Can you plant seeds directly in compost?

Question

I want to start some vegetable plants to grow in my backyard. I've built little seed starting containers and am wondering if you can plant seeds directly into compost, (not a compost pile, compost I purchased from Whole Foods, an organic and natural grocery store).

Even if it's not optimal, can you plant seeds directly into compost?

Answer 1

Yeah why not?

Answer 2

you might sprout them there, but they won't grow there unless they can get their roots down into real soil.... compost is good stuff, but it doesn't have all the requirements of a growing plant......

Answer 3

well, from my experiences you can only grow pumpkins. all other veggies have died when ive tried.

Answer 4

yes, but it must be composed enough that it has turned into soil. it must be fairly moist and be nutrient filled, which most compost soils are. good luck! make sure you plant the seeds a thumbs length deep

Answer 5

You can always try it.

Seeds and sprouted seeds are a tad bit more temperamental then the established root system.

Just remember everything you see on top of the ground is because of what is going on below the ground.....if the new sprouted leaves are not doing well (if they come up) it is in result of what soil is used ie what is going on under the ground....

Try it and see :0)

Answer 6

I had a watermelon plant growing out of my compost pile last year (a volunteer)  I didn't water it but if I had I am sure I would have had a nice watermelon which was getting to be a good size before it croaked.  I have also built a raised bed and put 6" of compost in it and planted tomatoes and peppers this year and they are producing just fine.  the bed is on the ground and the plants can root into the soil underneath the 6" of compost.