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Re: SQFT beds drying out too fast? was: plants around...

>Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the soil more
>moist while waiting for the seeds to sprout?  Carrots in
>particular have been a big problem for me, last year not a
>single one germinated!!

 No easy way.  Here are some that work for me:
#1  Use grass clippings.  I spread out grass clippings to dry for a day or
two, then plant my seeds and spread a thin layer of dried clippings on top.
 This really works!
#2  If you have a little shredder or leaf shredder, you can grind up some
straw and put down a thin layer of that.  This also works great but requires
a shredder and a source of straw.
#3.  If planting "big" seeds like squash, any mulch will work.  If planting
little seeds, like basil, a thin layer of any kind of mulch is OK.  If
planting tiny seeds, a thin layer of a very fine mulch is OK.

Finally, spraying the seeded area each day is always a good idea.  A fine
spray is necessary to prevent the seeds from washing away.  In hot, dry
weather, water twice a day--morning and evening.
There are many seeds that thrive on neglect.  I planted beet seeds and the
next day the temps went into the 20's.  A few days ago, the beets germinated.
 Just stick pea seeds into the soil with your thumb and forget about them.
Many seeds are actually less trouble if started in the house and
transplanted.
If any vegetable looks like it is persistently going to give me trouble, I
just don't grow it.

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