Indoor seed starting question

danieggert wrote: Will this work?

Yes, except for the part about adding soil as the plant grows. Most seedlings do not want their crown covered with soil, and they expect to grow at soil level. There are exceptions, of course, but most prefer to grow where they start.

Is there a better way to start the seedlings in the 3" peat pots.

Not necessarily better, but a lot easier.  Fill the pots with sifted, moistened MM, plant the seeds in the MM, put the pots in a tray with a clear plastic cover over it, and set it on a heat mat under lights. When the seeds sprout, unplug the heat mat and remove the plastic cover. Watch 'em grow.

I couldn't find the FB thread, either.

What OG wrote.  Don't add more MM or soil as the little seedlings grow.  The MM or soil has to be really moist because peat pots can dry out easily.  I'm in a hot arid climate.  Cover with plastic and set on heat mat.  Mist if they seem to be getting dry.  As each one germinates, uncover and make sure they are under lights.  Water from the bottom.  You may want to make a heating/germination spot and a light area for the germinated pots.  Make sure the lights are down close according to the type of lights you are using.  

If you use the baggie and wet paper towel method for germination, yes, place with seed side down.  Magic marker label on the towel side.  When you see the little radicle(root), plant in a pot to the depth on the seed packet.  Oh, so carefully.  Like with tweezers or some other tender method.  I tried it this year and it really helped get the peppers to germinate fast.

I personally hate peat pots, but I know many folks use them, or cow pots.  If I have to buy a replacement start from the nursery, I carefully tear off the peat pot because it is almost impossible to keep the peat pot wet in the MM in the beds.