It looks kind of mica-ish, so that would make sense. I don't know what perlite or vermiculite are (that is to say, what their function is). This is my fourth container garden, but I'm finding that the more I learn, the more I realize just how little I actually know. Haha!

..... agree it's mica - white stuff is perlite. FWIW - your soil appears excessively water retentive, so don't be surprised if the specter of damping off rears its head. You should fix that asap.

Al

It might appear that way because I had literally just finished watering them right before taking the picture. It's a soiless seed starting mix. Should I be using something else? I hope I don't lose them! I've only grown from seed a few times, using dirt from my yard (lol). This is all very new to me. First year I've actually gone out and bought real seed starting stuff.

The mix was really pulpy/woody. Is it supposed to be that way?

It shouldn't be shiny/wet at the soil surface, indicating the soil is 100% saturated.

Al

I guess I don't understand. It looks like that when I first water it, but then it soaks in. I use a spray bottle on the mist setting to water, which is what I have read to do. I don't understand what I am supposed to do instead. I don't have the setup for the thing where you put water in trays and set the cups down in the trays. Is that what you mean?

Water/nutrient uptake is an energy-driven process. Plants metabolize (burn) the carbohydrates they make during photosynthesis using oxygen, which is why plants need lots of oxygen in the root zone. If there is too much water, there is too little air. Ideally, a soil would be moist or damp, never wet - about as damp as a wrung out sponge. Forgive me if you had just watered and that's the reason for the wet sheen on top of the soil, but the soil does look very water retentive.

If you don't think your soil is too wet, kindly disregard my comments. If you think I might be on to something, will offer some help dealing with water-retentive soils (click on this embedded link). Going a step further, this will help you avoid the excess water retention altogether.

Al

Thanks, Al. This is helpful, and I hope I didn't sound defensive, it's just that I was confused about what you meant regarding water saturation. The little seedling pots that I planted the kale and basil in are plastic--like what you see things in at home depot or what have you--so they do retain more moisture than my other sprouts, which are planted in little papery cup things (like egg carton). I will keep a close watch on them. The water does soak in, but I have never used this kind of mix before, and I am new to this seed starting deal. I need a for dummies book, haha! Thanks for the link, I will be checking it out.

There are 2 links there Josie. The first one will help you deal with any excess water retention you might currently be experiencing. The second is more in-depth and will help you avoid the issue altogether.

I never jump to conclusions about what people say unless it's really obvious there is 'intent'. I never thought for a minute you were defensive. Too, I think everyone here would get a lot of satisfaction if they could believe they had a part in helping you get more return for your efforts and greater satisfaction from the whole growing experience! Your questions and participation plays an essential part in that it provides an avenue to the enjoyment we all get from hanging with the plant people, newbies or old pros! The important thing is that you feel welcome & comfortable.

Al

I am reading about the perched water. Wow, I did not know any of that! I have always used drainage layers in the bottom of my pots, since that's what I was shown to do. Part of the reason is to keep the soil from falling out the holes in the bottom, so I will have to seek out a different method for that. I haven't done any of my pots yet, so that is good!

Great - glad you found some value in the info. Your enthusiasm will carry you far. Use little bits of insect screen, drywall mesh, or the plastic mesh used for needlepoint projects to cover drain holes.

Al