Old compost

[Catherine]

I have read somewhere this week, but I dont know where, that you should not use last years compost bags (which have been opened) when starting new seedlings in the new year as the compost will have disease in it and the seeds will not grow strongly. Can anyone else comment on this.

[oldherbaceous]

I always tip my compost into a bin for using, as it makes it easier to get out. And it is constanly being used, so i'm not sure to an answer.

But i would have thought, as long as the bags don't get soaked or full of water it should be fine.

[peter]

Not heard that one, but the "food" content of the compost can deteriorate.

I suspect that as it is not entirely sterile microorganisms consume some of it as they break down the organic content a bit.

Perhaps someone has taken thaat point and stretched it to being contaminated with disease?

[Mike Vogel]

My bags of compost get slugs and worms in them, but I haven't noticed any problems in germinating seds the following spring.

[Catherine]

I wish I could remember where I read this bit of useless information.