Seed Starting Methodology

[Garf]

There are a lot of ways to start seeds. Some use multi cell packs and one or two seeds per cell. Some use small paper cups and one to 3 seeds per cup. Many use a bulk starting method with a larger pot and transplant sprouts. I will use a 4 X 4 pot and place 9 seeds evenly spaced and transplant sprouts. I take a split fruit and squeeze the contents into a 6" pot and cover with soil. It takes longer to sprout, but it gets the healthiest sprouts. I don't even consider using wet paper towels in ziplocs. There must be other methods.

[rainbowgardener]

Yes, I don't use the paper towel/ baggie method. Not very convenient when you are starting hundreds and hundreds of things from seed.

I start mine crowded in the little cells to maximize the use of the heat mats they sit on. Once they are well sprouted and have true leaves, they are transplanted to one per cell, off the heat mat.

[Bobberman]

Do you leave several sprouts in the original container and see how they do with the deeper dirt! I start mine in 12 by 15 styrofoam boxes and only tranplant to cubes or smaler containers when they are about 6 inches tall. I usually thin the box but leave a dozen or more to mature in the original box. Works great for me and takes lest time to grow more! Bottom 4 inch layer strained garden soil top 2 inches bought no weed soil mix! The seeds and worms love it!