Best Seed Compost

[wbmkk]

I got an allotment late last year, so I am keen to have my first growing season a rip-roaring success.

I know it's early for most seed sowing, but I've decided to try growing onions from seed. I intend sowing the seeds within the next few days.

Just one problem .. I don't have any seed compost yet.

Rather than just dashing off to one of the DIY stores, supermarket or garden centre I thought I would ask here, for comments on the pros and cons of the various options available.

I actually grew veg many years ago and still grow tomatoes in my greenhouse, so have always favoured the John Innes composts ... they seem easier to keep moist.

What do folk here recommend for seed sowing (in modules)

I may as well be cheeky and add a second question.

What do folk here recommend for potting on (3" pots, or large modules)

thank you

[chilli_grower]

Hi there,

I aquired an allotment last weekend, and am also keen.

I too will be sowing onions from seed this weekend.

I have read of multiple theories on sowing onions, prior to planting out.

i.e, sow in trays, modules etc, potting on etc....

However, I am going to sow thinly in a planter very similar to this one in picture.

And then leave the seedlings in there until pricking out time.

THat's the plan anyway.....

oh, and personally I use the b and q seed and cutting compost.

[Aberdeenplotter]

A good quality peat based compost is ideal for onions. I use Mother Earth but that is a personal preference. I add some vermiculite to help keep the compost open. For potting on, and I do this in batches so you may need to scale this back, I use 6 scoops general purpose compost, 6 scoops John innes 3, a good handfull of vermiculite and a couple of table spoons of slow release fertiliser granules. mix well before using.

[Paulieb]

Last year I used seed compost from lidl which was a quid for 20litres and mixed it with perlite. Sieved mpc or garden compost would probably be fine again mixed with perlite. The perlite tends to keep the soil open and easier to re wet (if you let it dry out!) and allows for uninterrupted root growth.

It was okay last year but that was my first time using that combo.

[Bigmallly]

I find that riddled MPC is fine for sowing seeds, it's when they are transplanted that they need a bit of nourishment.

[bravo2zero]

about 3 years ago I picked up a bag of Premier Horticulture Seed and Module compost and haven't used anything else since. its low in nutrients with a high peat content and doesn't need riddling. its made for sowing seeds which will require pricking out into a higher nutrient compost when ready. its not cheap at £7.50 for a bag but Ive not found a better one for the job and works out cheaper than using mpc.