Question
This is my first attempt at starting Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir and Concolor trees by seed propagation. I began with the spruce because the preparation was short. I planted each one in the proper medium and had humidity covers on each flat. They are in the greenhouse.  Some sprouted in 10 days and looked great.  I left the domes on because there were so many others to sprout and I noticed that some of the little ones were looking unhappy and droopy.  I removed the domes and put them in the sun thinking that is what they needed. Now I am noticing some are turning brown right under the seedpod and they look like they are going to die. Some have already just wilted.
I can only think I have them too wet, yet everyone I talk to says keep them damp and do not let the seeds dry out.
Can you give me some thoughts as to what I am doing wrong.
I have just finished planting some concolor and fir and I do not want to have the same thing happen to them.

Answer
Hi Jacquie,
Thanx for your question.  I would treat the top of the soil (after seed planting) with a thin layer of milled sphagnum moss.  This is a natural product that helps keep down the damping off disease.  Many seedlings are killed off by damping off disease which is caused by warmth and humidity with lack of air circulation.  It is a fungal attack.  When you have seedlings, they must be acclimated to direct sun gradually.  It's okay to take the dome off of the seed flat as long as the soil is not allowed to dry out completely but you don't want the growing medium to be soggy either.  If you put newly germinated seedlings in the direct sun, they will most likely burn, so place them in a place where they will be protected from direct sunlight for 10 days until they have had a chance to acclimate to the brightness of the sun.  Make sure your flats drain sufficiently well.  Soggy soil kills seedlings.  But so does dry soil.  You must check your seed flats 2 or 3 times a day to maintain the appropriate hydration.  I hope this helps.
Tom