what compost or mix to use?

**Epsom Gardener** · 16-02-2009, 11:31 AM

HI, Jogette
I have always just used multi-purpose compost-and I have been gardening for 25 years and always have a good success rate. This year I tried 2 parts compost, 2 parts coir, 1 part sand & 1 part perlite. I mixed this up yesterday when I sowed some seeds. It was a hassle and not cheap! From now on I will stick with the multi-purpose. If you don't want to do this, just use seed sowing compost from any garden centre.

**plantsbypost.com** · 16-02-2009, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by Epsom Gardener View Post

HI, Jogette
I have always just used multi-purpose compost-and I have been gardening for 25 years and always have a good success rate. This year I tried 2 parts compost, 2 parts coir, 1 part sand & 1 part perlite. I mixed this up yesterday when I sowed some seeds. It was a hassle and not cheap! From now on I will stick with the multi-purpose. If you don't want to do this, just use seed sowing compost from any garden centre.

Sounds a bit too 'open' for my liking, you are going to need to watch your watering and feeding with that one. Let me know how it goes though.

If you can get a sterilised seed compost all the better, and try and look for 'fresh' bags - don't buy last years old stock and don't buy 'wet' bags - they have been hanging round for too long for my liking.

Regards

Neil

**Flobalob** · 16-02-2009, 01:05 PM

I have been using John Innes No1. Having just pricked out Tomatoes, peppers, etc.Whilst the germination was very good i felt the root system was very poor !
So will revert back to Multi purpose when I seed additional veg.

**Gwen11ian** · 16-02-2009, 01:18 PM

I'm trying John Innes Seed compost this year for the first time. Usually use multipurpose, but since I'm experimenting with early sowing that I should try something specifically made for seeds (since seedlings will be in the pots for a while).

**Two_Sheds** · 16-02-2009, 04:19 PM

Multi-purpose for me.
btw, John Innes No.3 is for permanent plantings, it's too rich for seedlings

**Snadger** · 16-02-2009, 09:47 PM

I have access to copious amounts of sand and topsoil and very little money so always make my own John Innes type compost using the tried and tested JI formulae with a few of my own modifications.

7 parts soil, 2 parts sand and 3 parts peat or coir + 1 part home made compost or well rotted manure and a handful of BFB to a wheelbarrow full of mixed compost.

I use this for potting on ALL plants but always use multi purpose coir based seed compost!

**helly** · 16-02-2009, 10:26 PM

I've been usin multi-purpose with 1 part sharp sand and up to now have been great for my seedlings

**Eco-Chic** · 16-02-2009, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by helly View Post

I've been usin multi-purpose with 1 part sharp sand and up to now have been great for my seedlings

I use roughly the same but add more sand for cuttings.

**Alison** · 16-02-2009, 10:39 PM

I've never really got on with any of the John Innes composts, they just don't seem to feel right to me but I know other people who swear by them. Tend to sow all my stuff in a multi purpose peat free (New Horizons) and just pick out the twiggy bits and put them intno bigger pots. Never had any problems with it and it saves me having to find room for different types.

**Paulottie** · 16-02-2009, 11:43 PM

A seed compost needs good drainage and few nutrients. Like Snadger for all smaller seeds I tend to buy fresh sterile seed compost. You don't need much in a year anyway.
Soil based or peat/coir based is a just preference thing. I would steer clear of multipurpose (or at least add sand and vermiculite)

You then make, or bulk out shop brought, for potting on and growing toms chiles etc...A good source of leaf mould and topsoil is handy. For long term potting I would chose a soil based John Innes with some added charcoal to keep it sweet.

**Epsom Gardener** · 17-02-2009, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by plantsbypost.com View Post

Sounds a bit too 'open' for my liking, you are going to need to watch your watering and feeding with that one. Let me know how it goes though.

Regards

Neil

Yes, Neil, that's what I thougt too. Will have to get those seedlings out and into proper soil soon as they are ready! THanks for confirming for me.

Dean

**SarzWix** · 17-02-2009, 09:46 AM

I use whichever multi-purpose is on offer at the time of buying. I just sieve the lumps out for seed sowing! On the odd occasion that seed-sowing stuff is on offer I buy that, but never found it made enough difference to justify the extra cost.

**shirlthegirl43** · 17-02-2009, 10:09 AM

I want to sow some radish today and never having had any luck with them in the past, I wonder what is best to sow them into - multi purpose compost or garden soil?

**gojiberry** · 17-02-2009, 05:55 PM

I'm with SarzWix, I use to much to be buying seed compost, but I also sieve out the lumps. Never had any problem in the past.

Ian

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