In Florida, no need and not beneficial to start in water. Only creates extra steps, requires extra time, slows down germination and allows for more opportunities for loss from either rot or breakage in transfer to soil. Start directly in soil. See link below.

Carol in Jacksonville

Here is a link that might be useful: Germinated Seeds - Soil

Thanks Carol. I have tried planting in soil, using the set them sideways half buried method. That gave me about a 40% germination rate. With floating, I average 80% germination, with nearly 100% for the more robust varieties. It does also seem to point out which varieties like those above that are weaker. I'll have to try starting some seeds buried and see what kind of rate I get. Once I have transferred the good floated sprouts to soil, the containers go outdoors in partial shade, and they do great.

Ah.... I know the problem ... don't set them sideways. Lay/press them down flat. Same as Arif and me - see link below. We both get a very high germination rate. Do not "bury" them. Follow the instructions that I linked above and if your seeds are fresh, you will get 90%+.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Arif sowing seeds

Your way looks a lot easier! I'm definitely going to give it a try. Thanks!

Angela