This is a forum dedecated to the growing of hostas from seed. Its for beginners to seasoned veterans of this great winter hobby. Feel free to join in with questions and helpful advice.
http://www.hostaseedling.com/viewforum.php?f=2

Jeff, thanks for the link. You know already I frequent there.....:-) There's alot of info for anyone, newbies or not.

Ken, you nailed it right on the head about sterility. I do use bleach solution on all the flats, etc. Only thing I do different is if a soiless mix says it's sterile, I believe it...not because I am nieve, just lazy. Never had a big gnat or fungus problem here ever, anyway.

My most important variable for starting(Hosta)seed:

Make sure the soil mix in the flat is saturated fully before you plant the seeds. It takes way more water than you think it is going to, so I put in water and let it set awhile, stir it up, add more water.
I do this because I use a heat mat to germinate the seeds, in the dark, with the plastic dome on the flat. Once the seed germinates, I put the flat under 24/7 lights and leave the dome on until the seedlings are on their second set of leaves and it's time to decide to up pot them. I never water the entire time between sowing the seeds and culling.
If the soil you use is saturated first, there's no need.
This is the way I have always done it, and it works.

Some know I was in the soil business for 15 years.

There is NO sterile growing or starting media.

Some are better than others, even far better.

When you sterilize you've just created a nice fungus starter, can't really sterilize for that problem. Well you can kill what is there but fungus is everywhere airborne.

See to air circulation and pay attention and treat and don't get frightened just attentive.

esther is correct.. perhaps an abuse of the english language..

we do NOT want to sterilize the soil.. per se ...

we want only to kill the bug eggs... bugs.. and pathogens..

i suppose... technically that happens at 120 degrees [if i recall correctly .. and that is iffy .. lol] .. much prior to actually sterilizing the soil ....

one pin prick in the bag.. can allow stuff in ... whether it was sterilized at the plant ... much can happen in between there and you seeds..

ken

"whether it was sterilized at the plant"
Ken

Could not afford it, would be like buying surgical supplies!

A temp above 120 degrees is needed more like 160 or above and the lower one goes the longer time at that temp is required. Finding a way to steam is very effective.

I like to pour hydrogen peroxide over my pots while preparing pots with soil. If pots are being reused I clean them up in the water with bleach. After I fill them I pour boiling water over soiless mix- usually I use pro mix. Running small fan next your set up is essential while dealing with growing seeds indoor.
Keeping it clean and being attentive to what you doing- that helps me to avoid majority of problems.