Seed compost

maryb

I wanted to get peat free seed compost but all the seed composts in the local big garden centre were peat based.  I bought some peat free multi purpose and I’ve also got perlite/ vermiculite, silver sand and horticultural grit in the shed.

Can anyone advise on which addition(s) to the multi purpose compost would be best to make a nice light free-draining seed compost and what proportions to use.  I’d be very grateful .  I tried to be a bit more scientific about my seeds last year and using a bit of vermiculite on the top and paying attention to the preferred temperature did make a difference.  Just a shame that it was such a rubbish growing season last year

Fosterdog

Seed mix doesn't really need to be anything special nutrient wise, the seed itself has all the nutrients needed to start the plant off and then they generally get potted on when they start to need more. A seed mix just needs to be light and airy so the roots can establish themselves. I generally use just coco coir with a bit of vermiculite and perlite added as a seed mix, then my stage 2 for potting up I add some homemade or peat free compost and worm castings for a nutrient boost.

twopenny

I've always used multi purpose for seeds as they are only there to germinate.
It does dry out though which is mentioned here on Gardeners World site and probably answers you're question
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/which-compost-is-best-for-which-job/
So probably a little vermicullite.

maryb

Thank you both.  That article is interesting.  I did Google seed compost but that one didn’t come up

twopenny

It's always worth other people taking a look.
Different words, search engines or even personal cookies can bring up different results.
I had to look because I'm more a casual approach pre all that's available now

MichaelDH

The seed has all the nutrients needed (a bit like an egg) so no need to worry to worry about buying fancy compost. You just need a growing medium that is free draining so that the seeds don't get too wet.

I follow a YouTuber who makes her own seed mix, so I am giving it a go myself this year. She uses 1 part coco coir (you buy in the form of a block and then add water) and 1 part perlite. When she pots the seedlings on she uses 2 parts coco coir, 2 parts peat free compost and 1 part perlite.