New heat Matt compost recomendations

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by markharry66, Jan 2, 2026 at 7:00 AM.

  1. markharry66

    markharry66 Apprentice Gardener

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    Just started using a 7 try heat mat had good success with it so far for germination. Problem I am having issues fungi growing in the compost after two weeks using a mix of cheap compost and Coco seed compost any recommendations or ways to sterilize compost before use
     
  2. Escarpment

    Escarpment Total Gardener

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    For seeds I just use the Coco coir on its own, I've never had any fungi.
     
  3. Pete8

    Pete8 Total Gardener

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    The compost is too moist so you need more ventilation to prevent fungi.
     
  4. Escarpment

    Escarpment Total Gardener

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    But you need the fungi spores to be present in the first place too.
     
  5. Pete8

    Pete8 Total Gardener

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    Fungal spores are everywhere all the time - when they come into contact with a suitable home they move in.
     
  6. Escarpment

    Escarpment Total Gardener

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    Well it depends what fungus he's getting doesn't it? If he's got oyster mushrooms growing out of his seed trays then it's probably the compost.
     
  7. pete

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

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    Mix 25% sharp sand in the compost before sowing it will help it drain, I've never gone to the lengths of sterilising compost, but some people do small amounts in a microwave.
     
  8. Pete8

    Pete8 Total Gardener

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    If the conditions are suitable for fungi, there are probably several varieties involved.
    To stop that happening and get rid of those already there it just needs less moisture in their environment, so more ventilation and a less moist compost will achieve that.

    Most years I get some fungi appearing in seed trays in my heated propagator in my unheated greenhouse. By removing the lids during the day for a few hours and leaving the vents open all the time soon gets rid of them.
     
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