Provided is a method for seed priming comprising the steps of treating seed with a seed priming composition comprising sieved compost, hydrogel and water in a ratio of sieved compost:hydrogel:water of from about 5:1:4.75 to about 9:1:11 by weight in an amount sufficient to result in priming of the seed. In some embodiments, the seed is treated with from about 2 to about 39 grams of the seed priming composition per gram of seed. In preferred embodiments, the seed composition and the seed priming composition are free of soil or sand. In further preferred embodiments, the seed is blended with the seed priming composition at a temperature of about 5° C. to about 25° C.
