Seed compost

[jonohanson]

I have a very newbie question, I have only ever sown seeds into MPC, however this year I decided to try specific seed compost.

Now I know it has virtually zero nutrients, and I have aubergine, chilli's and pepper all set at seedling leaves stage in it. At what point should I prick out, now or when the first true leaves appear?

Thanks in advance

[burnie]

I don't buy seed compost because of this, allows me a few extra days before potting on, I also prefer to grow in cells to minimise root disturbance, so don't do pricking out either.
To answer your question, if the plants are looking sturdy, I'd go for it rather than have them set back by delay.

[Bren In Pots]

I always pot on after the seedlings have their first true leaves, read somewhere that means the seedling have started to get good root growth.

Edited to say I've never used seed compost either.

[jackarmy]

First year ive used seed compost also and am not sure if ill use it again tbh. so much sand in it ( verve) its like a waterlogged beach.
Im taking them out as soon as i see the second leaves forming.
Think ill go back to mcp when ive used this lot up, trouble is i got 3 for a tenner , could i use it for carrots ?

[jonohanson]

Thanks for the quick replies

With the faf, i'll probably go back to MPC too, but for these i'll be looking to pot on when the true leaves appear as they are all looking healthy.

Thanks for the help

[bario1]

I used seed compost one year and hated it, i find the best compromise is to buy a premium mpc like J*ck's Magic, which has a lot of sand added and no massive chunky bits, so it works both for seedlings and growing on.
I would think seed compost would make a good medium for growing carrots, maybe mixed 50/50 with cheap mpc?

[johnjohn]

For me it depends on what it is. For tomatoes I prick them out before they develop their first true leaves, always have done. I asked a similar question recently and think, based on the responses, it will change the way I sow them in the first place. It's not really necessary to prick out with the right approach.
I'm time short and often when I sow indoors my seedlings get leggy before I can get to them which forces me to then prick out early and deep, this can't benefit the plant in any way. I've improved the lighting by adding artificial which has helped this year.

Have a read through this:
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...out_92465.html

[johnjohn]

MPC for me too, I have tried seed sowing compost but it didn't work out well. That's quite possibly due to the issues I've already mentioned above though rather than the compost itself?

[Penellype]

I tried seed compost and hated it, so I now use MPC. However the latest bag of Westland I have seems to be about 50% chipped bark rather than compost. I'm hoping it is only a bad bag as I have used Westland for years with no problems.

[ESBkevin]

This year I are been mostly using a bag of Seed compost, cut 50/50 with my own leaf mould sieved to make it all small and flakey. Results look good so far and the leaf mould should give a few days extra to pricking out or whatever.

[Dalrimple]

for the last 5yrs iv'e used verve mpc and i'm using it this year aswell for all my seeds and potting on !
atb Dal