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Re: re method for very fine seed e.g. digitalis, elsholtzia stauntonii using paper towels.... novice enquiry

Mark, 
I grow a decent number of digitalis (and petunia and nicotiana) seedlings
each year.  I sow into a fine sieve commercial seed germ mix, consisting of
vermiculite / peat.  

a. transferring the tiny seedlings to compost, 
I transfer (prick out) as soon as I can see true leaves.  Handle seedlings
only by the cotlyedons or true leaves if there.  Never handle the stem. 
Transfer into moist compost (usually a commercial potting mix: peat /
perlite / vermiculite and amended with additional coarse perlite for better
drainage).  Mist seedlings after transplanting.  I also routinely mist the
transplanted seedlings with a mild fungicide (usually chlorothalonil)
solution to avoid damp-off.  

And yes, the seedlings are tiny.  You should begin to develop a "touch" for
these tiny seedlings, and be able to learn how much physical pressure they
can handle.  I have also transplanted clumps of 5 or 6 seedlings, using a
small spatula (or even a flat toothpick) to transfer them complete with a
small mass of potting mix.  That's OK if you are growing for sale or
gardening, but much of what I am doing requires single seedlings: it's
simpler to transplant that way, rather than thinning out later.  

c. maintaining moisture requirements until the seedlings have rooted
without swamping the seedlings .. do you cover, mist, water gently .... and
with what  regularity ? When are the seeds no longer 'intensive care
patients' ?
I use plastic clear flat covers if the seedlings are not exposed to full
sunlight, i.e., if they are under artificial lighting or in a shaded
greenhouse.  Otherwise, misting 3X / day seems to be workable, at least for
me.  The first few days after transplanting, I keep the tiny seedlings in
partial shade, either under a bench or under some kind of shading.  

Rick Grazzini
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