Westland Seed & Cutting Compost 25L – Super Fine, Nutrient-Rich Mix

Westland Seed & Cutting Compost – 25L

Seed and cutting compost is a different material from multi-purpose, and this is a proper one: a super fine grade so small seed sits in contact with the compost rather than in air pockets, with vermiculite worked through it for water retention and aeration. Westland guarantee 25% better germination on the strength of that grade.

It is a peat-based mix — Westland declare a high peat content of 51 to 100% — which is still what most propagators prefer for fine seed and soft cuttings, because it is consistent, low in nutrient and easy to keep evenly damp. The 25 litre bag is the larger of the two sizes.

Performance & Benefits

• 25 litre bag; also sold in 10L.
• Super fine grade, so fine seed makes proper contact with the compost.
• 25% better germination guaranteed by Westland against a standard mix.
• Added vermiculite for water retention and aeration together.
• Naturally enriched with plant extracts to stimulate root and leaf development.
• Low-nutrient by design, which is what young roots want rather than a rich mix.

Suitable For

• Sowing flower, herb and vegetable seed in trays, modules and pots.
• Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings taken through the season.
• Propagators, windowsill sowing and cold frames.
• Anyone who has had patchy germination in a general-purpose compost.
• Not suitable for ericaceous plants, and too fine and too lean for potting on established plants — John Innes No.3 or a multi-purpose compost takes over at that point.

How to Use

• Fill the tray or pot to just below the rim and water it thoroughly before sowing.
• Sow the seed evenly, cover lightly with compost and keep it under cover until germination.
• Keep it moist, never wet; fine compost in a closed propagator holds water longer than it looks.
• Cuttings: take 10cm shoots, trim to two pairs of leaves, dip in rooting gel and insert firmly.
• Stand cuttings somewhere warm and out of direct sunlight, and water them in.
• Reseal the bag and store it dry and frost-free so the fine grade does not clump.

Specification

• 25 litre bag. Also sold in 10L.
• Peat-based; Westland declare a high peat content of 51–100%.
• Super fine grade with added vermiculite.
• Westland publish no NPK analysis or nutrient figures for this compost, so none is stated here.
• Store copy has described it as a mini bale in the product handle; Westland list it simply as a 25 litre bag.

Care & Caution

• Fine compost throws more dust than a coarse one. Fill trays in a well-ventilated place and do not breathe the dust.
• Wear gloves while handling it and wash your hands afterwards.
• Keep the bag away from weedkillers and chemicals in the shed or greenhouse.