On 28/05/20 14:15, David wrote:
As an experiment I've used a large deep plastic tray/box of compost as a
seed bed.

I sowed four drills of different herbs across the box (and thought I would
remember which was which!) and seedlings are now emerging.

However there isn't a nice stright line across the box, but clumps of
germination and spaces.

It is possible/likely that I didn't spread the seeds evenly.

However it is also possible that I sowed fine seeds a bit too deep.
If that is the case, would gently stirring up the fallow bits perhaps
stimulate a second burst of germination?
I am assuming that someone has had a similar problem and tried various
methods to solve it.

I am not short of seedlings (so no real need for a second sowing) but just
curious.

Sometimes a bit too much vigorous watering can wash seeds to the side
when large drops of water fall onto fine, shallowly-sown, seed in a
tray. I always water newly-sown seeds by placing the seed
tray/pot/whatever in a bowl partially filled with water. It is removed
when the water has soaked into the compost and wetted it completely, and
allowed to drain.

--

Jeff