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Cactus seedlings

Let me start off by saying that I've never had much success with
reproducing succulents of any kind. I suppose it bothers me to see them dry
and I water too much; at least, too much for them. (I'm not too good with
other seedlings, either, but I'm learning!)

Last Thursday (August 21) I put about a quarter inch of calcined clay
(stuff sold for absorbing oil in garages) in the bottom of a rectangular
refrigerator container (about 7 by 9 inches) and then put about a half inch
of commercial cactus potting mix on top of that. After wetting it
thoroughly with a very dilute fertilizer (the blue stuff, dissolved in
water), I more or less carefully placed the seeds from two packets (25
seeds each) of Park Seed Co's "Cactus Mix", put on the cover and placed it
on a table in my screened porch (here in Florida we  call them "Florida
Rooms"). As the packet states the germination would take from ten days to 6
months, I didn't look at it until today (August 24) to see if it still had
enough moisture. I was surprised with dozens of sprouts! I suppose the
temperatures (90F days and 75 to 80F nights) caused the rapid germination.
But now I have a problem; several of them, actually.

First one: as this is a mixture, and contains seeds that will germinate at
different intervals, how do I protect the seeds that haven't germinated
yet, as I don't want to give the germinated ones too much water?

Second question: for the wee babies, what would be the proper water
conditions? (I always add Park's fertilizer to water, as it contains a
small amt of a fungicide; doesn't always work, but it does increase yield
in standard plants.)

Any other hints such as when to remove the seedlings from the tray and
place in pots, etc., will be gratefully received. TIA, <<sil>>

<<sil>>
<silh@iag.net>
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