Seed Compost

Seed compost FAQs

Explore here for expert tips and advice for seeding, from why you should use special compost to when to plant out. Remember our Customer Service Team is available Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays, to answer any other queries you may have. Check out our general FAQs page for further gardening guidance.

What's the difference between seed compost and normal compost?

Seed compost is specifically crafted for nurturing seeds or supporting successful plant
propagation from cuttings. It's also known as cutting compost.

There are small but important differences compared to multi-purpose compost. The texture of seed compost is much finer, making it easier for the shoots and roots of delicate seedlings to push through as they emerge. This also promotes better drainage, helping to avoid waterlogging and ensuring a beneficial balance of water and air around seed roots.

Our peat-free seed composts are richer in beneficial microbes than peat-based alternatives, helping to protect plants from potentially harmful pathogens. Together, these qualities drive optimal seed germination and cutting growth.

Do I really need seed compost?

You don't need to use seed compost when planting your seeds, but with it, you can
maximise germination rates and lessen the chances of unhealthy plants. Using the
right compost gives your plants the best possible start, encouraging strong and healthy growth so you can enjoy them in your garden for many seasons to come.

Using traditional compost for seeding and starting cuttings risks them being smothered.
This compost is typically denser and heavier and more prone to retaining water, making it harder for seeds to germinate.

Multipurpose compost contains more fertiliser which seeds don't need. Seedlings use nutrients stored within the seed to boost their germination and initial growth, so fertiliser is unnecessary - in fact, when applied too early it can burn or damage the young roots and tissues.

Do you need compost to grow grass from seed?

Growing grass from seed is easier and cheaper than buying turf, and with the right tools and techniques, you can get great results. Applying compost to your soil before seeding
can help retain moisture, which is essential as your grass seeds will likely die if the soil dries out.

You should aim to buy your seed compost and top soil and prepare the ground at least
a fortnight before planting so your soil has time to settle. Remember to feed your lawn regularly once growth is established to keep it in tip-top condition.

Should you sow seeds indoors or outdoors?

Cold weather can harm germinating seeds and young plants, and in the UK, frosts can last well into spring. Starting seeds indoors provides invaluable protection from harsh conditions and insect damage while spurring faster growth. This gives you the flexibility to plant earlier in the season to meet your gardening timelines. Seeds that should be sowed indoors include tender crops and herbs such as tomatoes and basil, half-hardy and hardy annuals and slow-growing vegetables.

With the right conditions and compost, you can attempt outdoor seeding in the UK. Some plants such as ornamental biennials and most salad plants and vegetables respond enthusiastically to outdoor sowing. Look out for weed seedlings appearing in the spring – this is a reliable indicator that the soil is warm enough to begin direct sowing.

Turning over the soil and incorporating a thin layer of compost a couple of weeks before making drills and seeding will support successful growth. Once planted, ensure your seeds have sufficient water and are protected from insects, slugs and snails.

Can I make my own seed compost?

Many in the UK prefer to buy seed compost online or at their local garden centre for speed and simplicity, but you can make your own if you have the time. Because this kind
of compost doesn't need high nutrient levels, as seeds are self-sufficient in the early stages, the composition is relatively simple. All you need is equal parts garden compost, sharp sand and top soil from your garden. Combine them with water until you have a
uniform consistency that allows for air circulation.

Why buy seed compost from Marshalls Garden?

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