Styrofoam and Starting Medium

No, Styrofoam does not break down like Peat Pots, which is good, or bad
depending on particular situation. I shred all Styrofoam packaging etc
in my chipper/mulcher and mix it in with shredded vegetative matter for
use as mulch and / or soil conditioner .   For starting seed have found
that bagged potting soil from a reliable garden center works well, but
read the ingredients. A trick learned after years of frustration in
trying to get carrots and parsnips in particular to germinate is, in the
garden  after preparing seed bed, and distributing seed on top of bed,
cover lightly with starting mix, tamp lightly with garden rake....then
cover row with several thickness of burlap, old burlap bags folded over
work well, keep burlap damp, check germination frequently and remove
immediately after germination  occurs. This prevents soil from drying
out and caking and helps prevent seed from washing out with rain.
         T.J. Hegerich, N. Va Zone 6-7
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