Are you using actual seed starting mix rather than the recommended potting soil?

If potting soil seems dry for preparing the pots, I usually put it in a bucket, pour water in and stir until absorbed - it doesn't dry out again (my climate at least) once moistened and put outside.

Put a couple drops of dish soap in the water. It breaks the surface tension allowing the peat to absorb the water. Not too much soap, just a couple drops.

What kind are you using? Some are hard to moisten initially. A little soap added to the water will help.

Karen

Yes I'm using seed starting mix. Should I be using potting soil instead?
gmom

I use Miracle Grow potting mix and it moistens very easily. I included a picture of the type I use at the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:458992}}

gmom, I only use a seed starting mix for things I'm going to start indoors under lights where they are going to have my attention. The mixes are way light, sterile (you don't need sterile outdoors), nutritionally inert - meaning there is nothing in them to support the seedlings growth and you have to supply any nutrients (fertilize) after germination. Often they are made up of approx equal parts peat and vermiculite, or peat and fine perlite....and they are expensive. And yes, they can be hard to moisten again if allowed to dry out.

To get the potting soil or seed starting mix damp, I put about 5 cups of the soil in a gallon zip lock baggie, then add about a cup and a half of water.

Then I zip the bag almost shut, squeezing out as much air as I can.

After that, I lay the bag on the ground and stand on it! My weight forces the soil to absorb the water. I do this either outside or on the kitchen floor where it won't matter if a little water leaks out of the bag.

Just another excuse to play in the dirt!

Lois in PA

I have always loved to play in the dirt, and winter sowing is no exception.

OK, Now I'm confused. Does everyone use potting soil and not seed starting mix?

Winter sowing jugs - potting soil

Indoor/lights - seed starting mix

For ws I use potting mix, not potting soil, also not seed starting mix. Potting mix used for container planting. Also use the same potting mix for starting seeds indoors.

I put the mix in a large tub, add water to dampen, stir with garden fork,
fill jugs/containers, (12 at a time because that's how many fit on top of my clothes dryer), sow seeds, mist with spray bottle, put label in container, put container in pan of water to make sure mix is completely moist. Water level in pan should be just below soil level in jug. Don't want to wash those seeds away. Take jugs out of pan and let them drip. Put jugs outside.

Everything the seed needs is stored within the seed. It needs no additional food source until after true leaves form, and even then only a small amount of week solution.

I use a regular potting mix, but I usually add extra perlite and vermiculite to keep it a light mix. In Michingan seed starting mix would probably work fine, as opposed to the hot, dry south where they might dry out too much. You might just have to water more often than with potting mix. Just a guess on my part, of course.

Karen

I use Miracle Grow Potting Mix.

yes, correction to my post - potting MIX, not soil

I find very warm water works best for getting them to moisten easier, just prepare a few ahead and the them sit to cool then seed.
Just my 2 cents ;-)
Wendey

PS I use potting mix for WS and seed starter for under lights.