Seed compost trials
We are testing peat, peat-free and homemade compost
WE all welcome the proposed ban of peat in compost that will be implemented in a couple of years’ time, but debate is still continuing about the viability of peatfree seed compost.
There is a school of thought that says it isn’t as good as seed composts containing peat, so here at AG we have decided to put this to the test.
I started by making peat-free seed compost using homemade compost and leaf mould with added perlite.
It is a simple recipe: two parts homemade compost, two parts homemade leaf mould, both sieved, combined with one part perlite.
The compost provides the nutrients for the seeds and seedlings and if you don’t make your own, use multipurpose instead. Leaf mould provides bulk and helps with water retention, while perlite is a mineral compound that opens up the compost making it easier for developing roots to access the air and moisture.
If you don’t have any leaf mould, rehydrated coir is a good alternative.
I’m conducting a citizen science experiment to see which seed compost produces the best results: peat-free, seed and cuttings compost containing peat or my homemade mix.
Using a packet of ‘Candy Stripe’ cosmos seeds which are large and easy to sow and their foliage is distinctive so I’ll be able to distinguish them from any weeds sprouting from our own compos.
I have sown a tray in Westland Seed and Cuttings compost containing peat, a tray in Sylvagrow peat-free seed compost and a third in a tray of my own blended seed compost.
The trio have been set on the same windowsill, germinated in identical conditions and I’m extremely curious to see what, if any, differences will occur in terms of how the different composts behave when it comes to moisture retention, as well as germination time, seedling growth and strength and resistance to disease.
With any luck the end result will be a garden filled with cosmos this summer – keep reading for regular updates!