skip to main content

Growing from Seed

Fafard Seed Starter Mix Bad?

13 years ago

I got a bag of Fafard seed starting mix from the seconds at Fafard the plant in Anderson SC.
They sell mixes at very low prices that do not meet production standards. I have had no problems with the potting mixes.
I have had this bag opened in my basement for almost 8 years.
Can a mix like this go bad?

The reason I ask is. I have trouble starting seeds in it. I planted two flats. One sprouted almost 100% and the other flat, zero sprouted. Same seeds, same medium, same amount of water and light.

I had issues with starting seeds before, but I never thought about the mix. Is it possible something is wrong with it.
I am familiar with horticulture and seed starting.

Thanks in Advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

naturemitch
13 years ago
Very interesting. So the same bag gave you 100% germination and zero germination? I would think it wasn't the mix....seems to be an outside influence. This may sound funny, but did a cat pee in one flat :) ??? Did one flat get the medium that was on top of the bag? Maybe something dropped into the bag....could the bag have received any chemical spray over it?
naturemitch
13 years ago
Very interesting. So the same bag gave you 100% germination and zero germination? I would think it wasn't the mix....seems to be an outside influence. This may sound funny, but did a cat pee in one flat :) ??? Did one flat get the medium that was on top of the bag? Maybe something dropped into the bag....could the bag have received any chemical spray over it?
Related Professionals
Hagerstown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rocky Mount Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Philadelphia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Murfreesboro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Boston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Minneapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Platteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Enfield Landscape Contractors · Youngstown Landscape Contractors · Rocky Mount Architects & Building Designers · Cherry Hill Architects & Building Designers · Taunton Architects & Building Designers · Marquette Architects & Building Designers · Monroe Architects & Building Designers · Sanford Architects & Building Designers
Roll_Bones
Original Author
12 years ago
Cat pee is possible, but not likely. I guess I should get some new mix and see if that corrects the issue.

I just did not want to waste this big bag of seed starter mix.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prep Your Ground for a Healthy New Lawn

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Seed or sod that falls on weedy, lumpy soil is a wasted effort. Follow these steps to ensure that your new lawn will thrive

FALL GARDENING 20 Favorite Flowers for the Fall Landscape

By Marianne Lipanovich

Vivid blooms and striking shapes make these annuals and perennials a delight in autumn gardens

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Take Your Lunch to Work in Style

By Tami Hardeman

Eat healthier, save money and look great at your desk with containers, wrappings and bottles made for meals to go

INSPIRING GARDENS 12 Storybook Cottage Gardens

By Becky Harris

If you want a bewitching cottage garden but aren’t sure where to start, these ideas will get you planting in no time

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES Houzz Call: What’s Your Favorite Backyard Beauty?

By Stacy Briscoe

The simple, honest daisy is this writer’s go-to garden flower. We want to hear which plant, flowering or otherwise, gives you special joy

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

GRASS SOS. Best thing to spread over grass seedlings?

6

Has anyone winter sown annual vinca from seed?

4

Propagating American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius)

0