I can't answer everything but I know that a lot of people suggest burying tomatoes extra deeply so that can really develop a good root system. Adding extra soil to those pots shouldn't be a problem I would think.

Some pictures of the seedlings would help show exactly what's happening. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by a round fashion. Like the supposed ostrich with its head in the sand? Lots of seeds come up like that before standing upright.

Hello!
Yes, you can add soil to the tomatoes and bury the green stems to the desired height.
With the seedlings, I would add a bit of soil to cover the roots, and then of course add extra soil when the seedlings are re-potted.

What you have discovered is compaction - this happens with very fine particulate, which is what makes up the majority of bagged soil mixes (or yard soil, et cetera). Now that the soil has compacted with watering, the soil won't have as much oxygen, and it will hold water much longer. This can suffocate roots.

Josh

Thanks Ahleumakani and Josh for your replies.

1/ The tomato plants can be buried but what about the pepper?

2/ If compacting is the problem with potting mixes, how can I overcome it? Add some perlite / vermiculite. I went through Al's post on water retentive ability of potting soil and there are tricks like tilting the container will drain out some more water from the PWT or putting in a wick in the drainage holes. But as I understand this is a workable solution immediately after water (and immediately after the drainage has apparently stopped). But what about the container which have been watered 2-3 days before and still seem to be heavy because of water retention?

The local nursery guys were like shocked when I told them that I water until it starts to drain from the bottom as that's what I learnt from experts in the US :-). They told me to immediately stop it. Perhaps the local potting soil is not like Miracle gro type - here it hold too much water and may have been designed to suit local desert climate needs as to store more water to keep the plants cooler.

I really am afraid of making my own potting soil (it is becoming too much for a beginning gardener) - the best I can do is take the potting soil readily available and mix sand or perlite / vermiculite (as all of it are available in the local market)? Will that increase the drainage without compromising on the spaces for oxygen? Should I actually be watering until it drains from the bottom?

Your help will be much appreciated.

Saood

saood if you are having the mix drop in the pot, as much as you are, you must be working with a very dry mix. Before using your mix dampen it to make it moist, but not wet. You should be able to squeeze a handful and when you open your hand the mix will fall apart, and yet be damp. Al

Squeeze? You mean after squeezing I would see some water coming out of the mix?

I did not completely get your last statement.

No your mix would not be so wet that you can get water to run out by squeezing it. Al