It's definitely seed starting mix, but I forget what brand. Definitely a top brand, though. And it's weird--now that you mention it, part of the problem is that it will not suck up water from the bottom. But this has happened every year, so obviously I'm doing something wrong.

What types of plants are you having problems with? How large are the containers that you're using for germination?

A too-large container might not might not sufficiently absorb the water to reach near the top where the seeds are. If bottom watering isn't wicking upward sufficently, you might be better off giving the tops a very light mist of water from a spray bottle.

Covering the containers with a clear plastic dome or even a sheet of plastic wrap from the kitchen will help contain the moisture and prevent the top from drying out, however, any covering should be removed as soon as germination is detected.

Did you moisten the seed starting mix before planting? Many are so fine and dry that if you simply fill the pot, pop your seed in at the proper depth, then water--the soil won't absorb it. I tried that once, using a spray bottle to gently moisten and got nowhere. You may get the top layer damp, but the center is dry and won't absorb. I use an empty small tote to mix the water in thoroughly, then fill my pots and proceed.

Absolutely. You definitely want to moisten the seed starting mix when you begin. I like to moisten the mix in a small tub for several hours, mixing it up occasionally, and then I sort of "wring it out" a bit and load the containers.

After adding the seeds, the containers go in a flat with a plastic dome on top to retain the moisture, or in some cases, I'll lay some plastic wrap loosely on top.

After germination, the dome or wrap is removed and then I bottom water as needed. I usually germinate in small 2.5 inch Kord pots, so absorbing the water isn't a problem.

Now if you're germinating in a much larger container, such as a cottage cheese carton, I suppose absorbing the bottom water and keeping the top moist could potentially be problematic.

A teaspoon is not an efficient way to water. You need a can with a fine rose for watering seeds from above.

I'd advise against wetting the mix so much that you have to wring it out. You don't want to smush the little pores that will hold oxygen.

Put the dry medium in a large container......I use a wheel barrow or bucket.....and add a small amount of water. Stir it up well and leave it for a few minutes. Add more water and repeat until your mix is barely damp.

Fill the germination container (I use a plastic flat) with your medium and use a plant mister to soak it if you don't have good spray head. Allow the excess to drain completely before planting your seed; use the hand mister to water the seeds in.

My shallow seedling flats heat up efficiently on heat mats and germination is quite rapid. I usually don't cover the flats because of that. All subsequent watering of the seedlings is done with the mister. Even after transplanting into cell packs, I water with a fogging nozzle on my hose.

Thanks for all the responses. The seedlings are in either 2-inch or 4-inch peat pots, and they're inside, under grow lights. It does seem that watering from the bottom doesn't cause much water to flow up into the pots, which is why I have to water from the top for barely-sprouted seeds.

Watering is often a problem with peat pots. The pots suck up moisture, pulling it from the potting mix the way a paper towel will suck up moisture from a spill. The center of the mix may become hydrophobic, repelling water. The whole pot needs to be quite wet for the roots to penetrate the sides when you transplant them. It may be that you just aren't watering enough. A lot of people avoid peat pots for this reason.

If your seedlings have sprouted and have developed their first true leaves, it is OK if the surface dries out a bit.

Thanks, Ohiofem--this makes perfect sense. So--given that they're in peat pots, is the poking with a toothpick necessary and/or desirable? I am very, very careful to avoid disturbing the roots.

I use a spare condiment bottle to water seedlings. The narrow tip makes it easy to direct the water. You control how much water comes out by squeezing the bottle.

Daren

I don't see a problem with the toothpick idea if you are careful. Although I know experienced growers say you should always water from the bottom, I water from the top when I am concerned the medium is becoming too dry. When I only water from the bottom, it does seem like the surface forms a kind of crust. I also have gently broken up the soil surface to kind of fluff it up so it can absorb more water. Sometimes algae seems to form on it. Breaking up the surface can help prevent that.

As the seedlings become larger and sturdier, I do more watering from the top. If you are very careful not to knock over a seedling or wash the soil away from the roots with the water, I don't think it is such a problem. A gentle squirt with the bottle should be fine.

When I buy a bag of seed starter mix I will cut open the top of the bag and add about 1 qt of warm water the day before I start planting seed. For planting containers I use recycled plastic transplant cell packs that are left over from last year's store bought transplants (from broccoli, cabbages, etc). I quit using peat pots years ago, too bulky and impractical for seed starting imho.

For watering I start with a simple old Qt wine bottle and a thumb. Later on once the sprouts are up I will bottom water by dipping each cell pack into a shallow tub of water.

By the way, I did want to note that before I planted the seeds, I did add water to the mix. I need to try the condiment bottle--that's just brilliant.

Until the seed sprouts I use a spray bottle to wet the surface. I use a little peroxide in the spray bottle to keep the damping off from killing the seedlings.

I bottom water and cover with domes for 48 h before seeding anything. By that time, the evaporation/condensation has moistened the mix evenly.