links, First, the first part of the plant to come out of the seed is the ROOT, that needs to be BELOW the surface when you plant them, preferably facing down. The entire thing CAN be put under the surface. In my case, with the peppers I mentioned, lightly put some seed starting mix over the top after making a little notch in the soil for the root. Then I sprayed the top with a fine mist of water to help settle the soil. The plants popped out of the soil in a couple of days (2 or 3). Second, I too have large fingers, but I do not use the seeder tools. I personally am not a fan of buying many things that are only good for doing one thing, and a seeding tool isn't worth doing anything else. Now, one thing that I do to help with smaller seeds is: Fold the seed packet and slowly tap so that I can control the flow of the seeds. I let a few small seeds like lettuce or basil fall into the place I want them. (It is normally recommended to plant a few seeds into a cell anyway.) Then I thin them as needed when they germinate. I give them a little while to all grow and the one that sets true leaves soonest, or shows the most promise by that time is the one that stays, the rest are casualties. I trim them away with scissors - this causes no stress to the remaining plant. (I came across this method by accident. I had my son helping me one year - 3 year old - and he seeded the same cell about 12 times, unbeknownst to me. Well, next thing I know, I have about 30 cabbage all coming up in the same cell. What else could I do? So, I figure I overseed a little, but it pretty well ensures that I get at least one plant to germinate in each and every cell. Nothing is as sad as an empty cell. I don't have enough space under my lights to leave cells empty! If you have an extra $15 laying around that you can't find a better use for, go for it. For me though, using popsicle sticks, etc. and the occasional tweezer, if necessary.

Many seeds are stored frozen, including gourd seeds, and retain their viability for years. Also, many of us dry our gourds on the vine out in the weather so doubt you'll find much problem. If the seeds are rattling loose in the gourd you can go ahead and crack it open, air dry the seeds well indoors, and then store till spring in a paper envelope. They will sprout in 6-10 days in the spring but as gourds need a long growing season, I always pre-start mine at the same time I start my tomato transplants. Then you have a good sized, well established plant to transplant out once the weather warms. Good luck and enjoy your gourds. ;) Dave

I am a little confused by the recent responses... db... what exactly are you saying? The question salevene stated was in regards to freshly frozen, non dehydrated seeds. Here is an interesting tid bit.... http://www.howtosaveseeds.com/store.php Id say peppers are desiccation tolerant. dj

I once used seeds that had been saved in the freezer for a couple of years. They germinated just fine. In nature the seeds are often frozen over the winter before sprouting in the spring. Plant them and see!