC R4) and the answer is to buy fresh every year. Do not buy old stored stock.

But having said that it will probably be fine to sow into next year its probably not a good idea to buy twenty bags at an end of year sale and store them for years.