seed compost

[suee]

I've spent an absolute fortune this year on seed compost and am wondering - can I make my own? I've got loads of vermiculite and plenty of garden soil.
Thanks, Sue.

[pigletwillie]

I use multi purpose compost mixed with vermiculite. Bought stuff in theory is a consistent product with the required nutrient values in to start plants off.

Home made compost will be ok for more mature plants as you will be feeding them during their life span. The sterility and nutrient balance of homemade compost may well give you very random results with germination however, and I personally feel is not work risking, especially with the cost of some F1 seeds.

I use my home made stuff when planting out Squash, tomatoes and other gross feeders as it holds onto water well and lets their roots get going quickly.

[SueA]

I think garden soil would be a bit risky for seeds as it could contain pests & diseases, but I agree that specialist seed compost is too expensive & sometimes not all that good. I usually use multipurpose compost with a sprinkling of vermiculite mixed in sometimes or just used to cover the seeds & this seems to work.

[lyndap]

Use the same method as Sue, and results just as good.

[sewer rat]

Hi Suee
I also have used specialist seed compost but have reverted to type and am now using multi-purpose compost mixed with vermiculite as are the others who have replied so far. In truth, there is no difference but the specialist seed compost was much finer and dried out a lot quicker.

[Jaxom]

I sieve a bag of multi purpose compost to get left with the fine bits only and then mix it 50/50 with vermiculite.
The large bits that get sieved out, I save to put at the bottom of pots that need more free drainage,later in the growing season such as melons and cucumbers.

[sewer rat]

Jax
Ta, forgot to mention that I seive my multi-purpose too - only the lumpy bits get chucked on my compost heap or onto my potato bed.

[Alice]

In "the good old days" what we used for seed planting was the earth out of the mole hills as it was very finely sieved and bug free. Now I use a mixture of compost and vermiculite. I find vermiculite expensive but it does do a good job.

[suee]

Hello all - it's so good to hear from you and thanks for your ideas.
Re the sieving of multi purpose - too true, as you get loads of twiggy bits in there which will be useful for other things.
Alice - oh yes, we have loads of mole hills and they do a good job in sieving the soil.
I should really post this in 'what I did today' but it's a bit relevant here: we had a visit to see the family in essex last week and have just got back and done a tour of the garden by torchlight - courgettes with flowers all ready to deep fry! Hands and knees tomorrow to weed the 2 final strips ready for the raab and late sowing free goodies. Thank goodness for the brown stuff that keeps weeds down.
Sue.