Any ideas why my compost is mouldy?

[pipscariad]

Last year I bought a buy 3 for 2 offer on compost at my local farm stores. Things seemed to grow ok in it, but it always went mouldy on the surface, even with scant watering. I'm using it up this year, but it is doing the same, and I find it rather alarming - any ideas why ? Anything I might be able to do to prevent it? As I say, I don't recall that any seedlings suffered, but it can't be a good thing.

Would a blast in the much reviled microwave help?? If so, how long would you put it in there for? Sorry for so many questions!

[Flummery]

Sound like it wasn't sterilised. The microwave would do it but I've no idea for how long.

[lynda66]

it's also caused by inadequate ventilation .... i've had the same, yet when you put it in the garden it doesn't go mouldy

[Growem]

Was it white mould or green mould? Because the white stuff is pretty common from compost, it even says on my bags that it might occur and that it's no big deal and won't affect the plants. If it's the white stuff, I'd save myself the trouble of microwaving it. In fact, even if it's green, I'd wouldn't microwave it, as you say the plants are just fine.

[piskieinboots]

I'm wondering if Lynda has put her's in the dish-washer