Sterilizing compost

[Action_Man]

I got some potting compost recently from B&Q, put it in the seed trays and inserted the seeds, now after one day there is a white film on top of the soil, which i`m assuming is some kind fungal growth. And i also suppose its killed my seeds off.

I heard via the Internet that you can sterilize the compost if you place it into the microwave for a certain length of time, is this true ?, and if so, how long ?.

This has made me so angry as its put me back a week (grrr) ...

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Action_Man

I got some potting compost recently from B&Q, put it in the seed trays and inserted the seeds, now after one day there is a white film on top of the soil, which i`m assuming is some kind fungal growth. And i also suppose its killed my seeds off.

I heard via the Internet that you can sterilize the compost if you place it into the microwave for a certain length of time, is this true ?, and if so, how long ?.

This has made me so angry as its put me back a week (grrr) ...

There's no reason to suppose your seeds have been killed, in fact quite the opposite. For many seeds the breaking/softening of the hard outer shell is quite naturally accompanied by microbial activity. Do remember that apart from a very few plants which germinate after fire, germination in sterile soil does not happen in nature.

What the scale of microbial growth you report does suggest is that your seed trays have been in an inadequately ventilated space, try opening up whatever containers you are using, for a few hours each day.

CM

[Action_Man]

Yes i noticed when i removed the cover that the growth decreased quite significantly, i`ll leave them a few days more to see if they germinate.

As a general rule, how long do seeds take before they sprout ? . The plants i`m trying to grow are Sweat pea`s. As you may tell, i`m new to this gardening lark ...

[Seajay]

Buy a tin of Cheshunt compound and follow the instructions for mixing then water your compost. Simple and 100% effective. No damping off whatsoever.

With sweet peas if you soak them overnight they germinate very fast.

Have patience - it's not a race. Enjoy!

Colin

[naturelover]

sweet peas take quite a while to germinate as their a large seed,but once they have started they grow quick,did you soak your seeds for 24hours this dose help.

[Action_Man]

Yes i soaked them overnight, most swelled up, but a few dident, so maybe there not viable, but i planted them anyway.

I know its not a race but i have planted all/most of my seeds in this compost, and if they dont germinate i`ll be down to B&Q asking for compensation ...

[naturelover]

I have had their compost befor normally very good,strange that,have you got them in a greenhouse,if so this time of year you do tend to get a bit of mildew if its all closed up,try opening a window to serculate the air.

[Bub-les]

Depending on how warm you are keeping the seeds they should germinate in 7-10 days. The darker and harder the seed coat the longer they will take. Keep them well ventilated and they should be fine.
Hope that helps
Barbara

[Action_Man]

Ah so maybe ten days or so, they dident take that long in jack and the beanstalk .

I have them in my kitchen, in one of those mini propagators, so i have removed the cover and given them a little light light ...

[Bub-les]

naaahh sweet peas ain't magic beans mate!
seriously though it sounds like you'll do ok now. The surface fungus will probably die off before it gets a chance to do any damage. Just keep them warm for now they don't even need light yet!
Barbara