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Does old but new compost need fertiliser for seeds

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by marjoriesseedling, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. marjoriesseedling

    marjoriesseedling Apprentice Gardener

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    I have some bags of compost about three years old. Will this be OK for growing seeds, or will it need fertiliser?

    Thanks
     
    marjoriesseedling, Jan 13, 2015
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  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Depends on how it has been stored as bought compost can go sour after a while. Does it smell OK?

    Personally I wouldn't use such old compost for any valuable small seeds. But for sowing cheap veggies with bigger more robust seeds (like peas) then it would be OK.

    Seed compost has very little fertilizer anyway, so no need to add any. This is one of the reasons why you have to prick out seedlings into the next 'one up' compost (e.g. to John Innes #1 then after that to #2)
     
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      JWK, Jan 13, 2015
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    • Scrungee

      Scrungee Well known for it

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      Has it been stored outside in the rain for 3 years and got soggy, or if it's been stored under cover has it dried out?

      That's because wet stuff stored outdoors seems to go off quicker and have nasties get in through small holes, which in my experience has led to a far greater incidence of mould growth, damping off, etc. Compost that has dried out never seems to be properly restored by re-wetting.
       
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        Last edited: Jan 13, 2015
        Scrungee, Jan 13, 2015
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      • "M"

        "M" Total Gardener

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        :blue thumb: Never knew that: thank you! :blue thumb:
         
        "M", Jan 13, 2015
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