stop using peat pots for one. I germinate in the bottom half of egg cartons. I water when the soil down to one knuckle feels dry. I use a spray bottle to water until I have seedlings then I drip irrigate. Keep lights as close to soil/plants as possible without touching and make sure you have excellent soil and nutrients! Others have posted using plastic bags to shoe boxes to start seeds.

I germinated in ziploc bags, with seeds between wet paper towels. So, in your opinion, you think the culprit is the peat pots? I'll move them into something that holds water better.

Thanks,

Hello htyner,

While I really dislike peat pots and would recommend switching to regular six-packs with seed starting mix, I'm not sure that that is your problem. When you say that you are watering with a spray bottle, my immediate thought is that you are lightly wetting just the top, rather than really watering the plants. They would then dry out underneath and wilt. Keeping them permenantly soaking in water is also not a good idea.

I would recommend switching to regular containers with seed starting mix and starting over or, if some plants are still alive, transplanting to regular pots. If you are new to seed starting, please check the FAQs pages in the "Growing from Seed" forum (attached below). Most people germinate directly in the pots, not in ziplocks/papertowels. The ziplock method is usually for tricky seeds or for pre-sprouting before planting outside. Also, people usually do not start all their vegetables at the same time. Some plants (tomatoes) need 6-8 weeks of growing time inside before transplanting while others (squash) are best grown for only 2-4 weeks and are very sensative to transplanting. If you've never grown transplants, PLEASE search Gardenweb for instructions on hardening off you seedlings.

Remember, it is all a learning experience - each year will get easier!
Bellatrix

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