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John Innes

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by Steve R, Feb 23, 2010.

  1. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    I bought a bag of John Innes seed and Potting compost to compare against my normal aldi seed compost.

    The JI mix is very gritty, lots of sharp sand I guess and I've put some into seed trays, soaked it in a tray of water then they have been draining for 2 days now.

    When I press my fingers on the surface of the mix I can see moisture starting to pool/ooze around it. To me this seems overwet even though the trays have been draining for a couple of days now (since Sunday).

    Is it okay to sow in these trays now?

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Feb 23, 2010
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  2. wiseowl

    wiseowl Admin 24/7 Staff Member

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    Hi Steve personally I would let it dry out a some more ,it just needs to be Moist.:)
     
    wiseowl, Feb 23, 2010
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  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Hi Steve J1 is quite different. I usually just spray the JI after I have sown seeds as it is a loam based compost it doesn't need as much water initially as the fibreous seed composts, so as Woo says dry it. out... In fact I would tip it out of your trays into something else you can airate it in to dry, it would be much quicker & then re-use it if you haven't sown into it..
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 23, 2010
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  4. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    Thank you both...I'll go tip it out, and start again. It really soaks up water super quick...was only standing in water for around ten mins.

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Feb 23, 2010
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  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :wink: I think it rather shocked me the first time I used it Steve, but I have to say I have had excellent plants with it as it doesnt dry out so quickly as the fibrous composts I am an old convert. It is more like your garden in a seed pan & as long as you remember that you will be ok Steve. Once your seedling are established they will never look back, but mist only to start with is my tip.. :wink: Let us know how you get on, but I am sure it will be fine just keep it moving about so it doesn't dry out in lumps
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 23, 2010
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  6. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    Its reassuring to know my propogator is working though...I took the trays out of there earlier, (put them in this morning to warm the compost up before sowing) tipped them out onto a tray in the cold greenhouse....and watched the steam rise from that :hehe:

    I've refilled with fresh compost..wetted slightly, back in the propogator till sowing in the morning. Thanks again!

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Feb 23, 2010
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  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :gnthb::gnthb:
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 23, 2010
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  8. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I've never used Ji seed compost, I tend to think its far too cloggy for seed sowing anything other than pretty large seeds.

    In fact I've never grown any plant in pure JI compost, I always add either extra peat or grit to JI no 3 for growing plants on.

    I think multi purpose is much better as a seed compost.
     
    pete, Feb 23, 2010
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