Seed compost

Klink

I thought i'd try and grow some of the seeds i've collected from the gardening magazines so bought a couple of bags of seed and cutting compost (Levingtons) I was expecting something like the fine silt like soil that i see Monty use.Instead i got two bags of very fibrous soil that just doesn't seem fine enough to use for seeds.

It's the first time in many many years that i'm attempting to grow from seed so can anyone recommend the 'right' make of compost i should use?

Fairygirl

Have you got any compost from annuals or similar? 
That's ideal for seed sowing just now, especially if you can sieve it a bit.
Ideally, you want something not too high in nutrients, and fine enough for seeds to easily germinate and  grow in. 
You can add grit or perlite, depending on what you intend sowing, although that's not so vital - better for cuttings. 

Klink

No, nothing @Fairygirl which is why i had to go buy some. All the annuals i had in pots outside were competing with weeds scattered from the bird table so i took out as many weeds as i could and put the rest of the soil in the space i had in the borders.

Fairygirl

If you sieve the stuff you bought, that might be better. 
I think some of these composts are poor - especially the peat free ones. It's full of all sorts of rough, lumpy stuff which I never feel is any good for seed sowing. 

Klink

I doubt there'll be much left after sieving what i have here! I'm so disappointed.I thought i'd bought a reputable name in compost so was surprised to see how awful it was.I'll take it up to my allotment and use it as a mulch if nothing else.

Fairygirl

You might be as well using some sieved garden soil if it's really poor. 

Sieve some anyway, and try mixing with some garden soil as well, if you don't have enough. That's probably the best solution. I rarely use seed compost because I don't sow a lot at this time of year, but I use old compost as it works well. 
You'll just need to have more annuals next summer 

Klink

I'll give it a try @Fairygirl . Fingers crossed

Fairygirl

Good luck 

BenCotto

The Which review of composts for seed sowing gave first place to Clover MPC with 96%. Then
T & M Incredicompost 92%
Bathgate Champions Blend all purpose 92%
Humax Original 87%

Levington Seed and Cutting scored 71%