Seedling progress (and advice?)

[Salaam]

Hello all,

Another beginner here.

I've got two trays (32 seedlings each) with tomatoes (Black Krim, Costoluto Genovese, Nile, Stupice, Koralik), hot peppers (issus d'Esplette), basil (Genovese), parsley (Italian), marigold, rue (from Ethiopia), basil (from Ethiopia), and carrots (forgot the type).

Tray 1 was planted 13 days ago (March 18), and tray 2 was planted 6 days ago (March 25). I re-planted some in Tray 1, which explains some of the smaller seedlings there.

I used Miracle Gro potting mix.

The trays are 'deep-root seed starters' (http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/p...713,40757&ap=1).

I have a mat under tray 2 now - it was under tray 1 until tray 2 was planted.

I didn't start with grow lights, but now both trays have them.

I'm keeping the temperature quite warm with a portable heater. I'd say at least 25C (77F), but probably warmer.

My questions and observations:

0. Most of the grown seedlings are the tomatoes. Some of the peppers are up, but they took long. The marigolds have done okay. The Italian basil less so. The carrots (tray 2 only, left column) seem okay. The parsley is really struggling.

1. Moisture level: I've a hard time determining whether the mix is moist enough or too moist! The mix has always seemed moist to the touch, but was it too moist? Now I've settled on just keeping about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water in the tray.

2. The Miracle Gro seems too chunky. It made it difficult to cover seeds with just a slight amount of mix. I'm going to look at other potting mixes for re-potting and for the 'Earthtainer' type container I'll use.

3. Re-potting: I was advised to go from the seedling tray to a yogurt container (about 5 inches high by 4 inches wide at the top). I'm just not sure when to do this - about what height should the seedlings be before I transplant? I hope I can find a tray to hold these!

4. So far no rot, fungus, etc. Thank God!

Finally, I'd just like to say that browsing through the forums here has been a big big help.