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The North Coast

Seed starting mix should be just moist, not anywhere near wet for seed starting. Most germination mixes tend to hold water like a sponge and incorporating a small amount of water to the mix can be a challenge. To add small amounts of water to potting mix I will take a large bowl of mix and add a small amount of water. Using a large spoon I will mix it up the best I can. Adding such a small amount of water and hoping to mix it in evenly is difficult. This is where the microwave comes in, wrap up your bowl in plasic wrap and nuke it good. When it cools the potting mix will be uniformly moist without being too wet.

3/11/2012 7:24:12 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

LOL beware that if you are not using a soiless mix the odor created from this will make your spouse kick you out of the house. This method also sterilizes the soil.

3/12/2012 7:09:34 AM

President - GPC

Soaking your peat pot can assist with this...depends upon how much water is already in the mix No need to use the micro wave...

3/12/2012 9:37:04 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

I have read over the years...starting mix, NOT potting soil...should be used to start yer Star Players!!!! and once you have added water to it, and mixed completely!!! If you take a handful, and squeeze as hard as you can...one drop of water...is probably one to many!!!!! Damp, not wet!!!
PS...IMHO...Bat cave...drop the spoon & get yer hands dirty!!! LOL Not meant to be amelio, just tryin to help!!! Peace, Wayne

3/13/2012 2:58:55 AM

The North Coast

If anyone is looking to homogenize the moisture level in a seeding mix you can do it any number of ways...the microwave works well for me and makes for some great aromatherapy. I am not saying that you need to do it this way. Cheers.

3/13/2012 9:20:39 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks, BCN8, the aromatherapy thing, alsmost made me fall of my lil chair!!! One thing is certain...I think, (or two)...sterilized starting mix, and just damp, not moist!!! Peace, Wayne

3/14/2012 4:59:41 PM

Muddy Waters

I love the sterlizing idea.I may line up the microwave ovens out by the patch & sterlize all my soil.lol

3/16/2012 7:49:34 AM

Fort Collins, CO

It is so dry out here in Colorado I am finding my plugs and peat pots dry out so fast they must be re wet sometimes. practicing with some pepper seeds I lost a few as I let it get too dry. now i am dripping literally a few drops of water on each plug when needed. Any tips for re wetting without drowning them? thanks

3/16/2012 6:53:33 PM

The North Coast

I would guess that you have a moisture loss problem during germination. Do you use a tray and a dome for germinating? Those are sealed tight and dont loose much moisture during the germination period.

3/16/2012 7:05:12 PM

Fort Collins, CO

Ah, seal the dome. got it. I am used to propagating from cuttings and a had the vents open. cool, I will seal it up and try again. thanks

3/19/2012 10:01:08 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

sg, do you soak yer peat pot's prior to using for planting seeds? If not the peat pot is prbly wicking moisture out of yer starting mix. And the seald dome thing to keep humidity in, is almost a necessity!!! Peace, Wayne

3/20/2012 1:31:59 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I tested a ton of seeds last year... been slacking this year. But, beware of too much moisture if anyone covers their medium with ceramic wrap. That was one of the biggest reasons of failed germinations for me. I'd cover the peat pots, and the ones that wouldn't germinate usually had lots of condensation or heavy droplets of water on the ceramic cover within hours. I guess every situation is unique depending on climate, type of growing chamber etc…

3/20/2012 8:52:35 AM