Yes, soil. Ffof in 2 gal smart pot.
FF soil looks a little heavy/dense to me. I would add at least 30% perlite for better drainage, faster drying. (In another thread today someone said 50%). But, with smart pots, you may not need it (or as much). Hopefully someone who uses Fox Farms Ocean Forest can comment. (It's also reported to have too much nutrients built-in for seedlings. Maybe you'll be ok since you won't go into the soil until the seedlings have a few days on them.).
Should I have popped the seeds in water for 24 hrs first or will they sprout in the plugs?
Either way is fine. It's common for new growers to soak, and use paper towels in wet dishes. (Idle hands....). After you grow for awhile you might germinate in soil. I like Rapid Rooters because they're a consistent texture to provide moisture and air. They come with a hole made for a stem (for cloning). I turn them upside-down and poke my own seed-appropriate hole. (I think the stem hole is too deep and wide for a seed.). Some people germinate directly in the soil they would plant in. My soil is irregulary and has some large pieces. I don't like germinating directly in it. I've thought about scooping out a handfull of soil and replacing it with a seedling starter mix (finer/consistent texture). I would plant in that instead of a Rapid Rooter.
It's just personal preference. And, people with less experience seem to gravitate toward the more hands-on approach. (But, some with experience do too.).
I can still see the seed sittin in the plug, its not closed up even tho I poured water onto them.
I'm not familiar with the plug you're using. With Rapid Rooters, I pick off some pieces from around the edges and drop them over the seed. Not to pack it down tight. Just to make contact and shade the seed. I don't mind if I can see a little bit of shell. But, I try not to. (But, I don't go heavy either.).
I mean thats like flushing 12 bucks a piece down the drain.
I know the feeling. I like marijuana-seeds.NL because they have "value packs" and 2-for-1 deals which give you a lot of seeds for cheap, maybe $3 per seed. They don't have exotic strains. But, it's less stress when starting to grow.
Resist the urge to hover over your plants and "kill them with kindness." Germination and the first week is what still makes me nervous. It's kind of a delicate time. Your "helping" can kill them. So, you have to force yourself to step back and let it happen. You don't want to keep the plug too wet. But, you don't want it to dry out either.
A photo would help.
