In article , meogeo geoffnospam@irel
and46.freeserve.co.uk writes
I have tried numerous types of composts to get my seeds up and growing, but
I find that they tend to get like a lining on the top of the compost, and
when watering the water tends not to disolve into the compost for a few
minutes. I am using John Innes seedling compost, maybe I am letting the
seedlings get to dry but I try not to over water them.

Chiltern seeds advice against soil based potting composts IIRC.

I use a peat free wood chip based compost. It doesn't wet easily, so I
stand my seed pots in a waterproof tray, so that water can soal back up
from the bottom. I ofen put the whole lot in a plastic bag till
germination so that I don't have to worry about keeping an eye on it.


I *aim* to keep me compost moist. I don't always achieve it.
--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm