'finely sieved compost'

[buzzingtalk]

I keep reading on seed packets about finely sieved compost - is this mega important, and if so, how the hell do you sieve compost??

[SarahStrawberry]

I've read that too and I don't think it's mega important. I was pleased with my veggies last year and no sieving was carried out here whatsoever

To be honest, I wouldn't have the patience, the minute the sun comes out here I get all excited and want to get the seeds in asap!

[zazen999]

You sieve it by passing it through a sieve. I sieve all mine, apart from the new stuff I discovered today which is fine enough to use direct.

I own about 5 different types; wilko is the cheapest for sieves...

Here's a selection

compost sieve - Google Search

[Glutton4...]

With a sieve!

If it's a big bag of compost, it will take ages to sieve (you can buy garden/soil sieves in the GC), and give you sore shoulders/neck/arms. I now buy grow bags instead, as I find their contents are more finely sieved than that sold as compost.

[Creemteez]

Generally you only need to use "finely seived" compost to lightly cover very small seeds.
I find that a sprinkling of Vermiculite over the top is a better bet as it retains moisture and dosen't form a hard crust allowing your babies to come through unhindered.

[pauco]

Aldi had one on offer last Sunday, smallish but does the job. It also had 3 different fittings. Just under a fiver if i remember right.

paul.

[Two_Sheds]

I've never sieved or riddled, I just crumble it down in my hands

[Bigmallly]

I only use the hand sieve to cover the seeds. A rotary sieve is used for the compost.

[Flummery]

I'm a crumbler too. I reckon if you sow seeds directly outdoors they cope. I don't want a load of pampered woosies in my seed trays!

[Bigmallly]

I'm a crumbler too. I reckon if you sow seeds directly outdoors they cope. I don't want a load of pampered woosies in my seed trays!

Of course you do.......

[sarahspatch]

I saw Alan on Gardeners World years ago whos handy tip was to use a normal plastic plant pot, fill it with the compost you are using when sowing your seeds, and then shaking it over the top and the soil falls out the holes like a mini sieve.

i sometimes do this when sowing tiny seeds in the greenhouse.

Outside I just try and get a fine tilth to cover the drills, but its never very fine!

[Pies]

since wen does mother nature sieve all the soil for the seeds that spread naturally

[Kristen]

I'm a crumbler too. I use Seed Sowing Compost for my seeds, I prefer a John Innes formulation (but you might not!), as Seed Compost is much finer than multi purpose and a small bag lasts me all season.

I sometimes sieve some compost over the seeds to cover them, but more often I "drizzle" some Vermiculite over them from a slight unclenched clenched fist-full.

[Kristen]

since wen does mother nature sieve all the soil for the seeds that spread naturally

Mother Nature doesn't get as good a germination rate as I do ... well ... except for blessed Sycamore seeds

[solway cropper]

Well, at the risk of sounding a bit anal I sieve my home made stuff to produce a fine seed and potting compost otherwise it would have all sorts of twiggy bits and lumps in it. The material that won't go through the sieve gets used as a mulch round fruit bushes.

From the base material I mix up a compost suitable for whatever crop I'm growing. ie. carrots and parsnips get plenty of sharp sand and brassicas get a good helping of chicken manure.

I've never sieved any shop bought stuff, but then I don't buy much of that.