On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 18:03:59 GMT, "Laura J"
wrote:

I'm starting seeds for the first time ever. I didn't want to over-do it and
so only planted enough to fit in one tray. I've got basil, parsley,
strawberries and arugula in there. The basil and arugula has sprouted, I
think I see a couple parsley starting and nothing on the strawberries. I
had read that strawberries (and maybe all seeds?) need darkness to
germinate. But obviously the sprouts will want light at this point. So
what do I do now? I've got one of those plastic trays with separate
compartments, a plastic bottom and cover. I guess I can cut the trays apart
if it comes to that. What would you all recommend?

Hmmm. 'Park's Success with Seeds' doesn't say anything about light
requirements for strawberry seeds, but *does* mention germination time
is 30 days. And no, not all seeds require darkness. Dill, for
example, needs light. Usually, seeds that require darkness to
germinate are simply covered with soil. Unless you scattered the
strawberry seeds on top of your starter mix, they should be OK. The
other seedlings *do* need light to keep growing. Don't mess up your
seed tray -- you could just put little paper covers over the
strawberry cells, but I don't think it's necessary.