Compost mould

[Scoot]

Anyone know if white mould on compost is harmful to seedlings. I have this white mould growing on the top of the new compost i have...

[WendyC]

Suggests to me that the compost has been too wet. Not sure whether it's actually harmful but you could top the pots with a layer of grit to help keep the surface drier.

[Bigmallly]

Just rub it off with your finger scoot & as Wendy suggests put some grit or vermiculite on the top.

[Scoot]

Thanks people. I was slightly worried there for a sec.

[Small pumpkin]

I've got that horrible white mould scoot. If yours is like mine, it's already on the compost when you open your new bag! Your compost looks a bit lumpy as well, same as mine. What compost is it? I'm using westl@nd multi purpose. I'm very limited on choice but really don't like this stuff ! I found glass in the new bag I opened yesterday!
I've not noticed the mould affecting the seedlings. I have been removing as much as possible.

[Scoot]

I've got that horrible white mould scoot. If yours is like mine, it's already on the compost when you open your new bag! Your compost looks a bit lumpy as well, same as mine. What compost is it? I'm using westl@nd multi purpose. I'm very limited on choice but really don't like this stuff ! I found glass in the new bag I opened yesterday!
I've not noticed the mould affecting the seedlings. I have been removing as much as possible.

It's the kind in the picture.

It's very lumpy indeed. It's all like that and i can't be bothered to sieve it either as i have 280 litres worth.

I'm going to see how well (or not well) these tomato seedlings do in it before potting them into their final pots with this compost. If they don't do very well in the 9cm pots they are on now, I'm thinking of buying some B and Q verve MPC and mixing it 50/50 with this stuff. If they do ok in this compost though, I'll not bother.

[anton002]

I used the easigrow last year for one sowing and also used westlands with four months feed,there was no comparison ,the easigrow was extremely pour for both germination and potting on growth.

I ended up pouring three bags worth into raised beds just to top them up.

[lolie]

I've opened new bags with it and it also develops naturally in garden beds. It never seems to adversely affect anything so I'd just cut back on the moisture a bit because too much moisture might invite other problems.

[ESBkevin]

Without seeing it it's hard to say for sure, but in nature this white fugas is a sign that the organic material is breaking down into a form that the plants can use. Fast composting using heat ia all very well but ultimately the fungal level of breakdown is essential for the plants to get the nutrients.
So it should be considerred a good thing that you are able to put some mure fungal growth into your soil. in part of the world they actively create fungal spores to spray on plants, innoculate transplated roots and cover the soil with. It is believed to create very healthy soil and plants (but is the very opposite of the sterile soil and add artificiel fertilisers used in a lot of current western commercial agriculture.
Anyway it certainly won't hurt your seeds and plants and will more likely assist them greatly.

For more reading search mycorrhizae and IMO1 (indigenous microorganisms) and watch youtube for how to play along.

[Scoot]

Without seeing it it's hard to say for sure, but in nature this white fugas is a sign that the organic material is breaking down into a form that the plants can use. Fast composting using heat ia all very well but ultimately the fungal level of breakdown is essential for the plants to get the nutrients.
So it should be considerred a good thing that you are able to put some mure fungal growth into your soil. in part of the world they actively create fungal spores to spray on plants, innoculate transplated roots and cover the soil with. It is believed to create very healthy soil and plants (but is the very opposite of the sterile soil and add artificiel fertilisers used in a lot of current western commercial agriculture.
Anyway it certainly won't hurt your seeds and plants and will more likely assist them greatly.

For more reading search mycorrhizae and IMO1 (indigenous microorganisms) and watch youtube for how to play along.

Very interesting. Thanks, I'll take a look at that.

[Penellype]

Without seeing it it's hard to say for sure, but in nature this white fugas is a sign that the organic material is breaking down into a form that the plants can use. Fast composting using heat ia all very well but ultimately the fungal level of breakdown is essential for the plants to get the nutrients.
So it should be considerred a good thing that you are able to put some mure fungal growth into your soil. in part of the world they actively create fungal spores to spray on plants, innoculate transplated roots and cover the soil with. It is believed to create very healthy soil and plants (but is the very opposite of the sterile soil and add artificiel fertilisers used in a lot of current western commercial agriculture.
Anyway it certainly won't hurt your seeds and plants and will more likely assist them greatly.

For more reading search mycorrhizae and IMO1 (indigenous microorganisms) and watch youtube for how to play along.

Agree that having a living as opposed to sterile growing medium is much better for plants and certainly the mycorrhizae do a good job. However you can't assume that because its a fungus its good - this is a bit like saying all insects are beneficial. Some fungi are definitely not good, eg blight.