Hi Bob,

For seeds that need light for germination, it's usually recommended that you surface sow or very lightly push the seeds into the soil. I usually surface sow the seeds but use a very small amount of vermiculite (sifted through a screen to get only the finest particles) to sprinkle over the seeds. I carefully mist the vermiculite to dampen it and check every day or so to make sure it stays damp. This method has always worked well for me. Enough light gets through the fine layer of vermiculite and because I keep it damp, I don't have to worry as much about the seeds drying out.

Art

Thanks Art

For those seeds requiring light for germination, and they are usually like the size of dust, I start with a moist mix. Sprinkle the seed as evenly as possible, then with a smooth clear rigid plastic tamp the seeds down into the mix. Here you must be careful the seeds do not cling to the tamper. Next I set the container into a water bath about half the depth of the seed container. When the surface looks shiny I remove it from the water and cover the container with a clear plastic cling wrap. The surface will not readily dry and usually no further water will be required until the seeds can be seen to sprout and the plastic cover is removed. If the container has been on a heat mat to maintain the temperature it is removed from the mat and good air circulation is now required to help prevent damping off. Al

I usually prepare the soil and water well, and sprinkle seeds on top, and water again gently. cover container with dome or plastic wrap, about 1/2-1" above the seeds.