Updated/Fact-Chacked on March 9, 2022 by John
Your soil on its own may not have sufficient nutrients. In fact, the nutrients of your soul may wear off after several consecutive uses. Therefore, to replenish your soil nutrients, composts will always come in handy. It will hold the moisture of the soil together and give it a good texture.
Compost helps plants to maximally absorb soil nutrients. However, there are different types of composts. Our focus here is on Seed compost and Multi-Purpose compost.
Contents
Seed Compost
This kind of compost is light and well-drained, less lumpy than potting compost. It is perfect for putting seeds into as its name suggests.
Seed compost is made of fertile fibre nutrients, organic coir made from coconut husk, vermiculite, and pelite. Each of these components has its unique function to the overall usefulness of the seed compost. For example, the organic coir helps the seed to grow easily. Also, vermiculite helps the seed in absorbing water in cases of over-watering.
However, seed compost is not the right compost for larger or more mature plants as it does not have sufficient nutrients. It is also not the correct choice for larger seeds such as beans.
>> Guide to electric heated seed propagators
>> How to care for seeds once sprouted
>> Fast sprouting seeds for kids to grow
>> Should you soak seeds before sowing?
Multi-Purpose Compost
Multi-purpose compost has certain key differences from seed compost. It is made up of lime, fertilizer, bark, or green compost and is suitable only for plants that have germinated.
You can use it to grow diverse plants as its name suggests. You can use it in several parts of your garden, ranging from containers to beds, etc. The only thing it is not great for is very young plants or seeds.
A Comparison Of Seed Compost And Multi-Purpose Compost
- Seed compost contains an adequate measure of organic matter. It doesn’t contain an excess of mineral salts that are harmful to seedlings. Conversely, multi-purpose compost has a higher quantity of organic matter which may be harmful to seedlings.
- Seed compost is suitable for seeds that require low nutrients. It is also suitable for young plants. Multi-purpose compost is, however, not suitable for young plants. It’s only suitable for plants that have already germinated.
- Seed compost lacks sufficient nutrients to adequately support larger plants. If you want to plant larger seeds such as beans, multipurpose compost is your go-to. Your seedlings will be able to stay in their pots for a longer period and will have the needed nutrients.
- Seed compost contains a high quantity of vermiculite, while multipurpose compost contains a lower quantity of vermiculite. Therefore, multi-purpose compost cannot hold water like seed compost can.
To determine the appropriate compost, consider the nature of your plant and the state of your plant’s development.
Conclusion
Seed compost and multi-purpose compost have two different intended purposes and should be used correctly as the situation demands. It is a little like infant formula milk and adult milk. They should not be confused and it really does matter if you muddle them up.
Don’t skimp on this essential material for your garden and get the right sort to give your plants the best start in life and the best ongoing support.
Related Seed Articles
>> How long does it take for a seed to germinate?
>> How to start seeds in a paper towel
>> 10 steps to grow plants from seed
>> How to speed up seed germination
>> Will grass seed grow if just thrown on ground?
John Green is a 46-year-old graphic designer living in Durham. John is RHS level 3 certified and owns an allotment in Durham.