bought multi-purpose compost

[Tigerella]

Hi

I bought a bag of compost for my first seeds, some came through some not.
Bought another bag it seemed better, finer.
I then had to buy another and it was only then I realised that that best bag was potting compost and the others were multi-purpose.
I put the no-show of some of the first seeds down to human error or cold weather.
It was compost from Wilkinsons. So do you think my problems are because I am a little green or is it the multi-purpose compost. Which I now have a new small bag of multi-compost for my seedlings.

Tigerella

[inca'smum]

I always buy multi purpose compost, although I remember watching Monty Don on some programme and he said you should just use the soil from your garden, 'cause thats where they will be growing eventually any way. He seems to adopt the 'grow your plants hard' attitude and I have to say some of the other tips I've picked up from him have worked out really well.

[Flummery]

I use multipurpose too. (Had to nip out and check - memory like sieve, old age...etc) Not had any misses this year except for a very old (not even dated) pack of seed I'd got free with something.

[has-bean]

I use Innes seed compost for sowing and no 2 for transplanting - germination is good but not sure whether this is the seeds i bought this year - direct from suttons via the allotment chairman, or because of the compost, I do find it gritty tho compared with multipurpose

[Alison]

I use a multi purpose peat free compost for everything except acid loving stuff. If I want better drainage then I just mix in a bit of grit. Never bothered with specific seed compost etc and don't seem to have suffered from it.

[berksmike]

Have always used multipurpose compost with no problems...Seed compost can be a bit pricey

[dexterdoglancashire]

I've always used multi purpose, or even grow bag compost mixed with perlite (the little white granules) from B&Q and Ive had no problems.

Do let us know how you get on.

Bernie aka Dexterdog

[rustylady]

I always use multi-purpose. I get my son to get me a bale for my birthday (in March) every year.

[Tigerella]

Hi

I think the potting compost is better because it is finer.
When seeds are small, with multi-purpose they might get covered by too much compost and fail to get through.

Many thanks...Tigerella

[rustylady]

Hi

I think the potting compost is better because it is finer.
When seeds are small, with multi-purpose they might get covered by too much compost and fail to get through.

Many thanks...Tigerella

I put a layer of multi-purpose in the tray or pot to the recommended sowing depth, firm, sow the seeds and sieve the covering compost through an old kitchen colander. This works a treat.

[nick the grief]

I use and old plant pot to do the same & young Titchmarsh used a bamboo steamer from a car boot

[JennieAtkinson]

ooo Thanks Nick - I've got an old bamboo steamer and nearly threw it out last month, as I haven't found a use for it. Just love the thing - great now I have a use for it!

[serenity]

last lot of multi purpose I bought from B&Q this year was terrible, more left in the sieve than in the bucket below. Am going to try some from the garden centre this time

[Weavie]

I know what you mean about 'lumps' being left in the sieve. I now use them to go in the bottom of the pots when potting on to help drainage. Saw this on on A Penine Kitchen and garden DVD. Even if it doesn't work it makes me feel better as I hate waste.
BTW Sainsburys bags of multipurpose compost have been reduced from £1.99 per bag to £1.32. They're only small but just can't seem to help myself picking one up everytime I go in.

[serenity]

I have done this with the bits too but when you get more bits than you do usable soil it's a bit anoying. I didn't buy it for the bits afterall

Bought a bag of humax yesterday from local diy shop. It was 3.95 for 70l, bit steep but it's gorgeous. My 4 year old spent a good 15 minutes trickling a bucketful thro her fingers