1. Forum News
    NEW SOFTWARE & SERVER IS COMING!
    Please click on the link below to get the most up to date information: CLICK HERE

John Innes

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

  1. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2008
    Messages:
    3,892
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Carer
    Location:
    Cumbria
    Ratings:
    +3,703
    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
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. wiseowl

    wiseowl Admin 24/7 Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2006
    Messages:
    46,094
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Walking over rough terrain
    Location:
    On the northwest bank of the River Medway
    Ratings:
    +95,531
    Hi Steve personally I would let it dry out a some more ,it just needs to be Moist.:)
     
    wiseowl, Feb 23, 2010
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,130
    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
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2008
    Messages:
    3,892
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Carer
    Location:
    Cumbria
    Ratings:
    +3,703
    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
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,130
    :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
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2008
    Messages:
    3,892
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Carer
    Location:
    Cumbria
    Ratings:
    +3,703
    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
    #6 Quote in Conversation
  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,130
    :gnthb::gnthb:
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 23, 2010
    #7 Quote in Conversation
  8. pete

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

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    57,558
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +113,830
    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
    #8 Quote in Conversation
Loading...
Similar Threads - John Innes
  1. stumorphmac

    John innes

    stumorphmac, Feb 9, 2025, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    22
    Views:
    2,155
    pete
    Feb 13, 2025
  2. shrimp

    When do you use john innes no 1

    shrimp, Aug 1, 2020, in forum: Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    3,622
    gks
    Mar 12, 2021
  3. NessaJ70

    Any substitute to John Innes No 3

    NessaJ70, Jun 9, 2020, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    6,417
    pete
    Jun 9, 2020
  4. jon car

    Rhododendron - Has John Innes #2 caused Yellow leaves

    jon car, Apr 5, 2020, in forum: Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    1,752
    jon car
    Apr 5, 2020
  5. robbo

    John innes number 3

    robbo, May 14, 2019, in forum: Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling
    Replies:
    1
    Views:
    1,173
    Verdun
    May 14, 2019

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice