This is unedited version from a post by Meenakshi Arun from a gardening group. TY Meena for sharing your tips :)
Seed starting tips - what to keep in mind when you sow seeds
Seed sowing tips :
1. Why use cocopeat/peat manure/peat mix and starter trays to sow: It allows the roots system to develop well and allows you to start multiple plants in a small compact place. It also helps to keep the seeds in controlled moisture over time. There is no problem in using pots or soil mixes as well as long as you make sure the medium is fluffy and does not cake when watering.
2. How do you fill the tray: Fill all cells you intend to use with moist cocopeat/peat manure/peat mix till each looks full. Then, IMPORTANT - use your thumb to press down each cell - you will see that the medium almost goes down halfway. This is important to ensure that the medium is not too loose and prevent seedlings from falling off. Now fill the cells again with medium all the way to the top and press again. The person i spoke to was not doing this and it is one of the common reasons for the seedlings to damp off (others include insufficient light after sprouting, and over/under watering)
3. You should use moist mix to start with when filling. Once filled, you can sow the seeds using a rule of thumb to sow a seed as deep as roughly 2-3 times its size - use a dibber/spoon/pencil to make the depression I use a spoon marked with cm and inch points and use the general guideline on the seed packet or the seed size. After this, cover the depression. At this stage don't water heavily from the top - sprinkle/spray water from the top but the better idea is to place your seed tray in a tray and fill water till about the bottom 1/3 of your seed cell. This will allow the cells to wick up the water they need and prevent water logging in the trays.
The ONLY exception to burying seeds is seeds that need light to germinate. Examples are lettuce, coriander, most tiny herb seeds etc. Such seeds must be broadcast on the surface and kept in a bright spot for them to germinate. Placing the pot or tray under a plastic sheet or in a plastic bag will help quicken germination. The cover must be removed after germination and the pot/tray moved to light.
4. Place the seed tray in a shaded spot. If you have issues with rodents/squirrels, you could consider covering the trays with plastic sheets/netting or placing them in a large plastic bag or a box or indoors. Remember to remove the sheet as soon as your first sprouts are seen and move to partial shade. As the seedlings grow, move them to light, keep turning the tray so they grow tall and water still from below. You can also start to water them every 2-3 days with a 1% or 0.5% Panchagavya solution or with diluted compost tea.
5. Transplant seedlings when you have 2-3 sets of leaves developed. Always transplant late evening to let the plants recover from transplant shock. Water the cells well and move the seedlings to prepared destinations quickly without any damage to roots.
The same guidelines for sowing apply if growing in a pot directly:
Prepare your potting mix (good recommendation is 1 red soil 1 cocopeat 1 compost 1 Manure - you can see more ratios in the files section). Follow the same instructions to sow (depth and moisture). You can use a plastic sheet to cover the pot until germination. Follow the same guidelines after germination. Water gently until the seedlings are growing strong after which start to water deep.
If sowing in the ground - need to ensure the beds are well prepared with manure and compost etc. Some seeds can be sown in depressions (okra/beans) and some need a small hill (gourds, melons, cucumbers etc) Very important to keep ground beds well watered and gently.
