On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 11:02:12 -0500, Richard
wrote:

I have been growing my seedlings using the square 2 1/4" and 3" peat
pots. They make transplanting easy and clean. The problem is that if I
am forgetful about watering them (from the top) from time to time and
their large surface area tends to dry them out quite a bit. They are
put into large plastic growing trays with a drainage hole. Can I put
them into trays without drainage and keep about a 1/2" of water in the
tray. Will the water wick up into the pots and provide adequate
moisture or would it tend to drown the seedlings.

Be careful. Half the problem with growing plants is not enough water;
the other half is too much. The seed-starting trays I've used
(successfully) have a wicking mat that dangles in a water reservoir
and delivers moisture to the (open) bottom of soil-filled cells. Works
well. Not quite the same as setting pots in standing water.

Be aware, too, that peat pots will wick water away as well as take it
up. When planting the pots, tear or cut off the tops at soil level to
keep them from providing a large evaporative surface.