Those new to containers gardening should read articles about (perched water table) especially when they want to use shallow pots.

Here is a shortcut to one of those useful article in this forum:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg031557203792.html

This post was edited by ceth_k on Tue, Oct 15, 13 at 10:28

Have you checked out all the resources and discussions on your questions that are found over on the Growing from Seed forum? They have FAQs there (just click on the FAQ button) on all aspects of growing things from seed.

For example you can learn how bottom watering seedlings only is the preferred method and top watering is to be avoided at all costs.

You'll also learn about restricting the number of seedlings in each pot to 1 for optimal growth.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed forum

Thanks for the reference. However, I have read and understood the article after many discussion on the container forum.

My real problem is the hardness on the surface of the soil. To take care of that I usually mist to bring back the softness. Its not much so I suppose the misting every day is not going to be a problem. Just wanted a sort of confirmation/comment on this practice of mine.

I specifically addressed this question on the vegetable forum, because many people start seeds indoors in small pots.

if you think the surface is too hard then maybe the potting material that you're using is not very suitable for seed germinating. You could add more sand or other coarser material on top, and germinate you seeds in that.

If you are bottom-watering, then i wouldn't worry about the surface dryness.
Actually surface dryness is a plus, that there will be less bacterial and insect infestation. Depending on the size of your seedlings, most probably the roots are already way down, near the bottom of 4" pot.