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I keep reading on seed packets about finely sieved compost - is this mega important, and if so, how the hell do you sieve compost?? 
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I've read that too and I don't think it's mega important. I was pleased with my veggies last year and no sieving was carried out here whatsoever
To be honest, I wouldn't have the patience, the minute the sun comes out here I get all excited and want to get the seeds in asap!
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You sieve it by passing it through a sieve. I sieve all mine, apart from the new stuff I discovered today which is fine enough to use direct.
I own about 5 different types; wilko is the cheapest for sieves...
Here's a selection
compost sieve - Google SearchLast edited by zazen999; 09-03-2011, 06:35 PM.
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With a sieve!
If it's a big bag of compost, it will take ages to sieve (you can buy garden/soil sieves in the GC), and give you sore shoulders/neck/arms. I now buy grow bags instead, as I find their contents are more finely sieved than that sold as compost.
All the best - Glutton 4 Punishment
Freelance shrub butcher and weed removal operative.Comment
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Generally you only need to use "finely seived" compost to lightly cover very small seeds.
I find that a sprinkling of Vermiculite over the top is a better bet as it retains moisture and dosen't form a hard crust allowing your babies to come through unhindered.When the Devil gives you Cowpats - make Satanic Compost!Comment
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Aldi had one on offer last Sunday, smallish but does the job. It also had 3 different fittings. Just under a fiver if i remember right.
paul.Help Wildlife.
Take only photos-leave only footprints-Kill only time.Comment
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I've never sieved or riddled, I just crumble it down in my handsAll gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.Comment
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I only use the hand sieve to cover the seeds. A rotary sieve is used for the compost.sigpic“Gorillas are very intelligent, but they don't have to be as delicate as chimps -- they can just smash open the termite nest,”
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Official Member Of The Nutters Club - Rwanda Branch.
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KOYS - King Of Yellow Stickers..............Comment
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I'm a crumbler too. I reckon if you sow seeds directly outdoors they cope. I don't want a load of pampered woosies in my seed trays!Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.
www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - SpringComment
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Of course you do.......Originally posted by Flummery View Post
sigpic“Gorillas are very intelligent, but they don't have to be as delicate as chimps -- they can just smash open the termite nest,”
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Official Member Of The Nutters Club - Rwanda Branch.
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Sent from my ZX Spectrum with no predictive text..........
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KOYS - King Of Yellow Stickers..............Comment
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I saw Alan on Gardeners World years ago whos handy tip was to use a normal plastic plant pot, fill it with the compost you are using when sowing your seeds, and then shaking it over the top and the soil falls out the holes like a mini sieve.
i sometimes do this when sowing tiny seeds in the greenhouse.
Outside I just try and get a fine tilth to cover the drills, but its never very fine!Comment
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since wen does mother nature sieve all the soil for the seeds that spread naturallyComment
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I'm a crumbler too. I use Seed Sowing Compost for my seeds, I prefer a John Innes formulation (but you might not!), as Seed Compost is much finer than multi purpose and a small bag lasts me all season.
I sometimes sieve some compost over the seeds to cover them, but more often I "drizzle" some Vermiculite over them from a slight unclenched clenched fist-full.K's Garden blog the story of the creation of our gardenComment
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Mother Nature doesn't get as good a germination rate as I do ... well ... except for blessed Sycamore seedsOriginally posted by Pies View Post
K's Garden blog the story of the creation of our gardenComment
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Well, at the risk of sounding a bit anal I sieve my home made stuff to produce a fine seed and potting compost otherwise it would have all sorts of twiggy bits and lumps in it. The material that won't go through the sieve gets used as a mulch round fruit bushes.
From the base material I mix up a compost suitable for whatever crop I'm growing. ie. carrots and parsnips get plenty of sharp sand and brassicas get a good helping of chicken manure.
I've never sieved any shop bought stuff, but then I don't buy much of that.Comment
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