Bag of multi purp compost been outside all winter- can it still be used?

[afriendcalledfive]

So yes, as it is above. Daft question maybe.

Bought some new compost a few days ago, thinking I had none left, then found the bag behind a wall

I've used some from the old bag on my container plants today after weeding just to get rid of the bag, but is it just good enough for that, or can it be used for sowing seeds? Will they survive? The bag and compost were soaking wet.

[dreamingofsun]

i've used it - but i am no expert. seed compost is better for growing seeds in, so i wouldn't use it for that even if its new. have any slugs got in? that would be my main concern that it had been contaminated with bugs etc

[LadyGardenersQuestionTime]

I'd use it for pots and maybe for growing on plants but I'd use something fresh and not sodden for seeds.

Which? recommend J Arthur Bowers traditional but it's 100%peat, the best of the others is B&Q Verve 50l bags 40% peat, the best peat-free was Miracle Gro expand and grow but I used it last year and found it a right pain and useless for seeds.

[afriendcalledfive]

Thanks ladygardener and dreaming.

Oh dear, never thought of bugs and stuff should be ok though to have topped up the compost already in my pots, then?

Mind you its a bit nippy up here in't North, not sure if anything could survive

A quick trip to the garden centre is needed now then, as a shed check has revealed no bug spray left, and I need the seed sowing compost. I'll keep away from the miracle gro.

[funnyperson]

one vote for using it

[afriendcalledfive]

Funnyperson - thanks for the vote, I have already used some in my containers mixed in with some of the new compost. Hoping it'll be ok, but time will tell.

[dreamingofsun]

i wouldn't be so concerned about bugs outside....but if you were growing seeds in your spare room the last thing you want is an infestation of slugs!!

[PigletJohn]

If it is soaking wet, then the nutrients have probably washed out of it, but seed compost does not have much anyway. Will be no good for potting or growing on.

It might have fungal disease in it. Seedlings are very prone to disease.

Don't throw it away, put old compost on the compost heap or scatter on the garden.

[afriendcalledfive]

Eurghh, good job I didn't use it for seeds then.

There wasn't that much, just added it to top up compost already in containers mixed in with new compost. Should be ok?