some people use some sugar or sand to mix with the tiny seeds and then pour them all out...

Being a beginner is fun. I am only on year 2 and I have lots to learn but at least I don't know any better if I mess up :)

Fill the bag with water. Dump it into a small container. Pour the contents onto the soil. Gently.

I've found, over the years, the best way is to empty the baggie onto a cheap paper plate to start with, then rip the bag open on the side and pull the seeds out that are stuck in the bag.

Fran

Actually there are advantages to being new to GW. I had just finished sowing some seeds that I received as a newbie. Some were from Karen and some from Fran. No problems with them.

Then I opened a plastic bag of tiny seeds. I was frustrated because my ws was interrupted  that is serious.

I am working on being more patient with myself, not making much progress. I spent many years solving problems on the fly and I hate being stumped by the simple ones.

Thank you all for the input. I will be using your suggestions. I love being here and I am learning a lot.

I rub my finger on my pants and create some static cling, and then stick my finger in the baggie and get the seeds on it. I just roll them off onto the soil. Seems to work very well for me, personally.

And Molly, don't worry. Static even happens to oldbies so you are not alone. Once you do a bunch of seed sowing you get into the groove and it goes quickly. I now have a natural rolling motion that I use for any round seeds. I can seed things in a flash, and I can feel each individual seed and put one at a time of the tiniest seed pretty much right where I want it. Doesn't take long to gain those very fine skills.

Thanks, ggg. Your method sounds so simple and effective. I will try it. BTW, I have also ws seeds from you. Thanks.

You are a great bunch of people and come through every time.

I gently breathe into the bag so that it steams up, then rub were the seed is. This seems to break the static.
-B

Sometimes I use the flat end of the staple remover to push them out, other times I turn the bag inside out to get those last seeds clinging to the sides. Occasionally a bag may tear but usually they can be turned right side out again and are fine.

To sow tiny seeds I pore some on a piece of white typing paper and use another small piece of paper to pick the seeds up one at a time and place it where I want it. Or, if they are common seeds and I have lots, I take a pinch and sow lightly.

Like gggirl says, you will find your own rhythm and techniques. I have also developed a fine sense of touch that is useful in cleaning seeds, being able to feel those tiny seeds helps to separate them from the chaff. I didn't try to learn to feel those individual seeds, one day it just happened. The staple remover also makes a nice separating tool for seed cleaning, certainly not necessary but it was in my desk drawer and works.

Here is a link that might be useful: flat staple remover

Thank you for the suggestions.

Newbies like me need a lot of help. Some things just cannot be anticipated. Some things are intuitive, others you learn the hard way or ask the experts. I like the experts that's why I am here.

molly - when I was a newbie, believe me - I thought I was asking the most stupid questions - everyone here was so helpful back then (2004) as we all are now - I have been sowing for 6 years now and I still get frustrated with the simplest things... no matter, it's just that we are so excited to get started and the seeds are so darn small... :0)

Anyway - please, please keep asking questions here - that's how you will learn. As I am assuring you now, as I was assured many years ago - NO QUESTION is stupid or silly -

Good luck

Carrie

I don't care to store small seeds in plastic for the very reason you are frustrated with.

My remedy is to add a pinch of play sand to the baggie for tiny seeds. It is easy to see where the seed is distributed also with the sand