11 best seed composts

Seed compost is a specific type of soil mix used for starting seeds and nurturing young plants in gardening and horticulture. It's specially formulated to provide the ideal conditions for germination and early growth. Here's what you should know about seed compost:

  1. Composition: Seed compost is typically a lightweight and fine-textured mix made up of various components. It usually contains a blend of peat, perlite, vermiculite, and sometimes a small amount of nutrients.

  2. Nutrient Levels: Seed compost is intentionally low in nutrients because young seedlings don't require a lot of fertilization early on. This minimizes the risk of overfeeding and damaging delicate seedlings.

  3. Moisture Retention: Seed compost is designed to retain moisture while also providing good drainage.This balance is crucial to keep the seeds from drying out but preventing waterlogged conditions that can lead to rot.

  4. Sterile: High-quality seed compost is often sterilized to eliminate weed seeds, diseases, and pests that could harm young plants. This ensures a clean environment for germination.

  5. Fine Texture: The fine texture of seed compost makes it easy for seeds to make contact with the soil, promoting successful germination.

  6. pH Balance: Seed compost typically has a neutral to slightly acidic pH, which is suitable for a wide range of seeds and seedlings.

  7. Sowing Seeds: To use seed compost, fill seed trays or pots with the mix and gently press the seeds into the surface. It's important to follow the specific planting depth and spacing instructions for each type of seed.

  8. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into a more nutrient-rich growing medium or directly into the garden.

  9. Brand Varieties: Various brands offer different types of seed compost, and some may include additional ingredients, such as beneficial microorganisms, to enhance seedling health.

  10. Organic Options: Some gardeners prefer organic seed compost, which is made from organic materials and is free from synthetic chemicals.

  11. Sustainability: Concerns about the environmental impact of peat extraction have led to the development of peat-free seed compost options. These use alternative ingredients like coir (coconut fiber) or wood fiber.

  12. Storage: To maintain the quality of your seed compost, store it in a cool, dry place and keep the bag sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.

Seed compost is a valuable tool for any gardener looking to start plants from seeds. It provides the right conditions for successful germination and early growth, setting the stage for healthy, thriving plants that can be later transferred to a larger garden or container.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best seed composts on the market
  

Mantis CT08002 Back Porch ComposTumbler, Green

Mantis

Based on 54 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Back Porch ComposTumbler from Mantis is the mobile composter that makes compost in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Developed for urban composting and backyard use. Mantis has expanded the world of composting to gardeners with smaller yards. The mobile design includes two wheels for easy and lightweight transport. Holds 4 bushels and is easy to roll finished compost to flower beds and garden areas. The plastic drum keeps compost contents totally enclosed to keep animals and smells out. Vented end caps permit proper air flow and drainage. The easy-grip grooves make it simple to rotate the compost drum and keeping the heat core cooking. Recycle kitchen scraps and yard trimmings to create rich compost that will improve your soil's texture, boost its fertility and help plants resist disease. Made in the USA the Back Porch is made from heavy-duty, BPA free, food-grade polyethylene. Interior fins help mix compost while turning, producing rich, loamy compost in four to six weeks. Green color blends into landscape. Holds 5 cubic feet (37 gallons, 4 bushels) of material. Assembled dimensions are 37" H x 31" W x 26" D. Two big 6" wheels let you bring finished compost right to your garden beds. Comes with a two year limited warranty on all parts.

  • Perfect for urban spaces and small properties
  • Fully enclosed composter design eliminates odors and keeps animals out
  • Compost tumbler barrel features removable door for easy filling and emptying
  • Air vent at top allows uninterrupted flow of oxygen into the compost bin
  • Drainage vents helps excess moisture to exit the composter
  • Back Porch ComposTumbler is made in the USA
  • 2 Year Limited Warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a way to drain for compost tea? thx
Answer: Ours pretty much filled up in three weeks. It's ready based on how much sun you get really. We rolled ours everyday. Also, make sure to put in a little bit of moisture. Also need some grass clippings and leaves from the yard, get it going faster. Last tip: Cut up your scraps when convenient. The smaller the stuff you put in, the faster it composts!
Question: Did anyone else have a problem with one of the main panels coming apart from the circular side panel? I replaced the holding scre but panel still open
Answer: We are the MAKARI de Suisse brand and we sell only the original authentic product. Please check for the hologram on the box. The MAKARI Botanical oil is a light orange color.
Question: Anyone else's composter fall apart after 1 year
Answer: the botanical body oil is for hydrating skin and helps improve appearance of blemishes, stretch marks etc. this is not a tanning product at all.
Question: Can I continually add more to this bin, as kitchen scraps and other materials are available, or do I need to add everything all at once and wait
Answer: No, the Botanical Body Oil is for body only. Please do not use on face as it's too heavy.

Mantis 201101 Compost Bin Thermometer

Based on 78 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Compost is all about accurate temperature. This 20-inch thermometer measures up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit - perfect for measuring the temperature of the heat core of your compost.

From the Manufacturer

Compost is all about accurate temperature. This 20-inch thermometer measures up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit - perfect for measuring the temperature of the heat core of your compost.

  • Compost Thermometer
  • 20-inch long
  • Measures up to 220-inch degrees
  • Perfect for measuring heat core of your compost
  • 20-inches in length

Mantis ComposT-Twin Cover 201104

Mantis

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Mantis Compost-Twin composter cover is designed for use with the Mantis Compost-Twin composter. The cover is constructed from weather-resistant vinyl and includes grommets to secure it to your Compost-Twin's frame. Use it to protect your composter from the elements during the winter or any other time that you are not cooking a batch of compost. The cover is an attractive dark-green color and is easy to clean.

The Mantis Compost-Twin composter cover is designed for use with the Mantis Compost-Twin composter. The cover is constructed from weather-resistant vinyl and includes grommets to secure it to your Compost-Twin's frame. Use it to protect your composter from the elements during the winter or any other time that you are not cooking a batch of compost. The cover is an attractive dark-green color and is easy to clean.

From the Manufacturer

This weather resistent vinyl tarp protects your ComposT-Twin from the elements during the winter or any other time you are not cooking a batch.

  • CompostT-Twin Cover
  • Attractive dark green color
  • Made of durable, easy to clean vinyl
  • Grommets secure cover to composter
  • Dark-green color

Mantis Compost Bin Moisture Meter 201103

Mantis

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adequate moisture levels are important in the formation of good compost. Accurately measure the moisture in your compost with this handy moisture meter you can use right in the chambers of your ComposT-Twin. Also useful for house plants.

From the Manufacturer

Adequate moisture levels are important in the formation of good compost. Accurately measure the moisture in your compost with this handy moisture meter you can use right in the chambers of your ComposT-Twin. Also useful for house plants.

  • Craftables Dies, Santa
  • A Classic Craftable For Christmas And Winter; Marianne Design Craftable Can Be Used In All Leading Brand Die Cutting Systems
  • Paper Craft Product
  • Product Type: Home Accessories

User questions & answers

Question: is item durable
Answer: Don't waste your money on this. It sucks!

Mantis 1522 6-Pack Tiller 2-Cycle Engine Oil

Mantis

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pack of 6 convenient, pre-measured bottles of premium 2-cycle engine oil. Each bottle contains 2.6 ounces.

  • 2-Cycle Engine Oil - 6 pack
  • Pre-measured bottles are ready to add to one gallon of unleaded gasoline
  • For use in gas/oil mixture for 2-cycle engine use only
  • 6-pack of bottles
  • Each bottle contains 2.6 ounces of premium engine oil

Pumpkin Jack

Albert Whitman & Company

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Lawn Care for Dummies

Wiley

Based on 160 reviews Check latest price

All New Square Foot Gardening, 3rd Edition, Fully Updated: MORE Projects - NEW Solutions - GROW Vegetables Anywhere (All New Square Foot Gardening, 9)

Cool Springs Press

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product features

The Square Foot Gardening Series

Since Square Foot Gardening was first introduced in 1981, the revolutionary new way to garden developed by Mel Bartholomew has helped millions of home gardeners grow more fresh produce in less space and with less work. Now, based largely on the input and experience of these millions, the system has been even further refined and improved to fully meet today's changing resources, needs, and challenges.

Don't wait another season to try Mel's brilliant approach to gardening! We're sure it will work for you and you won't look back.

Whether you grow in a Square Foot Garden, a straw bale garden, containers, or a traditional garden plot, you can approach harvest time with confidence.

End world hunger.'

That’s the mission of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, articulated by Mel Bartholomew, the inventor of Square Foot Gardening and founder of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. It’s a tall order, but one we’re already tackling, one square foot at a time.

As the Foundation enters our third decade in operation, we’re continuing to spread Mel’s original message of growing more food in less space with less waste (of time, materials, and money). Here’s how we’re doing it, at home and abroad, and how you can join us!

HOW TO BUILD A CLASSIC SQUARE FOOT GARDEN TRELLIS

Mel developed the classic trellis for a 4 × 4-foot Square Foot Garden box after years of experimentation, and it remains perhaps the best way for supporting vertical crops—ridiculously simple, easy, and inexpensive. For the vertical supports, ordinary electrical conduit has proven to be an inexpensive and very sturdy material to use. It never rots away, and it is strong enough to bear up under the winds that can buffet a trellis once it is filled with growing vines.

HOW TO BUILD A SIMPLE WIRE COMPOSTER

A compost bin can be an elaborate affair with wooden sides made of high-quality cedar or redwood, but you can create a perfectly serviceable composter from five metal fencing posts, a piece of 4-foot-wide weldedmetal fencing about 8 to 10 feet long, and a dozen or so 1 × 4 pine boards. With this composter, it’s very easy to add materials and turn your compost regularly. This design is from Joel Karsten, author of Straw Bale Gardens Complete.

HOW TO CREATE MEL’S MIX

You’re getting close now. Your Square Foot Garden box is (or boxes are) built. And with all the math out of the way, the fun now starts as you create the actual Mel’s Mix and fill your garden box with the growing medium that will make the most productive garden you’ve ever seen. Before you get started, make sure that you know exactly where you want your Square Foot Garden boxes positioned in your yard, because once you fill them with Mel’s Mix, it will be tricky to move them around.

Jobe’s Organics 09726 EMW7215080 Fast Start Granular Fertilizer with Biozome, 4-4-2 Org, 4 lb

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

09726 features: -organic starter granular fertilizer.-Exclusive fast-acting Biozome.-Increases microorganism activity for a healthier, living soil.-Breaks Down organic material faster for more abundant results.-4 lb. Color/finish: -Color: Brown.

  • Organic granular fertilizer; fast acting fertilizer to improve root growth of seeds and new plantings
  • Omri listed for organic gardening by USDA; certified organic means no synthetic chemicals
  • Contains jobe’s biozome…the proprietary microorganism archaea that aggressively breaks down Material for faster results
  • Jobe’s Biome improves soil conditions, helps resist disease, insects, and drought during the growing season
  • Easy pour bag; guaranteed fertilizer Analysis: (4-4-2) 4 pound bag; apply at initial planting

User questions & answers

Question: What is the solution (NPK) on this
Answer: Measured diameter is 2-3/4"
Question: What is the percentage of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium in the fertilizer
Answer: If there is, I haven't found it. These 6 pk scrub pads were listed as an add-on, but i can't see how the attach!!
Question: For a potted meyer lemon tree, how much should I use
Answer: I think so - If the rotating attachment of the Power Scrubber uses a Velcro surface to hold the pad, then yes.
Question: what are the actual ingredients
Answer: Just pull the end opposite of the end of the scrubber is on . you have to pull, or work it a little to get it off.

Product features

Jobe's Organics Fast Start Granular

Jobe’s Organics Fast Start Granular Fertilizer with Biozome, is specially formulated to help seeds and new plantings get established by developing and expanding the root system to take in more nutrients for a stronger healthier plant.

Features & Benefits

  • Increases microorganism activity
  • Kid and pet friendly
  • Our organic products provide your plants with the food they need

WHEN TO APPLY:

  • At initial planting

IDEAL FOR:

  • New plantings

Jiffy Natural & Organic Starter Mix 12 Quart

Based on 113 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Jiffy Seed starting mix is designed for special PH and nutrient needs of seed and plants. The 12 quart size is perfect size for easy handling.

  • Nusery Quality Formula
  • Canadian Peat Moss used for best root development
  • Uniform, consistent blend

User questions & answers

Question: What are the Ingredients
Answer: The same brushes for the 082 (Long Handle power scrubber) also fit the 084 (this model.)

SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4" Sifting Pan, 1/8" Mesh Screen - GP2-18

SE

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use this Patented 13-¼” Stackable Sifting Pan with ⅛” Mesh Size at home, at work, or on your next adventure!

Why use our Sifting Pans (AKA classifiers/sieves)?

• Classification is the most important step in gold recovery.

• Screen off large, worthless gravel and rock.

• Size your material to the proper dimensions of the gold you are expecting to recover.

• Our high quality stainless steel wire mesh is both accurate and durable for everyday use.

• The plastic is both lightweight and durable.

Advantages of our stackable design:

• Resting the pans on top of each other takes up less space.

• The differently sized mesh screens make classifying even faster.

• Each pan fits perfectly on top of a 5-gallon bucket.

Patent Numbers:

United States: D666086

China: 201230049676.1

Canada: 146123

Important:

Avoid getting counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with our SE logo on the packaging.

SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness this Patented 13-¼" Stackable Sifting Pan, ⅛” Mesh Size has to offer.

SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.

  • Top diameter: 13-1/4”
  • Mesh screen size: 1/8”
  • Wire thickness: 0.6 mm
  • Stackable design sits nicely on 5-gal. bucket
  • U.S. Patent Number: D666086

User questions & answers

Question: Any suggestions as to what size mesh would work best for sifting sand on the beach? We need fine sand for building sand castles and this looks perfec
Answer: I had mine in two days.
Question: Can you sift through all 5 at the same time? I want to get various grades of gravel for my planters
Answer: Yes. Can be programmed completely independent of each other.
Question: Are these good for sifting home made compost
Answer: There is. I haven’t used it since last summer but you can definitely set it to manual. I do believe you have to redo it each time as it is on a timer but not hard. I used it all the time. I love mine and I have two.
Question: Gp2-14 vs gp
Answer: I change the batteries at the beginning of spring each year. I then reprogram the Orbit once again. It is very easy to do and takes me less then ten minutes. I've had other water control devices and this one is the best and the easiest to use.

Product features

Proven And Patented Design

Our patented stackable sifting pan set is proven to give you the best results while panning for gold. Our set has multiple features and capabilities that cannot be matched by any other sifting set. Enhance your prospects with our time tested sifting set!

  • Rust Resistant
  • 304 Stainless Steel Wire
  • Assorted Mesh Sizes
  • Plastic Body
  • Stackable Design
  • Size: 13.25"

USA Patent | Canada Patent | China Patent | Other Patents Pending

*Bucket Not Included

Stackable Design

Our sifting pans are stackable, giving you the most efficiency. By resting the pans on top of one another, you are able to save space and time. Stack and store when not in use, or stack and use them at the same time. Make classification a breeze with our sifting set!

They can be easily stacked on top of a 5 gallon bucket to catch the falling water.*

*Bucket Not Included

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

The durable and rust resistant stainless steel mesh wire is perfect for prospecting and archeology. Easily screen off gravel and rock from your findings to locate gold and other treasures and relics.

The design of our wire mesh is proven and patented, giving you a greater chance of success while panning. This valuable and unique design can not be found anywhere else!

Multiple Sizes

Our set features 5 different wire mesh sizes so you'll never be without options. These sizes include:

  • Mesh size: 0.500" – Wire thickness: 1.40 mm
  • Mesh size: 0.250" – Wire thickness: 0.95 mm
  • Mesh size: 0.125" – Wire thickness: 0.60 mm
  • Mesh size: 0.083" – Wire thickness: 0.45 mm
  • Mesh size: 0.050" – Wire thickness: 0.35 mm

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