Overwatering kills seedlings. Do not use a watering can or hose on your seeds or seedlings until they are at least 4 weeks on. Using too much water pressure can compact or erode the soil and dislodge your seeds from their delicate, newly-forming root structure.

To reduce the chances of damaging your seedlings, it’s best to water with a spray bottle that has a mist setting. A mister supplies just enough water to get the seed to germinate—they really don’t need much! Mist your seedlings up to three weeks after germination. At this point you can switch to a slightly heavier watering method.

And always remember, your goal is to water the soil, NOT THE PLANT! Wet foliage is much more susceptible to disease.