Yes I was nervous and no, you don't need to cover the seeds. Alternating freeze/thaw cycles will allow them to make contact with the growing mix. The grit just aids in soil contact. I sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon or a pinch about the size of a pencil eraser of fine/tiny seeds over the surface of the moistened growing mix. Larger seeds (i.e., Siberian iris, blackberry lily, Echinacea) I actually place the seeds in rows about an inch apart. I very lightly push them down with the flat end of a ballpoint pen, then sprinkle the grit over the surface.

If you're scared about covering seeds with too much soil, leave them uncovered or just use a light sprinkle of grit instead. I don't cover my seeds with any soil--all I use is grit.

Thank you Gardenweed, this actually makes it so much easier, one less step to have to do. I hope I have runined anything so far.

Oh well experience is the best teacher.

And it can't be all bad,

Ma Nature will get me on track,

happy days,

Hope you're feeling good and sowing away.

As you note, experience is a good teacher, for example last year I experienced Swiss chard inadvertently planted deeper was less frail than the shallowly planted chard.

i just throw them in and let winter do the rest. keep it simple. Per jug is usually one pack of seeds. I sow thickly.

I was crazed my first year and now I am so lazy I actually see how little i can do and get good results.