Hmmmmmmm, you might try winter sowing. I winter sow and have great luck with it.

Diann
IA Z5a

So far I've only started alpine strawberries. They came up fine.....then dried out and even a late watering wouldn't bring them back lol. I won't be starting any of my other seeds until March. Even the winter sowing works better (for me) started in March.
Do you use a heat mat or other warm spot to start them? The warm top of an old upright deep freeze is my favorite starting place. Another handy item is a single flourescent(sp?) bulb to set on top of those needing light to germinate. Just don't forget o water them ;)

I've put out a lot of jugs for winter sowing. Real anixious to see how they do. I do have hollyhocks up in the house,after a week. It hasn't been long enough for the others. Will start tomatoes in a few weeks. I'll report as I see sprouts.

Thanks for the responses. I think I have found the problem. I used Jerry Baker's method for seed starting and he says to use 2 T of Epsom Salts to each quart of soil. I think my Epsom Salts had some real salt mixed in with them because I tried some without the Epsom Salts and they came up just fine in 3 days. Never again will I use his method for starting seeds.
Now to reorder all the wave petunias and hope they get here in time to replant.
Jeannine