Can I do my own seed compost?

elsien

And if so what do I put in it? I want to try to grow all my bedding plants from seed this year, and I have the compost from my compost bin but even after I've sieved it it's not very fine, and I don't know if I need to put anything else in with it?
Thanks

fluffygrue

It's really difficult, so most people don't bother. Aside from getting the texture/drainage right, you still have the problem of weed seeds germinating, and possible soil-borne pathogens/beasties which can interfere with your seedlings.

It's worth buying decent seed compost to get them off to a good start.

lindseykim13

opps i have been using my own compost for a few years now lol not had any problems the odd tom plant spouting maybe!

maybe i should have been using the seed stuff.

foxgloves

Seed compost gets the best results as it's finer & less likely to 'cap' & make that crust on top that seeds then have to push through through. The drainage is also better with seed compost. However, I do plant courgettes & squashes into sieved home-made compost & often mix a bit in when I'm sowing beans & peas. I guess that over the years, we just learn to do what works best for us, and this could be different things for different people.

alanobrien

It is possible. I rarely use seed compost, mostly general purpose but if i run out of that i will make my own seed compost using our own composted material, sharp sand and perlite in a 60:20:20 mix. The biggest issue is disease fungus and damping off etc so i then sterilise it in a microwave before use and its fine. As an added precaution i would also water with a dilute cheshunt compound until the seed has established. I have been doing this as necessary for something like the last 10 years without any problems.