Vermiculite as seed covering..

[jessmorris]

Hello,
My compost is a bit coarse and I wondered if I could use vermiculite to cover the seed, rather than have to sieve the compost...anyone have any ideas?

ps I also got a bit of a shock today when I realised its time to get those tomato seeds in the propagator - EEK!

Thanks all,
JM

[Kristen]

could use vermiculite to cover the seed, rather than have to sieve the compost

I use vermiculite as a covering for all my seeds - I just make a fist with some in and "drizzle" it over the seeds. Its lighter than compost, and pretty transparent (so lets in enough light for those seeds that need light to germinate), and stops the surface growing green algae on things that take a while to germinate.

I also got a bit of a shock today when I realised its time to get those tomato seeds in the propagator

None of the seed packets for the four varieties I have say to sow them until mid February ... and unless you have a heated greenhouse I think its too early - they will be very large plants if you start them off on your Windowsill by the time it is warm enough to move them to a cold greenhouse

[ginger ninger]

I always cover my seed with vermiculite as kristen says it's not as heavy as a compost. I also mix a little in with the compost it helps to retain the moisture.

[andyturner1978]

I always cover my seed with vermiculite as kristen says it's not as heavy as a compost. I also mix a little in with the compost it helps to retain the moisture.

Is this the same as perlite? Is it a case of simply laying the seeds ontop of the compost and then the vermiculite before watering in?

[selfraising]

Is this the same as perlite? Is it a case of simply laying the seeds ontop of the compost and then the vermiculite before watering in?

I think perlite is mainly used to improve drainage but I could be wrong. I tend to water the commpost first, then put the seed on top and then cover with vermiculite.

[andyturner1978]

Thank you for that selfraising.....

I used perlite to mix with cutting compost to bring on cuttings of herbs last year.

I have never tried to grow from seed untill last week. I have just aquired an allotment and in my haste it seems my latest tomato seeds are under perlite and not vermiculite Its a good job i have some sown the standard way in the heated prop

Would you suggest this for most seed sowing? Im very interested in trying new things to compare the success and failures.

Over the nextfew weeks im planning on sowing leeks, peppers, chillis, parsnips and id say more tomatos now

[Two_Sheds]

I have always just used mpc for sowing seeds - I tried "proper" seed compost once and it was a disaster.

Last year I started using perlite/vermiculite (I'm sure there's a difference but in my head they are interchangeable) because I needed something for school and it was lighter to carry than a bag of compost

It's been OK, certainly stretches the compost out a bit

[Kristen]

Perlite and vermiculite are somewhat interchangeable. Perlite is the one that looks like little beads of Polystrene.

Vermiculite is lighter as a seed covering

Perlite is better for creating an open, well draining, compost in my opinion.

[oldie]

I can't remember where I got this from but made a note of it at the time. Vermiculite is a naturally occuring, non-toxic aluminium iron silicate mineral that has been heated to a high temperature to produce a lightweight material with a high surface area. Vermiculite used in horticulture has an attractive golden colour with a typical particle size of 2-5mm. Vermiculite absorbs nutrients preventing them from being washed out and then releases them as required to plant roots. Vermiculite has a high water retaining capacity, holding moisture near to plant roots. It also insulates against fluctuations in surface temperature when used as a seed covering. Perlite is a naturally occurring, non-toxic neutral volcanic rock that has been heated to a high temperature to produce a lightweight, micro-porous material with a high surface area. It is ideal for use when sowing seeds, rooting cuttings, potting on and container growing to improve aeration, moisture retention and drainage. In horticulture a particle size of 2-5mm is used. Perlite absorbs and retains vast amounts of air and moisture, improves aeration and drainage and is stable and long lasting.

[Kristen]

Mr Google says you may have got it from here

Vermiculite and Perlite - The Garden Superstore

which has some further, useful information by the looks of it

[Kristen]

Errmmm ... expensive though! I recently got some from 3 Counties Hydroponics - dunno if they are the cheapest though:

3C Hydroponics Shop - Perlite
3C Hydroponics Shop - Vermiculite

[oldie]

Usually get mine from Wilko's. Much cheaper than Garden Superstore marginally cheaper than Hydroponics.

[Two_Sheds]

Usually get mine from Wilko's.

I did too

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[northepaul]

Me too!
I have found a bag lasts me ages if mixed with compost for cuttings etc

[selfraising]

Thank you for that selfraising.....

I used perlite to mix with cutting compost to bring on cuttings of herbs last year.

I have never tried to grow from seed untill last week. I have just aquired an allotment and in my haste it seems my latest tomato seeds are under perlite and not vermiculite Its a good job i have some sown the standard way in the heated prop

Would you suggest this for most seed sowing? Im very interested in trying new things to compare the success and failures.

Over the nextfew weeks im planning on sowing leeks, peppers, chillis, parsnips and id say more tomatos now

I tend to use it for most of my seeds but especially those that are in a propagator, seems to stop the damping off problem